What can we, as students, expect from the University of Tennessee at Martin in the next few years? Lots of big changes are scheduled in education and architectural goals according to the Master Plan and the three-year plan.

Both the Master plan and the Three-year plan work together for the good of the University, but they are two different entities.

The Master plan deals with the facilities on campus. In other words, the physical buildings in which we reside and take classes in. It is a ten-year plan and is updated every year.

The main thing the Master plan is going to focus on in the future is the dorm situation.

As of now, the University plans to demolish Ellington, Austin Peay, Browning, and McCord Halls and replace them with apartment style dorms with single rooms built around a common living area.

"Movement is slated to begin during the latter part of 2004," said Chancellor Nick Dunagan. "We plan to have some new housing by fall of 2005."

Like the Master plan, the Three-year plan is also updated every year, but it is different in that it deals with educational programs and like its name is only a three-year outline.

"The Three year plan is a blueprint for where the University should be, and how each unit, such as Academic Affairs and various other departments on campus, contributes to it," said Dunagan." The faculty and staff assess each year's progress and shortcomings and then modify the plan each year."

This year the Three-year plan is going to focus more on online courses and the Bachelor of University Studies program.

"We would rather do the things we are doing in the right sort of way than start additional programs," said Dunagan. "People want a degree, and more online courses equals more opportunities for them."

The specific goals outlined in the Three-year plan for the University are as follows.

• To enhance the quality of all academic programs

• To offer student services and create an atmosphere that enhances the collegiate experience for all students while recognizing and celebrating our diversity.
• To reach optimal levels of student enrollment through effective recruitment and retention methods.
• To effectively manage human, fiscal, and physical resources.
• To advance UTM's public image, philanthropic, or fund-raising, support, and alumni involvement.