In Attendance: Claire W. Putala, Chair; Richard Back, R. Mark Cole, Chris Hepplethwaite, Michael Moran, Andy Nelson, Gurdeep Skolnik, and Matt Spindler,

I. Chair's report:

a.  Claire provided an overview for the new as well as "old" members, recapping the work of the committee over the past few years regarding the Academic Quad. She noted that the design principles suggested by and hammered out by the Committee were an integral part of the design immediately surrounding the Campus Center: curves (including arcs and crescents!), a variety of greenery and materials, She also reported that she had provided a report of this work to the Campus Concept Committee and shared her copy with members.

b. She noted that new avenues would be an on-going topic of discussion.

c. She noted CEAC's inherent strengths and frustrations: Yes, it had no actual "clout" but in the long run its work had made a positive difference to the campus.

d. Reference was also made to CEAC's underlying Principles and Purposes as advocates for a better campus.

II. The next order of business was the reading and passing of the Minutes of 5. 17. 06.

III. In a discussion of new directions, the current state of the campus came into view. The walkways around the new campus center were discussed with new member Mike commenting upon the disjointed state of the campus at present: several buildings undergoing construction of one sort or another; and piping work and pedestrian walkways somewhat of a challenge. Matt noted that the campus seemed to have a large proportion of concrete relative to green space. The flow and areas around Hart and Funelle were noted as areas that could use some thought and the issue of Signage was raised.  It was suggested that providing walkways with names, having sign posts, directional signs, reflection trails, etc. could help signal a cross-campus, unifying pedestrian spine, a long standing CEAC goal (and  now perhaps within reach) as noted by Chris.

IV. Chris also raised the issue of Recycling which seemed to have run into some issues of late, asking if there were a written policy and suggested bringing this up as an issue. Discussion followed with Mark noting the history of rubbish and recycling on campus.

V. Talk turned to CEAC's mission with Chris calling for a review of our principles and purposes. Andy noted that CEAC had never been highly structured and spoke to such advantages as well as the advantages of having no authority: Being a committee of "advice and influence" provided freedom to range over a variety of issues. He also noted that CEAC over time has been a place to share ideas across departments and professional areas. Not having to be concerned about implementation could be seen as a strength, with Chris noting that we were not experts but very much concerned with the ecology and aesthetics of the campus.

VI. New members were asked about their perspectives and ideas, Matt wondered about Glimmerglass and its health regarding phosphorus content and sediments, Andy noted that the presence of carp suggested the pond was not dead. Matt went on to suggest that an aerating fountain could improve its health. Rick asked about the constructed wetland and the possibility of retention ponds. Out of this discussion arose the idea of having an aeration system, a possible replacement for the fountain lost to the construction.

VII. Mike noted that the Student and Housing Departments were interested in identifying and/or developing campus landmarks for students to increase their connectivity and attachment to the campus.

VIII. Chris was asked to review the notion of "Forever Wild" which had been a concept in years' past. Committee members spoke to this issue which seems to have been in abeyance of late.

IX. As the last order of business, echoing a suggestion made this past spring of the possibility of identifying a walkway on the near side of Glimmerglass, Andy led members on a possible siting  of such a walk: across the grass, down the hill, following the ravine, passing by Mahar, and ending at the lake. The trek yielded both immediate pleasure and valuable potential opportunities for consideration:

            * The area traversed offers a variety of campus views,

            * has topological variations,

            * is of interest for a variety of flora and fauna including warbler migration,

            * as a walkway could help connect "dead" areas at both ends of Mahar on its west side with this interesting, "alive" landscape,  

            * could be realized, as especially noted by Rick, as an area of biology instruction, especially near the  area of the mouth of the creek and around the constructed wetland.

Respectfully submitted:

Claire W. Putala

November 12, 2006.