Section 2: District-Wide Goals

Introduction

The District-wide Master Plan Goals and Recommendations were developed through an extensive and thorough study of the existing conditions, TCCD staff and faculty interviews, student input, and sessions with the TCCD Master Plan Committee. Through this Data Gathering and Analysis process, the goals for TCCD were defined and clarified. The planning team noted many recurring themes, statements and observations that confirmed the overall goal consensus. Throughout the faculty, staff and student interview process, goal information received across the District was similar on all four campuses. The results of these goal-setting activities and analysis are covered in this section of the master plan.

Goals and Objectives Adopted by the District and Set Forth in this Master Plan:

Goal: Improve campus image

Objectives:

Improve TCCD identity signage
Improve edges and entries
Improve wayfinding and signage system
Preserve architectural integrity
Improve outdoor use areas and greenscape
Enhance dominant campus features

Goal: Improve functionality of campus

Objectives:

Re-evaluate highest and best use of spaces within current facilities
Improve overall adjacencies of facilities
Improve access, circulation, service loading/unloading
Improve parking (location, distribution, assignment, supply, signage)

Goal: Improve student experience

Objectives:

Redefine Student Center for today’s student
Centralize Student Services into one location
Upgrade furniture, fixtures, and equipment in classrooms
Create or increase student study/gathering spaces

Goal: Improve campus security

Objectives:

Secure campus property
Install call boxes/emergency phones
Improve campus lighting

Goal: Position TCCD for future growth and expansion

Objectives:

Locate future building sites
Identify future infrastructure
Identify potential land acquisitions
Identify future roads/entries to campus

Summary of Issues/Needs

As part of the Analysis Phase, the planning team developed a list of issues and needs generated from observations, interviews and concurrent planning studies. The following list represents those issues/needs that are general in nature and apply to all campuses. Issues and needs that are specific to each campus are presented and discussed in the sections devoted to individual campuses.

Security

Brighter lighting in parking lots.
Brighter lighting on core campuses; eliminate dark spots and overgrown vegetation that obscures lighting.
Emergency call boxes in parking lots and throughout each campus.
Panic buttons in strategic locations such as Counseling, Financial Aid, Bursar and possibly faculty offices to call police in emergency or hostile situations.
Telephone/Intercom in classrooms to call police, health services, A/V media support.
Key cards on rooms where security is an issue (computer labs, Counseling, Testing, Bursar, Financial Aid, Bookstore, etc.)
Lockable gates at every entrance to campus. Ability to control entrances/exits in emergency situations.

Signage/Wayfinding

Consistent signage system for all District campuses.
Large entry signs visible from the major arterial routes.
Discernable signage and gateways at all campus entries.
Legible signs in parking lots to easily find designated parking areas and understand current color coding of striping.
Kiosks at all entries of campus with detailed campus maps and points of main interest (Bookstore, Student Services, Food Services, Police, Information Desk, Health Services and others).
Larger, more detailed campus maps located at campus entries, interiors and throughout buildings.
Larger, consistent signs at exteriors of buildings that display the building name/function/department.
Directional signage pointing to departments and major buildings.
Directional signage to frequently used community facilities and conference/meeting rooms.
Signage on offices, conference rooms, etc.
Clearly labeled maintenance and delivery routes.
Corridors with color coding or similar notification as you are changing buildings.
Better TCCD identity signage.
Transportation/Circulation
Safer entrances and exits to and from campus and major access roads. Stop signs or traffic signals may be needed in certain situations. Will require work with Cities and/or TxDOT on most entrances on all four campuses.
Pedestrian/vehicular conflicts near major entrances. Pedestrian crossings clearly marked with speed bumps incorporated into the crosswalk.
Covered drop-off areas for handicap loading and unloading.
Investigate alternate transportation possibilities – pedestrian, bicycle, bus, commuter rail.

Parking

Increase visitor parking on all campuses.
Accessible parking near entrances for people with disabilities.
Distribute parking evenly for students.
Increase the number of available reserved faculty parking spaces available to students in evening classes.
Clearly mark and sign distinctions between faculty, visitor, and student parking.
Need 20-minute parking spots at strategic locations.

