Onondaga Continues its Focus on the Future
Since 2002, Onondaga Community College has had a capital improvement plan in place that focuses on critical maintenance, campus safety and security, and renovation and construction in direct support of improved service to students. The plan was developed to support the College’s strategic priorities, and one of those priorities is to provide an environment that is optimally conducive to teaching and learning, and student success.
The College has invested $50 million in capital improvements since 2002, including the newly renovated Gordon Student Center, Ferrante Hall and Mawhinney Hall. Nearly a year ago, the College began anew the process of assessing, planning and developing the updated Facilities Master Plan to aggressively pursue capital improvements on campus. These plans will guide the College over the next five years, leading up to the 50th anniversary of Onondaga Community College in 2011.
At a campus-wide forum, proposed improvements for the 2008-2013 Facilities Master Plan (.pdf) were introduced by Bob Joy of Joy, McCoola and Zilch Architects out of Glens Falls, New York. The five themes of the updated Facilities Master Plan are: to enhance opportunities for student engagement, to provide premier facilities for premier programs; to prepare for continued growth; to enhance campus sustainability; and to expand opportunities for community use.
Highlights include:
- Athletic facilities expansion
- Child care center expansion
- Campus fitness center
- Library and campus technology
- Multipurpose performance space
- Plans for the recently purchased 14 acres of property adjacent to the campus
- Potential for the development of a freestanding campus in northern Onondaga County
- Emphasis on sustainability and renewable energy
