The Observer, March 30, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 22
Editorial: Master plan ambiguous; no implementation measures taken
Over the past few years, the face of the campus has changed dramatically, receiving one makeover after another. From the most recent construction of the Mandel Center on Bellflower Road, to the demolishment of the Baker building and construction of the Binary Walkway, it's evident that changes to improve and enhance what's being offered on campus are here to stay. Though the changes on Bellflower Road have become a burden to many Northside residents, students will have to grow accustomed to them, as construction on campus will most likely be taking place for all of their undergraduate careers.
Such major developments are only a few of the numerous goals set forth by the administration's Master Plan. At the very core of the plan are four principles in which all projects are being centered around. These principles include unifying the campus, creating a campus identity, focusing outward, and fostering living, learning, and discovery. Specifically, the tasks entail the construction of new landscapes and walkways, renovations of current facilities, the development of new Greek housing, and a revamped student center.
While these principles and stated changes are highly desirable and have the potential to launch Case onto another level, the Master Plan is just what it says it is – a plan. Though it was implemented in 2005, construction on all projects is not expected to be completed until 2020 or beyond. With recurring budget issues and instability within the administration, it will be a wonder if the plan will still be intact by the time current first-year students graduate.
By creating long-term designs such as replacing Yost Hall with a new academic building and constructing a Natural Sciences Building with no set dates as to when anything is to be completed, it's hard to believe in any of the proposed ideas. Even projects that are designated as part of the near-term plan are not described with information regarding specific details of the construction and when it is scheduled to take place. The university is risking its credibility with students and other members of the community by creating lofty goals and ambiguous visions but failing to show a true commitment to achieve them.
If such drastic changes are to take place on campus, students should be informed of the direction in which Case is headed. While the administration has a certain responsibility to communicate with undergraduates, students themselves should take an interest in the state of the university. With the proposed changes, how will tuition be affected? Will current students be able to benefit from the new developments while they are still at Case?
It is certainly commendable that the administration is taking strides to improve and enhance the university, but all the plans in the world won't amount to anything if no measures are taken to implement them and no one is aware of them.
For more information on the Master Plan, go to www.case.edu/webdev/mplan/.