Life Safety Issues

Updated door locks that work properly on exterior doors.
Emergency lighting.
Exit hardware at all fire exits.
Modify doors that allow locked interior exits.
Emergency Exit diagrams at all stairs and elevators.
Signs for tornado shelter.
Not enough outlets in older buildings to handle today’s needed A/V equipment and technology needs. Many circuits overloaded.
Need intercom system.
Need alarm system for emergencies.

Accessibility/ADA Issues

ADA compliant ramps and doors at entries.
Adequacy of accessible parking.
ADA compliant upgrades of restrooms, public facilities, and classrooms.
Accessible pathways and path of travel to facilities.

Campus Layout and Landscaping

Covered gathering areas/outdoor study areas.
Covered designated smoking areas away from entrances to buildings and walkways.
Better defined main entries and gateways to campus.
More greenscape and outdoor features.
Replace aggregate panels with uniform concrete. Panels are a tripping hazard and are very costly to maintain.

Student Services

Redefine Student Union facilities on each campus for the current generation of students. Locate Student Union in core of campus.
Consolidate Student Services (Registrar, Bursar, Financial Aid, Counseling, Testing, Bookstore, Disability Services, etc.) into a centralized ‘one-stop’ location.
Computer connections/wireless capabilities needed in student gathering areas.
Upgrade furniture, fixtures, and equipment in classrooms. Many of the older desks are too small to accommodate larger students and fit notebooks or laptops.
Need A/V equipment in all rooms.
Better lighting, soundproofing in classrooms.

Physical Plant

Consolidate all District Services into one location at Physical Plant on NE campus.
Need better circulation and maneuvering area for large trucks at loading/unloading docks
Efficient storage space and parking for service vehicles.

Equipment

Clock system is old and outdated. Very few of the clocks work together.
Interior lighting needs to be upgraded.

District-Wide Recommendations

Many of this plan’s recommendations pertain to all four TCCD campuses and will likely apply to any future Tarrant County College District campuses. The recommendations presented in this chapter are District-wide in nature. Specific recommendations pertaining to individual campuses are included in each campus section.

Identity

South Campus Entrance Sign A large monument sign should be developed on each campus that is visible and legible from the nearest freeway or major arterial route. Each sign should be similar and consistent in appearance. To strengthen the District’s image, the TCCD logo should be prominent on each sign. An entry sign should be developed for every campus entrance. This sign can be smaller in magnitude than the large monument sign, but still significant enough to announce to motorists and pedestrians that they are entering a TCCD campus. The “Main Entry” to each campus should be better defined with identity signage, landscaping, flags, banners, or other architectural elements. It is important to clearly designate the “front door” of each campus.

Each campus should take measures to emphasize its dominant features, maintain existing landscaping elements and create additional seating and gathering areas around these elements. The South Campus has distinguished itself with native plant materials. This is a good example of how each campus can define its character and image through proactive design. A dynamic new campus feature, such as a clock tower, bell tower, or major water element should be constructed on the campuses where one does not currently exist. Such features create memorable campus and District identities and become recognized icons.

The architectural character of each TCCD campus should be preserved. Each campus has a distinct architectural style. Design excellence and ingenuity applied to each new renovation or construction project will help conserve the existing architectural integrity of color palettes and materials and forms.

Wayfinding and Signage

A consistent, District-wide signage system should be developed that includes, but is not limited to directional and informational signs for entries, parking lots, buildings (interior and exterior), maintenance/delivery routes and points-of-interest. Parking lot signage should include lot designations at motorist eye-level. Building signage should identify major departments and frequently used community facilities.

A large campus map should be placed at the main entry of each campus. Kiosks should be placed between parking lots and major campus entry points. Kiosks should include a detailed campus map with points of interest, such as the Bookstore, Student Services, Food Services, Police, Information Desk and Administration. Campus maps within each building should be larger and more detailed.

The District needs to work with the TxDOT to ensure TCCD Campus Exit signs are properly placed on all freeways. Each campus should work with the local municipality to make sure directional signage is adequately placed on major arterial routes.

The Tarrant County College District has retained Freese and Nichols to prepare a Wayfinding and Signage Plan that will include specific recommendations to improve wayfinding on each campus and general design guidelines to achieve a consistent signage system for all District elements. The recommendations will appear as a separate report.

