With five years remaining on its current master facilities plan, West Virginia University has 16 projects that are active, or under consideration, across the system, ranging from a residence hall at WVU Tech in Beckley to better facilities at Jackson’s Mill to remodeling of space in Morgantown, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Rob Alsop said today (Jan. 24).
During a special meeting, Alsop updated the Board of Governors on the progress of the 10-year plan adopted in 2012, highlighting accomplishments so far, including new facilities for the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources on the Evansdale campus, as well as improvements in student housing.
Looking ahead to the next five years, Alsop said the focus will be on supporting the University’s three pillars of education, health care and prosperity.
“We need to continue to improve and develop facilities to make sure we continue to provide world-class opportunities for our students and faculty,” he said.
Some of the projects under consideration include:
· Kelley complex renovations for nursing program, Potomac State College in Keyser.
· New College of Business and Economics building.
· Repurposing of current College of Business and Economics building
· Eberly relocation modifications, Morgantown.
· Evansdale Visitors Center, Morgantown.
· Hodges Hall renovation, Morgantown.
· Mountainlair Student Union renovations (and downtown traffic solutions).
· Residence Hall, Beckley.
· R1 research lab upgrades.
· STEM building, Jackson’s Mill.
· STEM innovation building, Beckley.
· Youth development facilities, Jackson’s Mill.
Many steps remain before any of the projects receive final approval, the update says.
“All facilities planning activities are approached with consideration of the campuses’ ability to effectively serve its current and future students, considering enrollment and demographic changes,” according to the plan.
“With respect to each project, the University will be identifying sources of funds (donations; bond proceeds; grants and contracts; fees; deployment of University budget allocations and reserves at the University or College level; and use of private investment, including through public-private partnerships). After a thorough examination of the debt capacity of the University and analysis of the anticipated financial results of the current and future fiscal years, the Board of Governors and management of the University will further prioritize and make strategic decisions relating to the development projects for completion,” it says.
In a related action, the board approved $1.5 million to complete the preliminary design of the new building for the College of Business and Economics. The new building will be named for Bob and Laura Reynolds, whose $10 million gift to the University last year provides initial funding for the project.
Also at today’s meeting, the Board gave final approval to rules governing several administrative areas, including changes relating to organizations; naming of buildings; emeritus status; policy regarding discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual and domestic misconduct, stalking, and retaliation; children protection; and the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
The is the second phase of a planned multi-step process to update University policies to rules as permitted by a law passed by the state Legislature last year. Rules governing the University’s human resources activities were previously updated and revised.
In October, the Board approved proposed rules, which have been out for comment since. The rules approved today reflect only minor changes made in the original rules to clarify specific areas.
The rules will be posted on the University’s Rules, Policies and Procedures website.
The Board also called an emergency meeting then entered into executive session to discuss West Virginia legislative issues, which resulted in no action or discussion.
The Board’s next meeting will be in Morgantown on Feb. 16.
-WVU-
jb/01/24/18
CONTACT: April Kaull; University Relations/Communications
304.293.3990; april.kaull@mail.wvu.edu
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