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Consulting Sasaki Associates

The College engaged Sasaki Associates, a Boston-based consulting firm, to study current facilities, projected needs, and the College's physical environment. The result was a Campus Master Plan, adopted last February, that gives physical expression to the goals outlined in the institutional plan. It provides a road map for the College's physical development over the next 5 to 10 years, calling for new and refurbished buildings, new access and accessibility, and continued care for the natural environment.

Erika Oliver Jerram, Sasaki's project manager for Ithaca College, explains that "a master plan is a document that attempts to address and reconcile an institution's existing issues and its future goals." It includes analysis of and recommendation for land and building use; open space and vistas; student housing, recreation, and other campus life issues; access, parking, and the flow of pedestrians and vehicles; and design criteria for landscape and buildings. But Tom Salm, the recently retired vice president for business and administrative affairs who headed up the studies that led to the plan's adoption, is quick to note that the College plan "is not about growth, and it's not about buildings. It is about quality space that works."

President Williams likens the process to land-use planning for a small town. "In many respects we are a small town," she points out. "We have 7,500 people living and working on this campus, and we have to ask ourselves how we can make the best use of our spaces and places. How can they best serve the community? How can we make them connect? What do we want them to say about the College?"

The Sasaki architects began their study in April 2001 by interviewing a broad spectrum of the College community, both on and off campus. The responses were thoughtful and enthusiastic, and by September Sasaki had come back with three preliminary proposals for land use and development. All three included elements that would enhance the sense of community, take advantage of the natural environment, and create and preserve open spaces. Each plan also involved realigning campus roadways and relocating parking lots -- a recommendation that prompted some heated discussion. The campus community was again asked to provide feedback. The final proposal, and the one adopted by the board of trustees, incorporates the best elements of all three. Together, Sasaki and the administration believe, the plan will bring a better sense of community to the College's many components and take full advantage of the spectacular beauty of its natural surroundings.

The plan calls for the construction of new buildings (324,200 square feet of space) and for the renovation of others. The projects will be accomplished over time, and they may change as needs evolve. Two of the projects -- the Center for Public Safety and General Services and student housing at College Circle Apartments (see "Student Housing") -- have already been completed. Proposed construction for the short term includes a field house, a new building for the School of Business, a "gateway" building to house enrollment services (including admission and financial aid), and a new facility adjacent to Hill Center. New space for some departments in the School of Humanities and Sciences, for the Campus Center, and for the library, as well as additions to Alumni Hall and the Park School, are also in the plan.