The consultants have finished their work. The steering committee has adopted their recommendations. Early next year, President Mote will present the completed plan to the Board of Regents and the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Their acceptance will enable us to mobilize the transformation envisioned by the consultants and the committee.

In fact, parts of the plan are already having an impact on campus development. Facilities Management is already taking aspects of the plan into account in the siting of planned buildings and parking facilities to ensure environmental enhancement and protection of campus open space. Full implementation will take years, but some of the most dramatic aspects could begin to take shape very quickly, including the establishment of a shuttle loop and restricting vehicular access to some streets, opening the way for improved pedestrian movement.

Some of these measures will take some getting used to, but the pay-off will be greater ease in getting around the campus. Even more important will be a greater sense of community and pride in being part of an institution that does not end at the boundary of the campus, but rather becomes part of the community, enhancing and enriching our environment and all the members of our community.