Having received seven pre-proposals regarding the future use of 4,500 square foot space under review, the Norris Hall Task Force has identified three pre-proposals as most promising for further development.

Pre-proposals were reviewed with consideration of scope, mission, impact, programmatic relationships, and long-term potential. The seven pre-proposals ranged widely in scope and included many innovative ideas such as: swapping office space to gain classroom space elsewhere; creating new spaces for research, community-building, engagement, and new centers; cross-disciplinary collaboration space; and an auditorium.

The three pre-proposals that emerged are:

  • The Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics in the College of Engineering submitted a pre-proposal to “Re-create Community” by consolidating department operations and creating state-of-the-art videoconferencing, research and laboratory space for students.
  • The pre-proposal for a “Center for Violence Prevention and Peace Studies” includes an interdisciplinary student-led research center that engages faculty from numerous departments. Service-learning programs, collaborative relationships with agencies and partnering with the community were important elements of this pre-proposal.
  • The pre-proposal for a “Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships” responds to the recommendations of the Task Force on Student Engagement and incorporates the VT Engage program. A community room would create a collaborative meeting space for students and members of community agencies.


“The task force is extremely grateful to each person who contributed to the development and submission of a pre-proposal,” said Mark McNamee, university provost and vice president for academic affairs. “This collective input is essential to our community for our healing process to continue.”

Task force members noted the complementary nature of the pre-proposals for the Center for Violence Prevention and Peace Studies and the Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships, and is recommending that these two teams partner on the development of a full proposal.

Design elements from a general use pre-proposal submitted by Steve Harrison from the Department of Computer Science in the College of Engineering were viewed by the task force members as inspiring and innovative. The task force recommended that the two main proposal groups contact Harrison to discuss ways his design ideas might enhance their proposals.

Additionally, a pre-proposal submitted by Ray Plaza from the Office of Multicultural Affairs incorporated an inclusive community philosophy inherent to our university’s core values. The task force recommended that both proposal teams consult with Plaza to discuss elements of his proposal.

Fully developed proposals by the two teams are requested by Friday, Nov 9. The proposals are not to exceed 10 pages, including any appendices. Proposals should elaborate on the following issues: program, actual use of space, one and five year goals, funding necessary, and gradated space use (what is first priority, etc.).

The task force will invite three members from each team to meet with the committee for the purposes of presenting the proposal and engaging in further discussion on Thursday, Nov. 15.

Contact:

Tags

Share this story