Tuesday, June 12, 2001
1:30-2:30, German Culture Room

Committee Members Present: Patti Callahan, Michael Groth, Ellen Hall, Scott Heinekamp, CJ Koepp, Teresa Reeves (in Susan Ryan's absence) Crawford Thoburn, Terry Martinez, Jay Woolford, Grace Chiang, architect, was also present.

The meeting began with a discussion about the new science building, specifically the auditorium space. Members of the science charrettes have discussed various auditorium styles, have visited auditoriums at other institutions, and have reviewed floor plans of three possible scenarios. They have requested input from other areas through this committee regarding how other's needs might be accommodated in such a space. The committee reviewed the three different floor plans and such details as capacity, desk/workspace areas, seating arrangements, laptop wiring, and projection and sound needs. After a lengthy discussion, the committee recommended floor plan 2b (slightly curved format with double aisle.)

The second item on the agenda pertained to devising a methodical way of addressing environmental issues in relation to campus planning. Crawford shared an e-mail from professor Flowers in which she outlined her concerns about tree removal, destruction of vegetation and the impact these two would have on her courses, which include fieldwork in our forested areas behind Macmillan and near the woods lot. After discussion, the committee recommended that perhaps expansion of other areas occur, with consideration given to minimally increasing the woods lot, the Leach lot, and the boathouse lot.

Additionally, Ellen will speak with Margaret, Tom Vawter, and Niamh O'Leary to get their input on developing a systematic approach to addressing environmental issues. A botanist is currently looking at plant samples. We could ask him to seek out types that the scientists might use in their courses. An item for future agenda will include the possibility of designating forested areas that would be protected.

Crawford inquired about the status of the master planning document and what, if any, decisions were made in the May board meeting, with regard to Smith in particular. He indicated that an alumna informed him that Smith was designated as the future site of the library.

Jay indicated that no further decisions had been made regarding the campus plan. Any further planning was halted at the inception of this committee and the plan that was presented would be a tool used for future discussions. No decisions have been made about what would be housed in Zabriskie or any other spaces.

Crawford indicated that the body of work that this committee was charged with was to discuss the issues of the master plan that was presented in October and requested that we go back and look at the plan.

The committee agreed that future agenda issues would include reviewing the campus plan, considering environmental features of the buildings, and discussing how academic program planning would fold in.

Meeting adjourned at 2:50.

Respectfully submitted,

Terry Martinez
Secretary pro tem