Planning is important for all large organizations; universities are not exempt. Campus master planning has existed in the United States for at least two centuries, beginning with Thomas Jefferson's plan for the University of Virginia. Ancient examples can be found in Islamic campuses. Master planning assists in avoiding errors which result from planning individual projects on a piecemeal basis. Short-term decisions often give little consideration for the ramification of those decisions. Campus master plans can address an institution's long-term as well as short-term needs.
Eastern Illinois University has both vision and mission statements. There are university goals and objectives held by individual departments, colleges and divisions. Many of the goals and objectives require changes in campus facilities, buildings, and grounds in order to be achieved. A campus master plan will assist in coordinating the physical changes that must occur on campus so the goals can be achieved.
However, a master plan does not mean that unlimited resources will suddenly become available. A master plan is often used to assist in dealing with many needs and few resources. Eastern is nationally recognized for its high value and low cost; a campus master plan will assist the university in remaining a highly valued, cost effective, quality institution.
