Ten major issues and concerns have emerged from hearings conducted during the past nine months in preparation for the new university master planning process.

The University Facilities Planning Committee received presentations from the deans of MUSC's six colleges, the MUSC Medical Center, Ambulatory Care, the Library and Learning Resource Center, and several academic and administrative support units including student government leaders, the dean of student life, Center for Computer Information Technology, and Parking Management.

The issues and concerns to be addressed in the master planning process under the leadership of engineering and architectural firm Perkins & Will, are:

1. Deferred Maintenance All major campus buildings' exteriors, interiors, and mechanical systems are to be evaluated. Cost estimates to correct deficiencies will be prepared. A prioritized implementation schedule for the eradication of deferred maintenance will be developed.

2. Campus Infrastructure The campus infrastructure (information technology, central energy, water, etc.) will be assessed to identify strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations to position the university for the next generation of service.

3. The Space Program Existing space allocations will be considered for ways to improve efficiency bringing a better balance between space as allocated and needs. The need for new space will be substantiated and estimated through analysis employing national standards as well as aspirant peer institutions' space allocations.

4. Student Support Concerns exist over the insufficient amount of student study space, computer rooms, meeting rooms, locker rooms, and ‘common’ spaces for students. Students lack large multi-purpose spaces for receptions, parties, and formal dances. Intramural fields and outdoor recreation areas are non-existent.

5. Education and Research Spaces in Patient Care Areas Student learning as well as research spaces within the medical center, out-patient clinics, and ancillary spaces need improvement.

6. Traffic, Parking and Transportation Parking, transportation and traffic flow systems are to be studied to identify ways to improve the friendliness of the institution and the serviceability of its parking and transportation systems for its students, patients, visitors, faculty and staff, and service providers.

7. Campus Quality and Image The campus density results in an environment that is considered unsupportive to a sense of community among MUSC's constituents. More usable open spaces are needed; landscape guidelines will be developed; and the campus made more pedestrian-friendly. Campus signage, exterior and interior, will be addressed.

8. Future Growth and Development The university must assess the extent to which new construction is needed to meet its mission of instruction, research and patient care. Land must be identified for future acquisition.

9. Local Government The university should involve the city and neighborhood associations as it plans its future expansion. Collaborative planning is believed to be in the interest of all.

10. Design Standards and Guideline A set of design standards and guidelines will be developed. These will serve to develop a link between current buildings and future construction to promote a unitary campus environment and develop a ‘sense of place' uniquely defining the Medical University of South Carolina. These guidelines should be capable of sustaining thematic development for the next generation. These guidelines will set design standards for building scale, materials use, design character, color, green spaces, landscaping, and outdoor gathering spaces.

The UFPC serves in an advisory capacity on space reporting to vice president for finance and administration, Robert C. Gallager. It is broadly representative of the university community including representation from instruction, research and patient care constituents.

Copies of the paper detailing these issues are available upon request. Please direct requests to Versheila Robinson, Planning Office, 792-5995.