Transportation/Circulation

The scope of this Facilities Master Plan cannot fully address significant traffic issues at each TCCD campus. The planning team has recommended a more complete traffic study to address congestion and hazardous conditions near the entries to each campus. The plan recommends the following measures to minimize vehicle/pedestrian conflicts and increase traffic safety within each campus:

Create 10- to 15-foot wide raised pedestrian pathways that are clearly marked and designated within the parking lots and at major crossing areas.
Arrange the pathways and landscaping so as to encourage pedestrians to use the pathways and designated crosswalks.
Place “Yield to Pedestrian” signs at all crosswalks.
Create at least one covered drop-off area on each campus for handicap loading and unloading.
Decrease the number and speed of service vehicles that are allowed on campus. All delivery and maintenance trucks should have approval and clearance from the Physical Plant. Only those trucks, service vehicles, and police cars that are essential to campus operations should be allowed within the campus core.

Parking

The number of visitor parking spaces should be increased on all campuses. Some faculty parking spaces can be made available to students in the evening. This will allow students to park closer to buildings at non-peak times. Signage and student/faculty orientation may be necessary to inform users of the hours when faculty spaces are available to students. As enrollment at each campus increases, the amount of parking for visitors, students and faculty should be increased proportionately. The different parking categories should be clearly designated and distinguished.

Twenty-minute parking spaces should be provided, where possible, near the Library, Bookstore, Registrar, faculty offices, etc.

Campus Buildings

A major goal of the proposed renovation and new construction projects is to improve the overall functionally of each campus. Part of this process is the careful consideration of adjacencies of similar functions and the way facilities and equipment are shared. Currently, many spaces are not being used in the manner or purpose for which they were originally designed. As buildings are renovated, the highest and best use of spaces within each facility should be re-evaluated.

Campus Layout and Landscaping

More covered or sheltered outdoor study/gathering areas are needed on each campus. Some existing open areas can be covered and additional, site specific outdoor covered areas near academic buildings should be considered. Several designated smoking areas should be constructed on each campus. Smoking should be prohibited within a certain distance from buildings (10 to 20 feet) to prevent smokers from gathering at the entrances. Designated smoking areas should include a covered area such as a gazebo or shelter with benches, ash receptacles and other site amenities. These facilities should be attractive and comfortable to encourage smokers to use them.

Significant outdoor features, such as water fountains, and supporting elements, such as benches or tables, should be added, especially in shaded areas for students and faculty to study or congregate outdoors.

In some locations, aggregate concrete panels form plazas and walkways. These panels have experienced considerable vertical shift over the years and have become a tripping hazard. Maintenance and repair costs for these problems are very high. The panels should be replaced with uniform concrete or equivalent material.

Student Services

Student Union buildings need to be redefined on each campus for the current generation of students. The Student Union buildings should be located near the center of each campus and serve as the main gathering places for students. The Student Unions should be designed to encourage gathering and group interaction. They should also be technologically advanced with computer connections and wireless capabilities. More indoor student gathering areas with computer connections and wireless capabilities should be created throughout each campus.

Library Student Services (Registrar, Bursar, Financial Aid, Counseling, Testing, Bookstore, Disability Services, Police, etc.) should be consolidated into a centralized ‘one-stop’ location. In many cases, students have to go to several different locations and, in some cases, several different buildings to register. This process should be simplified by consolidating all services into one facility and making all of these spaces more efficient.

Old, outdated furniture, fixtures, and equipment in classrooms should be replaced. Many desks are too small to accommodate larger students and the desktops are too small to accommodate a notebook or laptop. Desk size and antiquated equipment was a common complaint of students during the planning process.

Security

At each campus drive entry point, there should be gates that can be locked after hours or in the event of an emergency. Outdoor lighting should be improved on all campuses. Install brighter lighting in parking lots and within the campus core. Eliminate dark spots and overgrown vegetation that obscures lighting or hides would-be predators.
Emergency call boxes should be installed in strategic locations throughout each campus, especially in lots where a majority of students and faculty are parking at night.

Locks should be replaced with electronic key cards at secure areas in order to monitor “last access” if necessary. Such areas include computer labs, Counseling, Testing, Bursar, and the Bookstore. Other old, outdated exterior door locks that do not work properly should be replaced.

