Regents' Guidelines
As a member of the University System of Georgia, Georgia College & State University follows the policies and guidelines set forth by the Board of Regents for master planning and the design of facilities. The board publishes its template for campus master planning on its website. The relevant policy statement appears at Section 908 of the Board of Regents Policy Manual:
908 PLANNING
908.01 THE MASTER PLAN FOR CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
A master plan for capital development of each institution shall be maintained on a current basis in the office of the Board and at the institution. Development and maintenance of such plans shall involve continuous study by the office of the Vice Chancellor for Facilities under the supervision of the Chancellor and the respective institutions. The Vice Chancellor for Facilities shall periodically inform the Board of the scope and direction of campus master plans for capital development (BR Minutes, May 1995).
908.02 PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE IN PLANNING
When any institution of the University System of Georgia requires professional advice in laying out long-range plans for campus and plant development, the Vice Chancellor for Facilities may authorize the employment of a competent professional person to gather necessary information and render needed services. The Vice Chancellor for Facilities shall inform the Board periodically of the progress of campus planning efforts (BR Minutes, May 1995).
908.03 CAMPUS GROUNDS AND FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT
USG buildings and grounds shall be planned and developed to provide long-term lifecycle benefits, and each campus's individual architectural character and landscape shall be maintained in a coordinated and consistent manner. In order to ensure that this intent is achieved:
908.03.01 Each campus shall employ design and construction concepts to allow for adaptive reuse, appropriate infrastructure, and flexibility to accommodate evolving technology. State-funded educational buildings shall be designed and constructed to provide quality service for 50 or more years, ultimately serving the citizens of Georgia by achieving long-term life cycle benefits (a positive cost-to-benefit return on the initial investment); and
908.03.02 Each campus shall develop standards that establish basic aesthetic expectations for construction. These standards shall be founded on and complementary to the University System of Georgia's preplanning guidelines. Campus standards shall establish the campus's architectural theme and provide specificity sufficient to guide future construction activities to achieve harmony with the existing facilities while providing modern teaching and learning spaces. These standards shall ensure that the exterior architectural character of each building conveys the college/university character in a cohesive, attractive, and timeless manner. Each campus shall develop an "architectural palette" (list of materials) to guide the selection of exterior materials for construction projects. Enduring and easily maintained materials shall form the basis of these design standards. Although various products may be used as incidental or accent points, typically more traditional and durable materials, such as masonry, shall form the basis of each campus's selection of materials.
908.03.03 Each campus shall develop standards that establish basic expectations for landscaping and grounds. These standards shall be founded on and complementary to the University System of Georgia's preplanning guidelines. Campus standards shall establish the campus's landscape plan and provide specificity sufficient to guide the planning and development of outdoor common space, including hardscape and signage, to achieve a cohesive and sustainable campus. These standards shall ensure that the campus grounds convey an attractive and inviting college/university character. Each campus shall establish material and plant lists to guide the development of public green spaces, and plantings shall be predominantly indigenous, maintainable, and diverse (BR Minutes, September 2002).
