Every ten years, academic communities such as Georgetown are required to create a Campus Plan, which gives a solid structure for implementing broad changes on campus. Todd Olson, VP of Student Affairs and Charles DeSantis, Assistant VP for Benefits and the Campus Plan Manager, met with student media representatives today to give us the 411 on the pre-planning efforts.

The 2010 plan will outline three major goals: to strengthen academic excellence, to create more community life through increased communal and pedestrian space, and to facilitate relations with the greater Georgetown community. As DeSantis described, it’s “not so much a brick-and-mortar plan…it’s about making Georgetown a better place for students,” referring to development of new buildings on campus. The committee will discuss ways to make the campus more accessible and greener, through both increased grassy areas and eco-friendly facilities.

To get an idea of what changes could be implemented, the 2000 Campus Plan included proposals for the Science Center, the Office of Off-Campus Student Life, the Davis Performing Arts Center, and more generally, the SNAP Program and the late-night SafeRides service.

Options for expansion and new construction, however, will not remain untouched. The committee will take a serious look at the possible expansion of Lauinger Library and the block between Prospect St. and N St. on 36th, which has potential for academic or space for student activities.

Both Olson and DeSantis stressed the benefits of beginning to plan early and involving as many groups as possible. Olson will meet with students organizations this month, and there’s a community meeting at the Duke Ellington School this Saturday, November 8 beginning at 9:30am. This will be the first opportunity for Georgetown residents to voice their opinions and concerns about campus life. The committee will meet with D.C. city officials as well.

Olson characterized the process as “a long conversation” in which the rigorous vetting of every aspect by many participants will result (hopefully) in a final draft in May or June of 2009. The plan is to go into effect January 1, 2010.

What do YOU think the committee should include in the new plan?