Campus Development Planning Committee

In anticipation of the acquisition of the postal lands and properties in 2007, I have formed the Campus Development Planning Committee. The Committee will be chaired by Interim Provost Peter Conn and Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli. Senior Vice President for Facilities and Real Estate Services Omar Blaik will serve as the Committee’s vice chair. The other members of the Committee will be Deans Gary Hack and Arthur Rubenstein, Senior Vice President and General Counsel Wendy White, Vice President for Finance and Treasurer Scott Douglass, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations John Zeller, and Vice President and Chief of Staff Joann Mitchell. I will meet with the Committee as often as possible and as needed.

The Committee’s charge is to:

• Articulate a long-term vision for the development of the campus consonant with the Penn Compact;

• Recommend optimal uses for various sites on the acquired parcels, taking into consideration financial models and/or fundraising opportunities for each project that it recommends;

• Develop well-structured plans for the development of the campus that take account of the University’s highest priorities; and

• Outline a feasible timetable and process for overseeing the implementation of its recommendations that is integrated with the capital planning process.

To ensure that the planning process is broadly consultative, regular reports will be provided to the University Council and other existing deliberative bodies to solicit ideas and obtain feedback throughout the planning process. In addition, we will seek opportunities to consult with alumni as well as our neighbors and other important external constituents. An ad hoc advisory group of eight members of the Board of Trustees will advise me and the Committee during the planning process and I will provide regular updates to the Executive Committee and the full Board of Trustees.

The planning process will begin immediately and I have asked that the Committee transmit its final report to me by June 30, 2006. This is an extraordinary opportunity for the entire Penn community, working through the University Council and other deliberative bodies, to develop a shared vision for this great University.  I hope you will plan to attend future University Council meetings and other gatherings that will be organized by the Committee to participate in the planning process.

—Amy Gutmann, President