FY 2016 Capital Outlay Project Request

Transcription

1 FY 2016 Capital Outlay Project Request October 2014

2 Fiscal Year 2016 Capital Outlay Project Request Institution Name: Lansing Community College Project Title: 505 N. Capitol Avenue Building Project Focus: _X_ Academic Research Administrative/Support Type of Project: _X_ Renovation Addition New Construction Program Focus of Occupants: Approximate Square Footage: 19,500 Total Estimated Cost: $6,000,000 Math/STEM Students & Veterans Estimated Start/Completion Dates: Design in Progress; Estimated End Date 6/30/18 Is the Five-Year Plan posted on the institution s public internet site? _X_ Yes No Is the requested project the top priority in the Five-Year Capital Outlay Plan? _X_ Yes No Is the requested project focuses on a single, stand-alone facility? _X_ Yes No Describe the project purpose The proposed project addresses two critical needs at Lansing Community College: 1) providing much needed classrooms that are technology-rich and learner-centered for the development of new innovative programs and the study of mathematics, which is fundamental for students training for jobs in America s rapidly changing technology-based economy, especially in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics); and, 2) creating a Veterans Center to meet the needs of LCC s growing population of students who have bravely served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Current and best practices in academic instruction require specialized classrooms with cuttingedge technology that supports the latest pedagogical best practices. Such spaces would include SmartBoards and interactive white boards with multi-directional projection to display class content from e-textbooks, web-based resources, online assignments, instructional videos, and virtual graphing calculators. Improved classrooms will provide on-demand computer access as well as flexible room configurations particularly supportive of active- and team-based learning, group work, student collaboration, and student-instructor interaction. The purpose of a Veterans Center is to have a designated space on campus that offers veteran and active-military students a variety of services to assist with overall readjustment and academic experience, as well as a place to study. It serves as a welcome center, resource center, and support center. For incoming student veterans, sometimes general orientation isn t enough; the Veterans Center would provide veteran-specific orientation aimed at easing veterans transition from soldier to student. Furthermore, student veterans will find resources such as a computer lab, a reference library, advisors and counselors for academic or personal support, and financial aid assistance. 1

3 The Veterans Center will serve as a one-stop shop for information about their educational benefits, assistance with deployment or returning from a tour of duty, helps with access to health care and counseling services, assists with employment searches and provides references or assistance in anything else the veteran requires. It is a place where student veterans from across all military branches and all fields of study can come together to encourage and help one another. The ultimate purpose of a Veterans Center is to reach out to more veterans and better accommodate those who seek assistance. Describe the scope of the project. Lansing Community College purchased the facility at 505 N. Capitol Avenue with the intent of repurposing it from its current use as commercial offices to a classroom building that will utilize technology, math, and engineering lecture rooms. In addition, Lansing Community College will allocate space for Veterans Center services. This will provide a common meeting place with specialized services for our military veterans as they return to the workforce. The architectural design will include offices, classrooms, and lecture halls. Adequate storage for materials and student projects will be programmed into the renovations. The second floor will house the offices for faculty and program administrators. For ease of access, the Veterans Center will be housed on the first floor. Because this building was built in the 1960s, the College will address the building envelope for energy efficiency. The glass on the building envelope will need to be replaced as it is the original 1960 s glass/glazing system. It is desirable to replace the glass windows and doors while creating an architectural feature at the main entrance. Replacing the building envelope materials will also protect the building infrastructure from any further deterioration. 1. How does the project enhance Michigan s talent enhancement, job creation and economic growth initiatives on a local, regional and/or statewide basis? According to the U. S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are growing at a rate of 17%, nearly twice that of other occupational fields. A recent study by Georgetown University s Center on Education and the Workforce STEM State-level Analysis indicates that Michigan will demand a total of 257,410 STEM jobs by 2018, up from 246,530 in STEM jobs will be 6% of all jobs in Michigan in % of STEM jobs in Michigan will be in engineering and technicians occupations. 94% of these jobs will require postsecondary education and training. Significant math skills are required of all students seeking employment in the STEM fields. Adaptive and technology-rich classrooms will allow program development as needed to easily provide instruction for new and in-demand professions. The use of new classrooms will allow LCC to react quickly to changing academic trends and employer needs, resulting in graduates with increased employment potential. The purpose of this Veterans Center is to create a hub in Michigan s capitol city that offers a numerous and dynamic array of veteran and military services. The Veterans Center would offer 2

