University of Virginia

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1 University of Virginia Student Council : White Paper Report Newcomb Hall 194: The PAC

Table of Contents Buildings and Grounds Committee 1 Mission 1 Members 1 Contact Information 1 Past Initiatives 2 U.Va.

2 Phi Psi Sidewalk Improvements 2 Ongoing Initiatives 3 Parking Initiative 14th Street Area 3 Student Memorial Garden 3 Employee

Grounds for Discussion Construction Panel 4 Future Initiatives 5 Student Representatives in McCormick Road Construction 5

2 Table of Contents Buildings and Grounds Committee 1 Mission 1 Members 1 Contact Information 1 Past Initiatives 2 U.Va. Bikeshare Program ("UBike") 2 JPA Parking Initiative 2 Grounds Under Construction Website 2 McCormick Dorms Lounge Improvements 2 Phi Psi Sidewalk Improvements 2 Ongoing Initiatives 3 Parking Initiative 14th Street Area 3 Student Memorial Garden 3 Employee Appreciation Luncheon 3 First Year Housing Fair 3 Student Nap Space 3 More Gender-Neutral Restrooms in University Buildings 4 Grounds for Discussion Construction Panel 4 Future Initiatives 5 Student Representatives in McCormick Road Construction 5 Outdoor study spaces 5 Metered parking at fitness centers 5 Use of solar energy panels on Grounds 5 Panel on use of university space- by demographic 5

1 Building and Grounds Committee Mission The Buildings and Grounds Committee is a Presidential Cabinet committee of the University of Virginia Student Council.

3 1 Building and Grounds Committee Mission The Buildings and Grounds Committee is a Presidential Cabinet committee of the University of Virginia Student Council. From the Student Council Bylaws: "The Building and Grounds Committee shall be responsible for representing the views, interests, and concerns of students regarding planning on Grounds, as well as the design of long-term building projects." As a committee, we work to improve the physical infrastructure and landscaping of the University through our own initiatives, and provide the University administration with student input and ideas. We are presented with the unique opportunity to help preserve internationally renowned historical architecture while modernizing to meet the needs of today s students Members Andrew Morton COMM 17 Daniel McGovern ARCH 17 Emma Troller ARCH '17 Emily Bresnan CLAS '16 Michael English CLAS 17 Solomiya Tsymbalyuk CLAS '17 Contact Information Co- chairs: Emily Bresnan- eab5tc@virginia.edu Solomiya Tsymbalyuk- st8sh@virginia.edu Any concerns can be sent directly to the Co-chairs or submitted to

2 Past Initiatives U.Va. Bikeshare Program ("UBike") The Committee played a significant role in bringing the U.Va. bikeshare program ("UBike") to fruition.

When officially implemented in October of 2014, the UBike program will provide an environmentally friendly and healthy transportation option to Grounds.

Committee members worked with the City of Charlottesville to identify areas where parking spaces could be added, resulting in an increase of approximately six spaces.

4 2 Past Initiatives U.Va. Bikeshare Program ("UBike") The Committee played a significant role in bringing the U.Va. bikeshare program ("UBike") to fruition. Committee members worked with the University administration, especially the Department of Parking and Transportation, to help shape the program and provide input during the proposal selection process. When officially implemented in October of 2014, the UBike program will provide an environmentally friendly and healthy transportation option to Grounds. JPA Parking Initiative The JPA Parking Initiative was an effort to increase the efficiency of on-street parking along the section of Jefferson Park Avenue close to the University. Committee members worked with the City of Charlottesville to identify areas where parking spaces could be added, resulting in an increase of approximately six spaces. Grounds Under Construction Website The Grounds Under Construction website was designed to provide students with detailed information about the multitude of construction projects around Grounds. Current information about University construction projects can now be found on the Facilities Management website at McCormick Dorms Lounge Improvements After receiving several complaints about the condition of the televisions in the McCormick dorm lounge spaces, committee members brought these concerns to the attention of Housing and Residence Life and Facilities Management, who replaced them with new flat-screen televisions. Phi Psi Sidewalk Improvements We worked with the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity and the Community Affairs Committee to improve the dirt path that runs from Rugby Road to Madison Lane. The path is frequently used by students and is currently in a state of disrepair. The replacement will be paved with brick and improve pedestrian safety.