An intercom system or telephones should be placed in classrooms to contact police, health services and A/V media support. Outside lines are not recommended for classroom applications.

Physical Plant

All District Services should be consolidated into one location at the Northeast Campus District Physical Plant. Circulation and truck maneuvering areas around all physical plants and loading docks should be improved. Increased storage space and parking for service vehicles is badly needed at most campuses. Some campus physical plant areas are dysfunctional and have an inefficient layout. These areas need to be cleaned up and re-designed to be more efficient.

Life Safety/Accessibility

It is important to ensure that all exterior doors are equipped with proper exit hardware and that they do not allow individuals to be locked in. Upgrades are recommended for the emergency lighting system. Place “Emergency Exit” diagrams at all stairs and elevators and place “Tornado Shelter” signs at designated locations.

Restrooms, classrooms, and public facilities need to be upgraded to be ADA compliant. All walkways and paths of travel to facilities should be accessible. Ensure that there are ADA compliant ramps to all buildings, preferably at the main entries of each building. All older buildings should be brought up to ADA compliant standards.

Equipment

The campus clock systems are antiquated, unreliable and difficult to repair. The parts and equipment are no longer available. This system needs to be replaced. State-of-the-art audio/visual equipment is essential to modern didactic practice. Old and inadequate equipment should be installed in existing and future classrooms per the TCCD Design Guidelines. All classrooms should have an adequate level of soundproofing. Refer to the TCCD Design Guidelines for more specific detail.

Table of Contents Executive Summary Section 1: Introduction Introduction/Purpose Background/History Teams Project Approach/Process Section 2: District-Wide Goals Goal and Objectives Summary of Issues/Needs Recommendations Section 3: South Campus Introduction Data Gathering Interviews/Summary of Issues and Needs Analysis Existing Conditions Circulation Travel Distance Viewshed Greenspace Building Function Potential Parking Sites Potential Building Sites Repair Costs Space Planning Recommendations Recommendations 20-year Concept Plan Implementation SF Breakdown/Costs Section 4: Northeast Campus Introduction Data Gathering Interviews/Summary of Issues and Needs Analysis Existing Conditions Circulation Travel Distance Viewshed Greenspace Building Function Potential Parking Sites Potential Building Sites Repair Costs Space Planning Recommendations Recommendations 20-year Concept Plan Implementation SF Breakdown/Costs Section 5: Northwest Campus Introduction Data Gathering Interviews/Summary of Issues and Needs Analysis Existing Conditions Circulation Travel Distance Viewshed Greenspace Building Function Potential Parking Sites Potential Building Sites Repair Costs Space Planning Recommendations Recommendations 20-year Concept Plan Implementation SF Breakdown/Costs Section 6: Southeast Campus Introduction Data Gathering Interviews/Summary of Issues and Needs Analysis Existing Conditions Circulation Travel Distance Viewshed Greenspace Building Function Potential Parking Sites Potential Building Sites Repair Costs Space Planning Recommendations Recommendations 20-year Concept Plan Implementation SF Breakdown/Costs Appendix South Campus Survey Responses Northeast Campus Survey Responses Northwest Campus Survey Responses Southeast Campus Survey Responses	TCCD Home Master Plan Home Planning Documents

