Board reveals master plan, increases housing costs

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University President Leonard Plachta
is optimistic.
At Friday’s Board of Trustees meeting, Plachta announced
that annual state funding could increase by 13 percent – with a one-time
3 percent increase tacked on – leading to an unprecedented 16 percent
increase in state funding for CMU.
“It has yet to be finalized,” Plachta said. The proposal
must still pass through the House and Senate.
“Anything can happen so we cannot be overconfident,
but we can be relatively optimistic,” Plachta said.
Plachta said tuition rates will be set in July and,
if the increase comes through, the proposed $100 building-initiatives
fee that was to be assessed to students during the fall and spring semesters
would be deferred.
“This would be a banner year for the university.
We hope and trust it continues on this course,” said Chair of the Board
of Trustees Jerry Campbell.
Mark Wrona, director of site planning for Grand Rapids-based
URS Greiner Woodward Clyde, presented the first CMU Master Plan since
1987 during the meeting.
“The perception was you’re running out of space on
campus and things were being gobbled up,” Wrona said.
“Space limitations are occurring, but it’s not really
a limitation – it’s an opportunity.”
Wrona stressed that the master plan is a “long-range
plan,” and said it would take time for campus to evolve.
A major focus of the plan is to transform CMU into
a more pedestrian-friendly campus.
Closing Preston Street between Washington and Franklin
streets, or restricting use on weekdays was recommended.
According to the written plan, “Automobiles may be
overly accommodated on the CMU campus. A more restrictive vehicle accessibility
and parking policy should be pursued. Any short-term vocal complaints
from a few should be ignored to gain a long-term benefit for all.
“When Washington Court Apartments attains its life
cycle of usefulness, and needs for campus expansion become clear in
the future, this real estate may become a viable option for a new use.”
The plan also recommended demolishing Rowe Hall and
the Special Olympics Building, “over the long term,” thus creating a
“stronger visual presence on Mission Street.”
Campbell said the initial review was positive, but
the board needs to spend more time reviewing the plan.
“I thought it was an excellent start,” he said, “but
it needs further review. We need to spend more time on it.”
Student Government Association President Kevin Schwemmin,
Howell senior, said the relocation of Theunissen Stadium to the southern
portion of campus is beneficial. The health professions building is
to go in its place; the building is slated to be completed in May 2003.
“As far as keeping academics together, it’s good
to go in that direction,” he said.
Mathematics Professor William Miller said it saddens
him to see the stadium moved.
“I hate to see the baseball stadium go, but I don’t
know enough about the issue,” Miller said.
Liaison for Nontraditional Students Louise Plachta
said the relocation “helps to relieve congestion in that area” of campus.
The board requested that the master plan be shared
with Mount Pleasant city officials and then it will vote to formally
adopt the plan at its next meeting.
In other business:

• The board voted to increase room and board rates
  by 4.5 percent for 2000-2001. The rate will increase to $4,828,
  up $208 from the current rate. University officials expect approximately
  5,200 students to live in its 17 residence halls when the fall semester
  begins Aug. 28.
• James Hageman has been named dean of the College
  of Graduate Studies and assistant vice president for Research. According
  to a press release, he will begin July 1.
  Gail Scukanec, interim dean of the college, will return to her associate
  dean duties. Terry Rawls, who is currently serving as interim associate
  dean, has been appointed director of the master of science administration
  program, replacing Susan Smith, who is retiring after nine years
  in the position and 20 years with the university.
• The board resolved to increase College of Extended
  Learning Tuition and Fees by 5 percent.
• The board voted to contract for the planning, design,
  architectural/engineering and associated costs for the health-professions
  building.
• The board voted to remodel the Motor Pool Building
  for office use by general counsel and University Events. The building
  was recently vacated due to privatization.
• The board accepted a proposal that will enable
  the university to contract for the architectural/engineering services
  needed to complete the schematic design phase of the proposed convocation
  center.
• The board voted to accept two name changes for
  departments in the College of Business Administration. The department
  of finance will become the department of finance and law. The department
  of management and law will become the department of management.
• The board voted to accept $925,000 from the U.S.
  Department of Education for the establishment of the Charter Schools
  Development and Performance Institute.
  Jim Goenner, director of Charter Schools, said CMU is trying to
  get President Bill Clinton to attend the dedication of the institute
  on May 1, which has been named National Charter Schools Day.
  Goenner said he thinks CMU has a chance to get Clinton to attend,
  along with Gov. John Engler, U.S. Sen. Spencer Abraham and Rep.
  Dave Camp, R-Midland. Engler has also proclaimed May 1 as Michigan
  Charter Schools Day.
• The board named three confirmed commencement speakers,
  who will also receive honorary degrees.
  Lynn Turner, a high-ranking member of the Securities Exchange Commission,
  will speak at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony May 6.
  Art VanElslander, a Detroit-area businessman and philanthropist
  most noted for his ownership of the Art Van furniture chain and
  rescuing the Detroit Thanksgiving Day parade from financial turmoil,
  will speak at the 4:30 p.m. ceremony on May 6.
  Ron Graham will speak at the first-ever Sunday commencement. He
  is a mathematician who will be at CMU for a statewide conference
  on mathematics the day before he speaks.
  The school has yet to confirm a fourth speaker for graduation.

LIFE News Editor Sarah Leach and LIFE
Assistant Sports Editor Jeremy Stephens contributed to this story.