UNIVERSITY SPACE COMMITTEE (USC)
MINUTES: September 21, 2010
1. Call to order: The meeting was called to order by Ron Newton at 7:30 am. Members present were: R.
Newton, A. Bunch, P. Gemperline, V. Hardy, M. Sheerer, B. Velde, N. Floyd, A. Pantelidis, B. Bagnell, P.
Rogers, S. Buck, and K. Higdon
2. Old Business:
i.
Redditt House Renovation Request: Funding for renovations was approved by the Executive
Council.
Action: D. Sheerer will inform J. Siguaw of this approval
ii.
Tabled Motion: The tabled motion from the previous (Sept 7, 2010) meeting was addressed:
Two of the 3 requested rooms in S&T will be assigned to Engineering and the third will be
assigned to both ICSP and Engineering as a collaborative research laboratory studying water
quality. It is understood that additional space will be made available to both units in the future
contingent upon repurposing the Global Classroom space when GC functions are moved
elsewhere.
Discussion: F. Baxter, K. Higdon and P. Gemperline met with representatives from ICSP and
Engineering. ICSP felt that only having one room allocated to them on the 3 rd floor would
seriously inhibit their ability to hire researchers and set up a water quality lab. The current
design would require two of the 3rd floor rooms be merged together to create the lab.
Engineering needs space for students beginning in spring 2011. F. Baxter, K. Higdon, and Ron
Mitchelson also met with John Swope regarding space in Flanagan. Originally J. Swope
indicated that a 900 square foot room was underutilized and could possibly be reallocated.
Upon further scrutiny the College of Education wants to revisit that possibility. J. Swope still
believes there is the possibility of moving some things around and making one of their three
larger class labs available for use by someone else. When this was mentioned to Engineering
they considered it to be a viable possibility. Therefore, the tabled motion was amended by B.
Velde into a new motion with the following:
One room (355) on the 3rd floor of Science & Technology will be allocated to Engineering and
two rooms (349 & 354) will be allocated to ICSP with the understanding that one will be used as
a collaborative research laboratory studying water quality. It is understood that additional
instructional space will be needed for Engineering and that other possible locations will continue
to be explored. It is also understood that additional space will be made available to both units
in the future contingent upon repurposing the Global Classroom space when GC functions are
moved elsewhere.
Action: The motion was approved. All parties involved will be notified of the decision. K.
Higdon will meet with COE again to discuss Flanagan space options. Other options will also be
explored.
iii.
CHE Mice Laboratory Space Request: K. Higdon and P. Gemperline met with CHE to discuss
their needs for animal-use space. P. Gemperline discussed how the Brody and Warren animaluse labs are clean space and do not accept “dirty” animals. M. Wheeler and I. Hines have the
capacity in Ragsdale for 60-100 mice. They could double that number tomorrow if the space
was available. D. Mageean will provide funding for construction of an animal-use lab. CHE
would like to look into purchasing a “prefab lab.” The following motion was made by P.
Gemperline.
Provide CHE permission to pursue purchasing a “prefab lab.” Cost and size data are needed and
a site location will have to be studied. CHE is advised to provide lab specifications and to work
with Facilities Services to determine the site location.
Action: CHE and R&GS will be notified that they can move forward and look at costs for a
“prefab lab.” Facilities Services will be assessing site locations. Specifications, cost data, and
site location information will be presented to the USC for final approval.
iv.
Space Request – College of Fine Arts & Communications: John Shearin has met with Glen
Gilbert to discuss the possibility of using the Christenbury gym for dance classes. B. Bagnell
pointed out that Christenbury has been considered as a future building site. It also was noted
that addressing the dance program facilities needs is paramount.
Action: M. Sheerer will meet with Glen Gilbert and encourage collaboration.
v.
Blast Simulator: S. Buck is currently looking into possible locations. He has not received a lot of
interest from the community for rental possibilities. Dr. Cistola will be encouraged to submit a
written request to the USC.
vi.
Global Classroom: Conversations surrounding the possibility of moving the Global Classroom
are ongoing.
3. Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 5 at 7:30 am in GC 1511.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Higdon, Recorder