	Section 2: District-Wide Goals Introduction The District-wide Master Plan Goals and Recommendations were developed through an extensive and thorough study of the existing conditions, TCCD staff and faculty interviews, student input, and sessions with the TCCD Master Plan Committee. Through this Data Gathering and Analysis process, the goals for TCCD were defined and clarified. The planning team noted many recurring themes, statements and observations that confirmed the overall goal consensus. Throughout the faculty, staff and student interview process, goal information received across the District was similar on all four campuses. The results of these goal-setting activities and analysis are covered in this section of the master plan. Goals and Objectives Adopted by the District and Set Forth in this Master Plan: Goal: Improve campus image Objectives: Improve TCCD identity signage Improve edges and entries Improve wayfinding and signage system Preserve architectural integrity Improve outdoor use areas and greenscape Enhance dominant campus features Goal: Improve functionality of campus Objectives: Re-evaluate highest and best use of spaces within current facilities Improve overall adjacencies of facilities Improve access, circulation, service loading/unloading Improve parking (location, distribution, assignment, supply, signage) Goal: Improve student experience Objectives: Redefine Student Center for today’s student Centralize Student Services into one location Upgrade furniture, fixtures, and equipment in classrooms Create or increase student study/gathering spaces Goal: Improve campus security Objectives: Secure campus property Install call boxes/emergency phones Improve campus lighting Goal: Position TCCD for future growth and expansion Objectives: Locate future building sites Identify future infrastructure Identify potential land acquisitions Identify future roads/entries to campus Summary of Issues/Needs As part of the Analysis Phase, the planning team developed a list of issues and needs generated from observations, interviews and concurrent planning studies. The following list represents those issues/needs that are general in nature and apply to all campuses. Issues and needs that are specific to each campus are presented and discussed in the sections devoted to individual campuses. Security Brighter lighting in parking lots. Brighter lighting on core campuses; eliminate dark spots and overgrown vegetation that obscures lighting. Emergency call boxes in parking lots and throughout each campus. Panic buttons in strategic locations such as Counseling, Financial Aid, Bursar and possibly faculty offices to call police in emergency or hostile situations. Telephone/Intercom in classrooms to call police, health services, A/V media support. Key cards on rooms where security is an issue (computer labs, Counseling, Testing, Bursar, Financial Aid, Bookstore, etc.) Lockable gates at every entrance to campus. Ability to control entrances/exits in emergency situations. Signage/Wayfinding Consistent signage system for all District campuses. Large entry signs visible from the major arterial routes. Discernable signage and gateways at all campus entries. Legible signs in parking lots to easily find designated parking areas and understand current color coding of striping. Kiosks at all entries of campus with detailed campus maps and points of main interest (Bookstore, Student Services, Food Services, Police, Information Desk, Health Services and others). Larger, more detailed campus maps located at campus entries, interiors and throughout buildings. Larger, consistent signs at exteriors of buildings that display the building name/function/department. Directional signage pointing to departments and major buildings. Directional signage to frequently used community facilities and conference/meeting rooms. Signage on offices, conference rooms, etc. Clearly labeled maintenance and delivery routes. Corridors with color coding or similar notification as you are changing buildings. Better TCCD identity signage. Transportation/Circulation Safer entrances and exits to and from campus and major access roads. Stop signs or traffic signals may be needed in certain situations. Will require work with Cities and/or TxDOT on most entrances on all four campuses. Pedestrian/vehicular conflicts near major entrances. Pedestrian crossings clearly marked with speed bumps incorporated into the crosswalk. Covered drop-off areas for handicap loading and unloading. Investigate alternate transportation possibilities – pedestrian, bicycle, bus, commuter rail. Parking Increase visitor parking on all campuses. Accessible parking near entrances for people with disabilities. Distribute parking evenly for students. Increase the number of available reserved faculty parking spaces available to students in evening classes. Clearly mark and sign distinctions between faculty, visitor, and student parking. Need 20-minute parking spots at strategic locations. Life Safety Issues Updated door locks that work properly on exterior doors. Emergency lighting. Exit hardware at all fire exits. Modify doors that allow locked interior exits. Emergency Exit diagrams at all stairs and elevators. Signs for tornado shelter. Not enough outlets in older buildings to handle today’s needed A/V equipment and technology needs. Many circuits overloaded. Need intercom system. Need alarm system for emergencies. Accessibility/ADA Issues ADA compliant ramps and doors at entries. Adequacy of accessible parking. ADA compliant upgrades of restrooms, public facilities, and classrooms. Accessible pathways and path of travel to facilities. Campus Layout and Landscaping Covered gathering areas/outdoor study areas. Covered designated smoking areas away from entrances to buildings and walkways. Better defined main entries and gateways to campus. More greenscape and outdoor features. Replace aggregate panels with uniform concrete. Panels are a tripping hazard and are very