Acquire legislative commitment to extend for another 10 years the $1 billion landmark building program that is transforming the University.
Demonstrate the University's efficient management of the building program by completing projects on time and on budget.
Illuminate the impact the successful building program has had in advancing University goals and objectives.
Develop a new building program project list for the next 10 years, linking specific projects with University priorities. Integrate the University of Connecticut Health Center into future planning for facilities growth and development.
Invite legislative review of program management and request a credit rating for University of Connecticut General Obligation Bonds, which support the infrastructure program.
Collect and share data providing solid evidence of the impact of new and improved facilities on student recruitment, fundraising, research funding and UConn's national reputation.
Develop an academic plan to inform the University's assignment of priorities for the next 10 years of the building program. Integrate priorities identified as the result of an earlier academic planning process at the UConn Health Center.
The Connecticut General Assembly's Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee published its final report on UCONN 2000 construction management, concluding the program was well run, producing quality facilities on time and on budget. The University's General Obligation Bonds received "straight A's" from each of three rating agencies: Moody's - "Aa3," Standard & Poor's - "A" and Fitch - "AA-."
In 2003, Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland and the General Assembly enacted 21st Century UConn, legislation that commits $1.3 billion for continued infrastructure development at the University of Connecticut. Lawmakers pointed to the impact of the first program on student recruitment, the upcoming close of a successful capital campaign, and UConn's ranking among the top 25 public universities nationally as reasons for supporting the new legislation. Total University research awards at a level nearly double what they were at the start of the UCONN 2000 program provided additional evidence of the building program's positive momentum.
Construction projects contained in the program's extension are consistent with an academic plan developed in 2003. Projects include buildings for undergraduate education, research laboratories, venues for artistic expression, and new student recreation and residential life facilities. At the Health Center, a new 200,000 square foot medical research facility will be constructed.