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UNLV is hosting an informational open house 4-6 p.m. April 18 for members of the community who may be interested in learning about the university's facilities master plan.

UNLV has embarked upon a 20-month planning process that will determine the physical appearance of the 337-acre campus for years to come, according to President Carol C. Harter. Because the quality of the physical environment has a tremendous influence on the image of the institution, the comprehensive master plan also serves as a guide for shaping the campus environment in support of the university's academic mission.

"This is an exciting opportunity for us to establish patterns and characteristics that will maintain the unique quality of UNLV's campus and facilities while identifying opportunities for growth," Harter said. "We are placing a high priority on engagement and interaction with the community in this process. It will be most helpful to the university if interested members of the community provide input that will help us identify critical issues."

Members of the public are invited to stop by the events room in the UNLV Foundation Building any time between 4 and 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, to learn more about the master planning process and provide input on such issues as buildings, landscape, architectural design, and regional campuses. The informal open house will be a time to gather information and assemble a prioritized list of physical planning issues to be considered by the consultants who have been retained to assist with the plan.

The university has contracted with SmithGroup JJR of Ann Arbor, Mich., national specialists in campus planning, to guide the effort. A consultant team that includes Stanley Consultants of Las Vegas and Orth-Rodgers Associates of Summerlin will help address infrastructure and transportation issues.

As the planning process proceeds, university faculty, staff, and students, as well as members of the community, will meet with the consultants to discuss the full range of issues and options.

The master planning process began in February 2002. It is divided into two phases with a final completion targeted for October 2003. The first phase -- discovery -- will be complete by June 2002. This phase will identify critical facility and infrastructure requirements to be included in the next biennial budget. The second phase will include more detailed idea generation, refinement of the plan, and presentation of the final results.

For more information, please call 895-2500.