Augustana College Campus Master Plan

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Augustana College Campus Master Plan Web Site

A Report from the President Sets the Stage for the Master Plan

President Bahls issued a 2004 “Report from the President” in which he presents the College mission statement and presented an essay entitled “Pulling Together”. The mission of the College acknowledges its intellectual basis in arts and science that, as a Lutheran institution, is committed to “offering a challenging education that develops qualities of mind, spirit, and body necessary for are rewarding life of leadership and service in a diverse and changing world”. In the essay that follows, President Bahls critically examines the ways in which Augustana College realizes its mission. Through this analysis he notes fascinating evidence of the college’s successes. For example, twenty-three percent of incoming students report a desire to be a community leader. By graduation, this number nearly triples. Thirty-three percent of freshmen express interest in influencing social values; this number doubles in the four years of campus life and learning. He also describes a recent effort by the College’s administration to develop a strategic plan intended to serve as the blueprint for advancing the school level of excellence in the coming decades. Specifically, the College will require each of its seniors to undertake comprehensive research or a creative project to enrich their traditional learning at Augustana. Finally, the President describes the remarkable enthusiasm of the College’s Board of Directors, alumni, and other friends who support the school with their intellect and creativity, enthusiasm, and financial generosity.

What's New?

Augustana College’s master planning process was officially launched on January 11 to 13 with a visit from BLDD Architects and Sasaki Associates, the campus master planners. The consultant team photographed the campus, observed how students and faculty use the open spaces and buildings, and interviewed students, faculty and staff to learn of their interests in shaping the campus’ growth.

Elements of the campus most commonly praised during the interviews include the:
- Library;
- Natural beauty of the campus, particularly the slough;
- Quad, the heart of the school;
- Range of choices for housing;
- Small classes and individualized attention;
- PepsiCo center;
- Trimester system;
- Sense of community values, friendly community; and
- Historic character of older buildings.

Elements that many of those interviewed wished to improve are:
- Sorenson is too distant from the heart of the campus and has an inferior heating and cooling system;
- A student center could be constructed to serve as a great mingling place, hosting a full range of student activities, such as meeting places, a large hall to use for dances or parties, and a place to eat and relax on weekends;
- Some classrooms and dorms need enhanced information technology infrastructure;
- Enlarge athletic facilities, in particular, provide a soccer field; and
- Parking is a challenge.

Upcoming Meetings

The consultant team will return to Augustana on May 5 for a final presentation to the Campus Planning Committee and the Augustana board of Directors.

This presentation follows visits in March and April in which plan options were explored with students, faculty and staff. Lively discussion at these meetings is evidence that the campus community is very involved and invested in helping this plan best fit current and anticipated community needs. To catch-up or study the plan options, please refer to the useful links (below) for the March and April presentations.

Useful Links

Campus Map

March Consideration of Master Plan Options

April Consideration of Master Plan Options