Five Strategic Initiatives Academic Excellence Financial Vitality Campus Renewal Student Success Community Impact Operation Refresh Home

Campus Renewal

• Relevant Initiatives from the current plan
• Strengths and Challenges
• Key Performance Indicators
• Current College Activities
• Best Practices
• What if...Where might Mount Mary be in 2020?
• Download complete PDF for Campus Renewal

Goal 1: Address physical plant issues, including adequacy, repair and upkeep of buildings

• Strategically implement a plan for deferred maintenance, including painting, repairs, replacement of windows.
• Improve the main entrance to the College by improving the signage and repairing the front doors.
• Upgrade residence hall (e.g., painting, lighting, plumbing); consider expansion in Fidelis Hall.
• Address sustainability issues as resources permit.

Goal 2: Address technology issues

• Plan and implement a new telephone/communication system.
• Continue training in uses of Jenzabar, Educator, and other campus-wide programs for appropriate employees.
• Create structure for developing online courses and programs, including training of faculty and creating policies and procedures.
• Continue to plan for and to maximize the effective use of JICS.

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Strengths

• Beautiful, welcoming physical environment
• Safe, secure campus
• Location

Challenges

• Inadequately equipped classrooms, studios and labs (learning spaces)
• Insufficient/inadequate social spaces where students congregate
• Meeting spaces/conference rooms (not enough, not adequately equipped)
• Americans with Disabilities Act
• Cleanliness, disrepair, and adequacy of space
• Configuration of space/fragmentation
• Roofing, windows, and other deferred maintenance issues
• Lack of adequate technology infrastructure (wireless, email, phones, etc.)

Cumulative Effects of Deferred Expenditures:

Maintenance:

Technology:

Deferred Maintenance
Our grand buildings are aging with the tile roofs almost 100 years old and the flat roofs sustaining serious leakage. Repairing the roofs around campus would amount to over $200,000. The replacement cost of the windows in Notre Dame Hall is approximately $4 million because of the asbestos and lead found in the caulking. Considering the needs of the entire campus, it would cost $30-50 per square foot to renovate, and the buildings encompass 500,000 square feet. The cost of renovation, therefore, is estimated at $15-25 million.

Technology
We are behind the curve in technological enhancement, particularly in wireless service ($120,000) and IT infrastructure updating ($50,000 needed for the next five years).
Our computer replacement program
requires $150,000 for the next four years.
A campus-wide crisis communication system is critical (approx. $600,000), and our telecommunications system is desperate for an upgrade (costing $1.7 million). The approximate cost for our technology needs over the next five years is over $3 million.

New Initiatives
Two new initiatives are on the horizon.
The Student Success Center is estimated at $1.1 million, with $500,000 coming from the Petit Foundation. The approximate cost of the new Child Care Center is $350,000.

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An Interior Design class, under the direction of Leona Knobloch-Nelson, drafted ideas for the upgrading of the kitchenettes and lounges on the three floors of the residence hall. As part of their assignment, students needed to price each item, stay within budget, and present their plans before a selection committee. This summer, Leona oversaw the implementation of the designs which were chosen, featuring colors, counter tops, and furniture that are attractive to the students and at a great saving to the College.

What makes this project exemplary? It put classroom learning into action in ways that offered tangible improvements to the campus environment and also engaged faculty and students in a joint enterprise that fostered respect and stewardship of that environment, with students empowered to shape the outcome. Students benefited from the opportunity to translate curriculum into practical application. The College benefited through cost savings while addressing a priority issue in facilities' maintenance and upgrading.

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• Repaving of circular driveway ($500,000)
• Roofing repair and other deferred maintenance on both campus houses ($50,000)
• Ongoing EPA compliance ($70,000 budgeted)
• Upgrade of lighting in Notre Dame and Caroline Halls ($10,000)
• Upgrade of kitchenettes and lounge areas on the three floors of Caroline Hall ($24,000)
• Repair of pool ($30,000, last year)
• Upgrade of computer technology ($262,000, last two years)
• Repair of arches and Caroline Hall roof ($80,000)
• IT assessment ($18,900)
• Space Utilization study ($51,700)
• Tuckpointing Dominic Hall (minimal expense)
• Refurbishing Helfaer Hall (minimal expense)
• Assessment by WE Energies and Focus on Energy to assist in identifying energy consumption potential efficiencies

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Things to include in our vision might be:

• Beautiful historic buildings and open vistas rarely seen on urban campuses make visitors immediately aware that this is a place that cares deeply, a community that wisely stewards its natural resources and its infrastructure.
• New construction and renovations blend seamlessly with older structures, reflecting respect for legacy and tradition along with a thoughtful response to emerging needs and possibilities.
• Well-maintained interiors tell a story of upkeep and upgrades on a rolling basis.
• Beyond traditional facades – giving the feel of a residential college campus that is unchanging in its mission – technology and creative design create environments that are efficient as well as beautiful in the service of teaching, learning, and community-building.
• Other?
  

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