Report outlines vision for renewal of University Hall

The impending release of the University Campus Master Plan and forthcoming Strategic Planning are important milestones for the University that will help shape the future of our campus and University community.

One of the University’s goals is to become a comprehensive research university with a strong focus on graduate studies and a foundation in liberal arts. Part of that goal is to provide an up-to-date science program and the U of L has earmarked a new science facility as its highest capital priority.

This endeavour is dubbed The Destination Project and is composed of three main elements: New construction geared toward supporting high-intensity science research and teaching; the redevelopment of vacated space in University Hall for alternate users; and the development of additional campus infrastructure to provide heating and cooling, emergency power, and other related support.

The University Hall Renewal Visioning and Inception Planning Report is the latest milestone in the three-tiered project.

The document describes the long-term vision for University Hall, its future purpose and the conceivable mixture of building uses. It also touches on design principles and the possible reorganization of University Hall’s physical layout.

View the report here.

More information and history on The Destination Project can be found here.

Proposed project looks to expand study space on campus

Having a place to study on campus is an important part of student life. However, informal learning and social spaces outside of the classroom is sparse. Markin Hall is currently the only building on campus that meets a new established minimum target (15 per cent) assigned for learning spaces. Other than the Library Information Network Centre (LINC), less than five per cent of space in our campus buildings is currently allocated as informal study space.

To address the shortfall, Facilities is presently undertaking a planning initiative that would not only see the creation of more study hubs and commuter lounges for students, it would also see the reorganization of the library in order to house a Learning Commons with customized, functional learning environments.

A Key Parameters document outlining the framework of the project is available here.

 

Impending Snowmageddon

Unless you began hibernating early (and I wouldn’t blame you) you are likely aware that weather forecasters are predicting a huge dump of snow for the area. Between 10 -25 cm is expected to fly Thursday through Friday!

The Grounds department is prepping its snow clearing equipment so that everything is ready to roll when the snow arrives on campus. In addition, the Grounds crew is checking the forecast every hour to ensure they are up to date on what’s headed our way.

The Grounds department snow removal procedure lists clearing main pathways as the first priority to allow pedestrians to access the University. Once the walkways are done, workers then attend to the parking lots.

Crews will be out Thursday morning starting at 5 a.m. for their usual shift, but should the snow come on heavier than predicted Grounds will begin clearing campus earlier.

Most of the snow is expected to fall during the day tomorrow, and if the conditions are right, the parking lots should be plowed overnight Thursday.

However, Mother Nature can be unpredictable and we can’t be totally prepared for what she decides to throws at us. Last month’s out-of-the-ordinary snowfall is a good example of that.

The wet, heavy snow made it difficult for crews to clear as quickly as they would have liked. By the time they were finished the sidewalks and roadways, people began to arrive on campus and it wasn’t feasible to begin plowing the parking lots with cars randomly scattered about.

While the department will work diligently to ensure campus is safe to walk around, everyone should be extra cautious when walking outside during inclement weather. Please obey all signage at path closures. They are blocked off for safety reasons and will reopen once workers have time to clear the area.

To report snow or ice concerns call the Facilities Service Desk at 403-329-2602.

LEEDing the way to a greener U

In a world where the terms like “climate change,” “greenhouse gases,” and “carbon footprint,” are now part of everyday vocabulary, it’s clear that we need to take better care of our planet so that future generations may also enjoy a clean and healthy place to live.

Enhancing the environmental sustainability of the University is a top priority for the institution – one outlined in the 2009-13 Strategic Plan.

Facilities has been practising sustainability in nearly every aspect of its operations. From recycling and composting to installing low-energy light bulbs and low-flush toilets, not to mention constructing LEED buildings, the departments within Facilities are committed to creating and maintaining a green campus that enhances student experience and preserves the unique coulee landscape that surrounds us.

How can you participate?

  • Shut down your computer when you’re finished using it for the day. Not only will shutting down reduce the wear on your system, it will also result in more cost-effective energy savings. Contrary to popular belief, daily start-ups do not use up more energy than leaving a computer on, and it will not damage a computer’s components, nor lead to electrical surges.
  • Recycle your paper coffee cups! There is a special coffee cup recycling bin in the Centre for Sport and Wellness with a compartment to pour out left over coffee, but empty paper cups can also be recycled in the paper and cardboard recycling bags.
  • Unplug electronic devices, chargers, and power cords when not in use. Even when switched off or left unattached, these devices draw power through the outlet they are plugged into.

Last week we mentioned that Caretaking Services was accepting pumpkins for composting. To date, 125 pumpkins have been collected at the University for composting! That’s great news.