Cornell's Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP) initiative to guide the long-term physical development of the Ithaca campus in concert with the university's academic goals over the next 10 to 25 years is well underway, and information about the CMP is now available online at http://www.masterplan.cornell.edu/.

The online site describes the purpose of the plan, the planning process itself, background on the Toronto-based consultant team and related planning initiatives on campus as well as news and upcoming events. Its home page includes a link to the transportation-focused Generic Environmental Impact Statement, a vital initiative that will be closely coordinated with the CMP. The site also provides answers to frequently asked questions. Visitors are encouraged to respond with ideas or questions via e-mail.

"There have been campus-wide plans in the past that responded to the planning needs of the time, but this effort is unique," said Mina Amundsen, university planner and co-chair of the CMP Working Committee. "The planning needs of the future campus require more of an integrated approach."

The CMP, launched in April, will serve as a flexible and authoritative frame of reference as the university adapts to ever-changing research, teaching, residential and recreational priorities. But just as importantly, sustainable development and environmental stewardship are central themes of the overall plan. Planning principles, a physical framework and design guidelines will provide a basis for future development decisions.

CMP planners are now in the outreach, information and analysis phase of the three-part project. Input is being sought from all campus constituencies as well as city, county and state representatives. Ultimately, the plan will address all facets of the physical campus, including the way Cornell uses its land, the arrangement and scale of buildings, and the nature and function of the landscape. The CMP will be designed to incorporate ongoing or proposed projects, such as the new Life Science Technology Building now under construction.

The plan also will respond to the unique natural setting of the campus and the character of surrounding neighborhoods.

Developing the plan is a process involving a three-tiered interrelated committee system that represents the entire university, from senior administrators, planners and faculty to graduate and undergraduate students as well as employees. The site provides a full list of all committee members.

The CMP is scheduled for completion in fall 2007.