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   The University of Arkansas at Monticello recently unveiled its Master Plan, which details the administration’s preliminary ideas for improving the campus environment in multiple areas. 

   “I like to always have a plan of where we’re headed,” Chancellor Jack Lassiter said. “Everyone seems to believe this is a positive thing to do.” 

   Lassiter said he hoped to adopt a priority list of what will be achieved in the first phase. 

   The four main areas outlined within the plan include: 

• Assessment Of Existing Facilities
• Vehicular and Pedestrian Circulation
• Scenarios for Future Expansion and Development
• Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability

   "Since I have been very involved in this process I can say that the plan, when completed, will be a very well thought out plan which included input from the entire University family and community," said Mark Davis, vice chancellor of academic affairs.

   The assessment of existing facilities section entails the upgrading of the Science Center, Bankston Hall, Wells Halls and Sorrells Hall. 

   Lassiter said Sorrels and Wells Hall were working on a proposal to help benefit disabled people, and that an elevator shaft would be added to Willard Hall. 

   “We should have access for the disabled in every building on campus,” he said. 

   The plan also indicates the athletics facilities need for remodeling, and that the swimming pool should be upgraded or put to new use. It also recommends the demolishment of Jeter Hall, home of student organizations including journalism’s student publication, The Voice. 

   Lassiter said journalism would need to relocate where they will have equipment and office support. 

   “Wells Hall is a three-story building, and we do not use the bottom floor for anything,” he said. “At a minimum we could pick up three classrooms and eight to 10 offices. Another option is looking at some of our others spaces on campus. For example, if we build new residences halls, we may not have as great a need for Bankston.” 

   The vehicular and pedestrian circulation section suggests that the existing drives on campus make it too convenient for students to drive and park between classes; therefore, it proposes the solution of closing the inner drive on campus and creating a more pedestrian friendly network of walkways, including a new walking trail around Weevil Pond.  

   Lassiter said the parking survey conducted by Robert Stark, professor of agriculture, helped determine needs. 

   Scenarios for future expansion and development include: 

• Proposed Projects:
• Forest Resources Complex Expansion
• Indoor Practice and Office Complex
• Weevil Pond Improvement
• Additional Student Housing
• New Student Organization Facilities

• Future Projects:
• New Classroom Building
• Future Retirement Village
• Multi-purpose Conferencing and Meeting Facility

   Lassiter said the future retirement village would give retired senior citizens a place to live on campus. 

   “They may volunteer to help out on campus,” he said. 

   The goals of the energy efficiency and environment sustainability section include: 

• Increase Energy Efficiency
• Use sustainable and non-polluting materials and construction methods
• Control and filter storm water run-off
• Increase use of native plants, decrease mowing
• Plant new trees and protect existing trees

   Lassiter said a master plan is never in concrete and can always change. 

   “This is still preliminary. We haven’t adopted the plan,” he said. “Funding will be critical, but if we can find the resources, we can do it.”

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