4 community office space for local, state, and regional representatives to work with the veterans in areas such as employment, health, education, housing, and standard of living. Workforce and economic development is a critical need in this community and one in which the veteran may provide service rather than require it. On-site job training, workshops, and resumewriting assistance could be offered, assisting a highly trained individuals to get into the workforce. Jobs would be created in a number of areas in the Veterans Center, such as operational staff, certifying officials, tutors, counselors, and advisors. By offering a Veterans Center, the College will attract more veteran students to LCC s campus. 2. How does the project enhance the core academic and/or research mission of the institution? The nation faces an urgent need for highly-skilled, well-educated students capable of participating and providing leadership in an increasingly sophisticated scientific and technological global workplace. A widening achievement gap continues to emerge, marked by a steady decline in the preparedness of high school students for college-level coursework in mathematics. The College s mission states: LCC exists so that the people it serves have learning and enrichment opportunities to improve their quality of life and standard of living Lansing Community College is at the forefront of bringing a STEM philosophy into the curriculum. In both transfer and career programs, as well as in our partnerships with K-12 schools in mid-michigan, LCC is committed to providing students with an outstanding learning environment that effectively prepares them for the emerging knowledge economy. This project furthers LCC s Strategic Focus on Learning: 1) providing students with rigorous, high-quality programs that are aligned with the expectations of transfers institutions and the needs of employers; and, 2) developing learning experiences that leverage technology and teach students to think critically. Veterans are a diverse group with special needs; a Veterans Center would provide a focal point for better serving veterans and offering them the learning and enrichment opportunities that LCC promises as part of its mission. A Veterans Center will enhance LCC s mission by reaching further to serve the unique veteran/military population. LCC s guiding principles include supporting continuous improvement and reflecting diversity through a proper allocation of resources. The establishment of a Veterans Center, that would take advantage of the diversity of existing resources offered at LCC, would personally and academically serve the 625 veterans who make up the campus population on average each academic year. LCC has a history providing assistance for incoming students with low academic achievement, absence of a high school diploma, or those who have been away from college for several years and require re-integration assistance. Student veterans can fall into one or all of these categories; and a Veterans Center would reach out to these students and help them to succeed. 3

5 3. How does the project support investment in or adaptive re-purposing of existing facilities and infrastructure? This project will include the creative adaptive re-use of an existing structure that was a former office building and is contiguous to the Downtown campus. When the building was vacated in October 2012, LCC committed to incorporating the facility into its campus. The building has a sound structure but in need of improvement and upgrading. LCC is committed to achieving LEED certification during major renovation projects. The repurposing of the facility will include improvement of the energy efficiency of the building to provide a comfortable learning environment for our students. Innovative and energy conserving systems will be incorporated, bringing this building in line with the campus standards. Community members and leaders will be encouraged to visit this LCC facility to learn about efficiency opportunities for other buildings in the surrounding business and government community. 4. Does the project address or mitigate any current life/safety deficiencies relative to existing facilities? If yes, please explain. Yes, the building was built in the mid-60s. LCC will be requesting a change of zoning for this property to match the rest of the campus. The re-zoning will put the building in an educational status so that any architectural/construction changes will include code updates such as fire systems (monitoring, alarms and suppression). Also, all ADA accessible elements would be included in the scope of work. 5. How does the institution measure utilization of existing facilities, and how does it compare relative to established benchmarks? How does the project help to improve the utilization of existing space and infrastructure, or support the need for additional space and infrastructure? During academic program development, the utilization of existing facilities is a major consideration. The importance of this assessment is demonstrated by the Campus Master Plan and is discussed in the Facilities, Uses, Needs and Challenges section for each Academic Division. The Enrollment and Staffing Section, Student Enrollment Trends by Discipline Area, demonstrates the academic use of facilities and student interest. Student credit hours per semester, full vs part time seats, and student count on a semester basis are used as a benchmark by the academic disciplines to determine additional facility needs. LCC is committed to the occupational training of our returning military veterans. LCC is a Military and Veteran Friendly Institution. The development of a Veterans Center will comply with the national trend for non-academic space to meet the many needs of veterans, such as VA benefit guidance and processing, general liaison services throughout an academic career and dedicated, confidential counseling. 4