costly to maintain. Student Services Redefine Student Union facilities on each campus for the current generation of students. Locate Student Union in core of campus. Consolidate Student Services (Registrar, Bursar, Financial Aid, Counseling, Testing, Bookstore, Disability Services, etc.) into a centralized ‘one-stop’ location. Computer connections/wireless capabilities needed in student gathering areas. Upgrade furniture, fixtures, and equipment in classrooms. Many of the older desks are too small to accommodate larger students and fit notebooks or laptops. Need A/V equipment in all rooms. Better lighting, soundproofing in classrooms. Physical Plant Consolidate all District Services into one location at Physical Plant on NE campus. Need better circulation and maneuvering area for large trucks at loading/unloading docks Efficient storage space and parking for service vehicles. Equipment Clock system is old and outdated. Very few of the clocks work together. Interior lighting needs to be upgraded. District-Wide Recommendations Many of this plan’s recommendations pertain to all four TCCD campuses and will likely apply to any future Tarrant County College District campuses. The recommendations presented in this chapter are District-wide in nature. Specific recommendations pertaining to individual campuses are included in each campus section. Identity A large monument sign should be developed on each campus that is visible and legible from the nearest freeway or major arterial route. Each sign should be similar and consistent in appearance. To strengthen the District’s image, the TCCD logo should be prominent on each sign. An entry sign should be developed for every campus entrance. This sign can be smaller in magnitude than the large monument sign, but still significant enough to announce to motorists and pedestrians that they are entering a TCCD campus. The “Main Entry” to each campus should be better defined with identity signage, landscaping, flags, banners, or other architectural elements. It is important to clearly designate the “front door” of each campus. Each campus should take measures to emphasize its dominant features, maintain existing landscaping elements and create additional seating and gathering areas around these elements. The South Campus has distinguished itself with native plant materials. This is a good example of how each campus can define its character and image through proactive design. A dynamic new campus feature, such as a clock tower, bell tower, or major water element should be constructed on the campuses where one does not currently exist. Such features create memorable campus and District identities and become recognized icons. The architectural character of each TCCD campus should be preserved. Each campus has a distinct architectural style. Design excellence and ingenuity applied to each new renovation or construction project will help conserve the existing architectural integrity of color palettes and materials and forms. Wayfinding and Signage A consistent, District-wide signage system should be developed that includes, but is not limited to directional and informational signs for entries, parking lots, buildings (interior and exterior), maintenance/delivery routes and points-of-interest. Parking lot signage should include lot designations at motorist eye-level. Building signage should identify major departments and frequently used community facilities. A large campus map should be placed at the main entry of each campus. Kiosks should be placed between parking lots and major campus entry points. Kiosks should include a detailed campus map with points of interest, such as the Bookstore, Student Services, Food Services, Police, Information Desk and Administration. Campus maps within each building should be larger and more detailed. The District needs to work with the TxDOT to ensure TCCD Campus Exit signs are properly placed on all freeways. Each campus should work with the local municipality to make sure directional signage is adequately placed on major arterial routes. The Tarrant County College District has retained Freese and Nichols to prepare a Wayfinding and Signage Plan that will include specific recommendations to improve wayfinding on each campus and general design guidelines to achieve a consistent signage system for all District elements. The recommendations will appear as a separate report. Transportation/Circulation The scope of this Facilities Master Plan cannot fully address significant traffic issues at each TCCD campus. The planning team has recommended a more complete traffic study to address congestion and hazardous conditions near the entries to each campus. The plan recommends the following measures to minimize vehicle/pedestrian conflicts and increase traffic safety within each campus: Create 10- to 15-foot wide raised pedestrian pathways that are clearly marked and designated within the parking lots and at major crossing areas. Arrange the pathways and landscaping so as to encourage pedestrians to use the pathways and designated crosswalks. Place “Yield to Pedestrian” signs at all crosswalks. Create at least one covered drop-off area on each campus for handicap loading and unloading. Decrease the number and speed of service vehicles that are allowed on campus. All delivery and maintenance trucks should have approval and clearance from the Physical Plant. Only those trucks, service vehicles, and police cars that are essential to campus operations should be allowed within the campus core. Parking The number of visitor parking spaces should be increased on all campuses. Some faculty parking spaces can be made available to students in the evening. This will allow students to park closer to buildings at non-peak times. Signage and student/faculty orientation may be necessary to inform users of the hours when faculty spaces are available to students. As enrollment at each campus increases, the amount of parking for visitors, students and