The IU Board of Trustees will meet for the fourth time this 2016-2017 academic year on Feb. 2 and 3. The 34-page agenda on the board’s website lists decisions up for vote at the two day meeting. Here are some of the notable topics.
Eskenazi Museum of Art Expansion
Trustees will vote on a proposed design for expansion to the museum originally designed by architect I.M. Pei in the 1970s. The plans include an expansion into the nearby Fine Arts Library, which will increase the current size of the museum by 17,000 square feet. The University would like to revitalize the museum as an “Ultimate Teaching Museum,” according to the proposed action.
While the plans call for physical changes to the building and surrounding landscape, they also include the establishment of four centers, areas within the museum that will focus on curatorial studies, conservation, education and works on paper. These changes are meant to enforce the museum’s cultural connection with the community. The board will look at the proposed design but are not voting on budgeting measures yet, according to the agenda.
Design of New Regional Health Center and Academic Building
In early January, IU-Bloomington Hospital announced a collaboration for a new health center and academic building, which is slated for construction in place of the existing IU Golf Course driving range. The area is located off East 17th Street at the bypass of State Roads 45 and 46. New roadways and sidewalks will be constructed in order to ensure easy access to the health center. The plans call for use of the landscape surrounding the golf course to connect the building to IU’s technology park .
The site will also include academic facilities for student learning, in addition to standard hospital units such as a clinic and emergency care. The plan to be presented to the board does not include specific details regarding the center’s construction, which the agenda said leaves room for adjustments to both the health facility and its academic counterpart. The board will vote on a more detailed plan at a future meeting.
Uniform Rate Increases For Housing and Meal Plans
The requested rates increase the room and board price for all residence halls by one percent. This increase ranges from an extra $59 for a double in Collins Center or Wright Quad to about $100 for any given room in Union Street Center. Requested rates at the University’s regional campuses vary, with increases in upwards of $201 at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis. University owned apartments are will see a half-percent or two percent price increase, depending on location.
Jesse Naranjo
