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The plan, while impacting every student in a majority of ways, speaks directly to sports enthusiasts in part 5.1, which speaks of the renovation of old structures and the building of new ones. Specifically 5.1.B. intends to “design and build a student center that meets the educational, social, and community needs of the university.”

“The building of new facilities and revitalization of current ones are stressed, not only for the students but for sports as well. It is to our advantage to accommodate fitness and health needs,” said Head Men’s Soccer Coach Andy Coutts. Coutts is a member of the Teaching and Learning Framework portion of the Strategic Planning Team, chaired by Professor of Physics Andy Rundquist.

Chair of the Strategic Planning process Ed Butterfoss said via e-mail that the building of a new student center is one of the top priorities of the planning process, and although it will require substantial resources and planning, he believes President Hanson will work to accomplish the goal of getting it built as quickly as possible.

This news is undoubtedly pleasing for many student organizations, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts currently scrapping for the limited space offered by the current student center. Although not explicit in the text of the Strategic Planning document but much talked about and assumed by some of its community members is the building and/or expanding of a new fitness center, which would significantly lighten the traffic during team and Hartman workouts.

“A new student center was identified as a need here. We talked about it the whole time. It was something that was appreciated by everybody; students, faculty, and staff,” said the Chair of Learning and Living Spaces Team Kate Connors.

“It’s pretty clear that a new student center is a huge priority,” said Professor of Economics and Lead of the Stewardship and Resources Team Jenny Keil.

She said the goal of the Strategic Plan is to give the President a compelling case to go to donors. “I think we have done this,” said Keil.

In total, the Strategic Planning Committee has six frameworks, or teams, and each group has a leader and what could be considered an assistant framework leader. Each group then has an additional 10 to 13 members made up of faculty, staff, and students.

A broad definition of their intentions could be supplied by the Committee’s interpretation of Hamline’s mission. “To create a diverse and collaborative community of learners dedicated to the development of students’ knowledge, values, and skills for successful lives of leadership, scholarship, and service.”

“Throughout the process the broad goals become more specific. I think it will have a great impact on the university and I think the board is excited to receive it,” said Dan O’Brien, member of the Stewardship and Resources Team.

“All six groups have contributed significantly and the plan is now open to the university to make suggestions,” said Coutts.
The final version will go to the Board of Trustees on May 11.