Guiding Principles and Goals

Facilities Management

Three individuals are seen standing on the gathering stairs in front of interactive boards to gain input on the Campus Master Plan.

Ten guiding principles and six goals have been determined to help guide the Campus Master Plan process.

Guiding Principles

Ten fundamental Master Plan concepts form the foundation of the campus-wide recommendations.

1. Protect the Valleys

Preserve and enhance the open space character of Goldsworth and Arcadia Valleys. Restrict building development and enhance natural features, landscaping and maintenance levels within these corridors.

2. Develop Campus Edges and Entrances

The University is to be easily identifiable. Establish visually distinctive and significant campus approaches, arrival areas, entries and edges.

3. Ensure Wayfinding and Accessibility

Create a friendlier campus campus with upgraded signage, informational kiosks and improved vehicular and pedestrian circulation, particularly at entrances and approaches to the University. Plan compliance with ADA accessibility guidelines and four-season access to all campus areas.

4. Plan Alternate Forms of Transportation

Place greater emphasis on safe and efficient transit, bicycle and pedestrian circulation on and off campus.

5. Distribute Parking

Position parking around the campus perimeter to be easily accessible from main roads and near principal centers of use. Coordinate transit and pedestrian interface in order to facilitate access to major destinations.

6. Connect the Campuses

Maintain and enhance visual and physical connections between the West, Oakland Drive and East Campus areas. Improve inter-campus circulation and accessibility. Protect potential bridging points connecting the campuses.

7. Preserve Open Spaces

Plan future development to preserve and optimize the use of open space to achieve a sense of community and distinctive settings.

8. Develop Districts

Identify and develop districts that reflect a distinct identity, share a common function or are relatively self-contained. District buildings should relate to one another, both physically and through similar functions. Consistently maintain building massing, patterns or grids, density and heights appropriate to each district.

9. Create Campus Activity Hubs

Create pedestrian-scale activity centers that are centrally located and visually distinct, with facilities clustered around a core open space that attracts students and visitors.

10. Distribute Housing

Locate housing throughout the campuses; serve a variety of housing needs and markets.

Campus Master Plan Goals

Advance Learning and Discovery

Invest in hands-on experiences and strategic partnerships, which contribute to student success and workforce outcomes.

Foster a "Sense of Community"

Create intentional spaces that promote connectedness, social gathering; places that bring people together for multiple experiences (cultural arts and music, entertainment, student life, athletics, etc.).

Engage the Region

Promote development, partnerships and outreach across Western �鶹��ýӦ�� including in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and Grand Rapids, to advance shared economic, environmental and equity goals.

Recalibrate Campus

Align facilities and physical size of campus with current and future planned enrollment. Seek adaptive re-use/renovation and, when appropriate, demolition.

Integrate Sustainability

Integrate sustainability across the institution to reduce carbon emissions, reduce resource consumption and nurture nature through financially responsible investments for both current and future generations. 

Promote Health and Equity

Embed holistic health and well-being across campus with a focus on the eight dimensions of wellness.