Looking east, examining priorities

What Penn will look like 10, 20 or more years from now is a topic of much debate on this campus. Adding to the discussion is a survey that was recently circulated by the Campus Expansion Committee to faculty and leaders of student organizations. The survey solicited feedback on what the University could do to improve in a laundry list of categories ranging from classrooms to performing arts. Certainly there is plenty of room in here for each group to outline what new and better amenities they would want for their constituencies. You cannot blame them for shooting for the moon, especially with the blank canvas that is the postal lands. But is this really the best way to go about planning the future direction of Penn? We already know that more study space is needed. We already know there is a need for performing-arts space. We already know what student groups are going to say they want in a perfect world. While it is very important to involve as many stakeholders as possible in this process, what needs to happen is a very fundamental look at what people's basic needs are. Students, in particular, need a place to sleep, eat and study. That must not be lost in this race to get the biggest offices and nicest performing-arts space. Penn needs a vision for its new eastern face. That vision must appeal not only to the core academic mission of serving students and faculty, but also in welcoming Philadelphia to take part in what its largest university has to offer. After all, Penn is one of the first things visitors see when they enter the city from 30th Street Station or the Schuylkill Expressway. Making a good impression is important both for the University and for the city. Recent efforts have strengthened Penn's position as a destination that is unique from Center City. That is one goal that should be at the forefront in any expansion. New retail and dining corridors should cater to both students and city residents alike. Creating hubs and plazas that bring people together would add that one piece that is really missing from Penn. These are all vital additions, but the most important campus development will focus on academic and residential space. New classrooms should focus on expanding technology use and providing more study space. New departmental offices will allow for faculty to teach and work in the same facility. New residential facilities must focus on providing nicer and more modern housing for undergraduates as well as space for them to extend their studies. Focusing on the needs of specific groups is important. But when it comes to devising a plan and prioritizing development money, the expansion committee must go back to basics. Start with the core needs of people that will be using the space and deal with those issues first. Then worry about where a cappella groups will practice.

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