Environmental Resolution

Presented October 12, 1998; Passed October 16, 1998

CONSIDERING THAT the outdoor environment of the USM campuses and other lands contributes to their quality as teaching and learning centers.  The appearance of the campus is one of the most important factors influencing our image in the eyes of the larger Hattiesburg community, as noted by the Commission on the Future of the University (Report, p. 20). Equally important, the environment plays a role in moderating the campus microclimate (controlling heating and cooling costs), and controlling stormwater runoff.  Both on campus, and in nearby University lands, the outdoor environment serves as a teaching and research environment for many disciplines (but not limited to) Biology, Geology, Recreational Sports, Physics, Music, and Polymer Science and the ROTC program.  these observations apply equally in Hattiesburg and on the Gulf Park campus.

AND THAT decisions regarding management of campuses and associated University lands are presently made in a piecemeal fashion without benefit of a comprehensive management plan.  Decisions are made without reference to, or input from, the University community at large.  The principal body engaged in land management, the Physical Plant Department, has very limited resources with which to address these needs.

AND THAT limitations on the space available for development are bringing various user groups into conflict progressively more often.  Members of the Faculty Senate and the University community at large have recently raised questions about planning issues including (but not limited to) development of parking lots, removal and replanting of trees, and management of the Westhills property.

WE RESOLVE THAT

1. The University needs a comprehensive plan for management of its lands, as recommended by the Commission on the Future of the University (Report, page 21, item 7).  The plan should be available for public scrutiny, and  should be flexible enough to accommodate changing needs.  The plan should seek to accommodate all needs within the University community, from whatever quarter.  Development of the plan should be an open process, involving input from all stake holders.
2. A University-level committee should be formed to review development projects for consistency with the comprehensive plan (Report, p. 21, item 1).  It should include specialists from all parts of the USM community as well as nonspecialist representatives of faculty, students, staff, and administration (Report, p. 21, item 4).  The committee will meet regularly and should be part of all stages of the development process.  The Environment Review Committee at MSU will serve as a model (see attached description).
3. Physical Plant, chiefly responsible for maintenance of Campuses and University lands, should be granted a substantial increase in operating budget consistent with the very considerable demands placed upon them.

ATTACHMENT:

Campus Planning and Development at Mississippi State University

Long-term planning for the campus environment, including but not limited to the appearance of the campus, has been designated as a priority at Mississippi State University (MSU).  To that end, Campus Landscape is a department, separate from the Physical Plant, and both entities are among those represented on a university-level planning committee.

This committee, the Campus Planning and Development Committee, has been in existence for several years and is charged with ensuring that all projects and activities that change the physical appearance of the campus are consistent with the campus master plan.  Thus, this committee is truly a "working committee,"  meeting weekly to review projects after such projects have been reviewed by the Executive Council and the President of the University.

Given the responsibilities of this committee, the size and composition were carefully considered.  All constituencies are represented.  Standing members include full-time staff members such as the landscape architect and the direct of the physical plant, the Chairs of the Faculty Senate and the Staff Council, the President of the Student body, and the Assistant Vice-President of Business Affairs.  In addition to these standing members, the committee includes faculty members who are given one-course release time during the academic year in which they serve.  With respect to the size of the committee,  MSU's decision had been to keep the committee as small as possible while still including all relevant constituencies.  They have found that a committee membership of approximately a dozen members achieves a balance between representativeness and decision-making efficiency.

Last Modified: November 12, 2007 8:25 AM
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