faculty should be increased proportionately. The different parking categories should be clearly designated and distinguished. Twenty-minute parking spaces should be provided, where possible, near the Library, Bookstore, Registrar, faculty offices, etc. Campus Buildings A major goal of the proposed renovation and new construction projects is to improve the overall functionally of each campus. Part of this process is the careful consideration of adjacencies of similar functions and the way facilities and equipment are shared. Currently, many spaces are not being used in the manner or purpose for which they were originally designed. As buildings are renovated, the highest and best use of spaces within each facility should be re-evaluated. Campus Layout and Landscaping More covered or sheltered outdoor study/gathering areas are needed on each campus. Some existing open areas can be covered and additional, site specific outdoor covered areas near academic buildings should be considered. Several designated smoking areas should be constructed on each campus. Smoking should be prohibited within a certain distance from buildings (10 to 20 feet) to prevent smokers from gathering at the entrances. Designated smoking areas should include a covered area such as a gazebo or shelter with benches, ash receptacles and other site amenities. These facilities should be attractive and comfortable to encourage smokers to use them. Significant outdoor features, such as water fountains, and supporting elements, such as benches or tables, should be added, especially in shaded areas for students and faculty to study or congregate outdoors. In some locations, aggregate concrete panels form plazas and walkways. These panels have experienced considerable vertical shift over the years and have become a tripping hazard. Maintenance and repair costs for these problems are very high. The panels should be replaced with uniform concrete or equivalent material. Student Services Student Union buildings need to be redefined on each campus for the current generation of students. The Student Union buildings should be located near the center of each campus and serve as the main gathering places for students. The Student Unions should be designed to encourage gathering and group interaction. They should also be technologically advanced with computer connections and wireless capabilities. More indoor student gathering areas with computer connections and wireless capabilities should be created throughout each campus. Student Services (Registrar, Bursar, Financial Aid, Counseling, Testing, Bookstore, Disability Services, Police, etc.) should be consolidated into a centralized ‘one-stop’ location. In many cases, students have to go to several different locations and, in some cases, several different buildings to register. This process should be simplified by consolidating all services into one facility and making all of these spaces more efficient. Old, outdated furniture, fixtures, and equipment in classrooms should be replaced. Many desks are too small to accommodate larger students and the desktops are too small to accommodate a notebook or laptop. Desk size and antiquated equipment was a common complaint of students during the planning process. Security At each campus drive entry point, there should be gates that can be locked after hours or in the event of an emergency. Outdoor lighting should be improved on all campuses. Install brighter lighting in parking lots and within the campus core. Eliminate dark spots and overgrown vegetation that obscures lighting or hides would-be predators. Emergency call boxes should be installed in strategic locations throughout each campus, especially in lots where a majority of students and faculty are parking at night. Locks should be replaced with electronic key cards at secure areas in order to monitor “last access” if necessary. Such areas include computer labs, Counseling, Testing, Bursar, and the Bookstore. Other old, outdated exterior door locks that do not work properly should be replaced. An intercom system or telephones should be placed in classrooms to contact police, health services and A/V media support. Outside lines are not recommended for classroom applications. Physical Plant All District Services should be consolidated into one location at the Northeast Campus District Physical Plant. Circulation and truck maneuvering areas around all physical plants and loading docks should be improved. Increased storage space and parking for service vehicles is badly needed at most campuses. Some campus physical plant areas are dysfunctional and have an inefficient layout. These areas need to be cleaned up and re-designed to be more efficient. Life Safety/Accessibility It is important to ensure that all exterior doors are equipped with proper exit hardware and that they do not allow individuals to be locked in. Upgrades are recommended for the emergency lighting system. Place “Emergency Exit” diagrams at all stairs and elevators and place “Tornado Shelter” signs at designated locations. Restrooms, classrooms, and public facilities need to be upgraded to be ADA compliant. All walkways and paths of travel to facilities should be accessible. Ensure that there are ADA compliant ramps to all buildings, preferably at the main entries of each building. All older buildings should be brought up to ADA compliant standards. Equipment The campus clock systems are antiquated, unreliable and difficult to repair. The parts and equipment are no longer available. This system needs to be replaced. State-of-the-art audio/visual equipment is essential to modern didactic practice. Old and inadequate equipment should be installed in existing and future classrooms per the TCCD Design Guidelines. All classrooms should have an adequate level of soundproofing. Refer to the TCCD Design Guidelines for more specific detail.
This Online Master Plan was designed and developed by Freese and Nichols, Inc. Online Services