5 3 Ongoing Initiatives Parking Initiative 14th Street Area Similar to our previous parking initiative on Jefferson Park Avenue, we hope to work with the City of Charlottesville to remove the permit restrictions for on-street parking in the areas around 14th Street that are almost entirely occupied by students. The permit parking in those areas dates from a time when there was less student housing in the area, and is now underutilized. Student Memorial Garden The Student Memorial Garden project will improve an existing memorial space dedicated to the memory of U.Va. students who have passed away during their time at the University. Located between Newcomb Hall and Clemons Library, we have collected much student input and met with architects who helped redesign past blueprints. Employee Appreciation Luncheon In collaboration with the Community Affairs Committee, our employee appreciation event is held to honor the first year dormitory housekeeping staff. Students and the staff mingle while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and beverages graciously provided by U.Va. Dining. We hope to make this an annual or biannual event to recognize employees who work hard to keep Grounds running smoothly. First Year Housing Fair The First Year Housing Fair, held in September, provides first-year students with an opportunity to meet representatives from local student housing landlords and gather information about their offgrounds housing options Student Nap Space In response to numerous student requests, we are exploring the possibility of a permanent space for students to nap while on Grounds, similar to the space provided for students at James Madison University. We are working with several University administrators to find a suitable location and to measure student demand for this kind of space.

4 More Gender-Neutral Restrooms in University Buildings Though there have been some logistical issues with the construction and/or location of such bathrooms in the past, we are nevertheless

We will continue to work with the administration to explore opportunities to address this problem meaningfully while being cognizant of financial and construction constraints.

6 4 More Gender-Neutral Restrooms in University Buildings Though there have been some logistical issues with the construction and/or location of such bathrooms in the past, we are nevertheless committed to making the University accessible and open to all students. We will continue to work with the administration to explore opportunities to address this problem meaningfully while being cognizant of financial and construction constraints. We are also aiming on publishing an easily accessible resource that clearly identifies where gender-neutral facilities already exist on Grounds. Breaking Grounds Construction Panel Held over the past few years, construction panels have been a helpful way for students to learn the future plans for sustainability, academic spaces, and living spaces on Grounds. We hope that we can continue our collaboration with the Office of the Architect on this initiative. Future Initiatives

5 Student Representatives in McCormick Road Construction As the university initiates their plans to renovate the McCormick Road Residence Halls from 2016 through 2020, we plan on having a

Outdoor study spaces It has been brought to our attention that while students love the ability to study outdoors on Grounds, it is very difficult due to lack of accessibility to electronic outlets.

7 5 Student Representatives in McCormick Road Construction As the university initiates their plans to renovate the McCormick Road Residence Halls from 2016 through 2020, we plan on having a representative address student needs in these redesigned living spaces. Outdoor study spaces It has been brought to our attention that while students love the ability to study outdoors on Grounds, it is very difficult due to lack of accessibility to electronic outlets. We hope to facilitate the installation of outlets on the patios of Clemons Library and Newcomb Hall. Metered parking at fitness centers Students have noted that parking, particularly at the Aquatic and Fitness Center, is made more difficult by having to pay once inside. We will communicate with UVA Parking and Transportation to replace the indoor meter with individual outdoor meters. Use of solar energy panels on Grounds As the university transitions toward a more sustainable future, we hope to work with Students Council s sustainability committee to facilitate the installation of more solar panels on top of On- Grounds buildings. Plans are in place for panels to be installed on Ruffner Hall and the University Bookstore. Panel on use of university space- by demographic We are working with UVA professors to host a discussion about how traditional university spaces are utilized (and under-utilized) by different demographics, and how we can use this information to address issues of safety and inclusion on Grounds.

UVA Office of University Building Official. Annual Report

UVA Office of University Building Official Annual Report 2009-2010 Introduction The University of Virginia Office of University Building Official (OUBO) is charged with the administration of the Virginia