6 6. How does the Institution intend to integrate sustainable design principles to enhance the efficiency and operations of the facility? The College recognizes and is committed to the American College & University President s Climate Commitment and believes very strongly in the minimizing adverse environmental impact to the surroundings. During the remodel the project, design and construction methods and implementation will be in compliance with LEED Silver status. Campus construction standards will be used during design and will include interior and exterior finishes, systems, and layout for ease of maintenance and operations. Operational plans for the building operation will incorporate LEED principles to enhance sustainability. 7. Are match resources currently available for the project? If yes, what is the source of the match resources? If no, identify the intended source and the estimated timeline for securing said resources. The LCC Board of Trustees in June 2013 designated $1,300,000 of the General Fund balance for the renovation of the College property located at 505 North Capitol Avenue in Lansing. An additional $1,700,000 is available in the College s Plant Fund to bring the total available match to $3,000, If authorized for construction, the state typically provides a maximum of 75% of the total cost for university projects and 50% of the total cost for community college projects. Does the institution intend to commit additional resources that would reduce the state share from the amounts indicated? If so, by what amount? The College is committing the 50% required match, $3,000,000 to the total estimated construction costs of $6,000, Will the completed project increase operating costs to the institution? If yes, please provide an estimated cost (annually, and over a five-year period) and indicate whether the institution has identified available funds to support the additional cost. This newly acquired building is currently vacant. Preliminary concept design has begun to develop a comprehensive and inclusive scope of work. LCC has provided base operational funding for the current use. Our estimated annual operational costs after renovation and the building is fully functional, will be $150,000 per year, including utilities, grounds, maintenance, and general repair. For a five year period, the cost would be approximately $750,000 of current year funds. 10. What impact, if any, will the project have on tuition costs? The College currently charges students a $5 per billable hour facility fee. This fee will be reviewed upon completion of this construction project; however, there will be no impact on tuition. Tuition at LCC is the second lowest among Michigan s 28 community colleges. 5

7 11. If this project is not authorized, what are the impacts to the institution and its students? Students will always have an opportunity for instruction in STEM-related fields at LCC, however the challenge, were this project not supported is that such opportunities would be limited due to infrastructure inadequancies. Additional sections of high-demand courses may not be offered because the room requirements, equipment and pedagogical, might not be available in rooms currently equipped for traditional Liberal Arts Instruction. Insufficient education and training in math skills may limit the opportunities for students to transfer successfully to four-year colleges and universities in Michigan and nationwide. Enrollment may decrease if students feel they cannot receive quality education at LCC due to the physical condition of our classrooms. If there is no growth, there is no progress. If the Veterans Center is not authorized, the impact to LCC and particularly to its population of student veterans would be significant. If a Veterans Center solely dedicated to providing resources and services is not established, the College would likely experience enrollment decline within this population. Ultimately, the absence of a Veterans Center would affect not only veterans, but also activeduty service members, family members, and caregivers. A Veterans Center would help alleviate the stress and uncertainties that come with pursuing an academic career and that sense of relief helps create a better atmosphere for success. Despite the Post-9/11 GI Bill, obstacles remain for veterans seeking higher education opportunities. Veterans grapple with juggling family and work responsibilities, transitioning to civilian life after military service, adjusting to the classroom, and accessing and using benefits. The lack of a Veterans Center would only serve to exacerbate these already difficult challenges. In January, 2012, Lansing Community College launched an education program specifically designed for military medics. The goal was to create a pathway for military medics to transition to paramedics. Those who complete this program are positioned to continue onward to become a nurse, if desired, by entering into the Advanced Standing Nursing Program. Paramedics earn a median salary over $32,000, with nurses earning a median salary over $63,000. Paramedic and nursing employment is currently strong, with projected demand for the next decade. 12. What alternatives to this project were considered? Why is the requested project preferable to those alternatives? Alternatives include teaching courses in classrooms and other available spaces that are neither conducive to nor supportive of the teaching and learning required in order to achieve optimal student success in the discipline. Increased need and demand have already necessitated our teaching math courses in science laboratories between sections of biology or chemistry as well as in the College s Physical Plant building. Such settings lack the technology, equipment, and 6

8 flexible space needed to meet the best pedagogical practices of instructors and the learning styles of our students. Creation of new and appropriately equipped classrooms designed for teaching and learning will support LCC s commitment to providing quality education and training. An area in the Student Affairs office has been used to help assist veterans, but the resources and space are extremely limited. With an average of 625 student veterans each academic year, LCC has one of the highest numbers of student veterans among Michigan community colleges. In order to best serve those student veterans, a Veterans Center dedicated solely to veterans and active military needs to be established. Another alternative that was created was the Veterans Virtual Support (VVS) system and while it has been successful, this system would work more efficiently in partnership with a physical space such as a Veterans Center. The VVS system could be housed within the Veterans Center where staff could dedicate their time to monitoring the system, working with its users, and tracking student veterans through online communications such as and virtual meeting rooms. While the VVS serves as a great tool to remotely answer questions and provide informative podcasts, it would be advantageous to be able to refer the VVS user to the Veterans Center for further assistance and resources. 7