Guiding Principles

The Newark Campus Capacity Study began by recognizing our rich history and the importance of preserving what has been built by previous generations. The process also sought to identify opportunities to strengthen our leadership in research and higher education. Five principles were established to guide the future physical development of the campus:

1. Campus Experience

Enhancing the campus experience focuses on making it easy for students and faculty to meet and exchange ideas, both formally and informally, through the kind of planning that encourages people to mingle and to benefit from being part of our increasingly diverse and multicultural campus community. This can be achieved by such means as providing a center of activity that brings together social and recreational activities and extending the richness of the undergraduate experience to graduate students through a close-knit mix of academic and student life activities.

2. Campus Capacity and Architecture

A strategic use of height and density is needed to maintain a compact and collegial campus-and avoid sprawl-as we grow to meet our modern needs. This includes considering the highest and best use for potential building sites. At the same time, we are committed to maintaining the architectural richness of the campus core, while allowing for more flexibility at the perimeter of campus.

3. Campus Connectivity

As the University engages in increasingly interdisciplinary research and programs-work that is key to addressing some of the world's most pressing issues, from globalization to climate change-we need a campus that facilitates interaction and collaboration. We want to preserve and enhance open space and pedestrian movement, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing experience from one end of the campus to the other. A well-connected campus also will balance pedestrian, bicycle, personal vehicle and bus circulation.

4. Sustainable Growth

Through sustainable and efficient use of its natural systems and buildings, we can grow to meet present and future needs while extending the quality of excellence of the campus environment. We plan to develop in a way that is environmentally responsible and makes use of the University's many resources and its research expertise to put us at the forefront of sustainable design and environmental stewardship.

5. Community Engagement

The University of Delaware is an integral part of the city of Newark and the state of Delaware, offering students, faculty and staff the benefits of being part of an accessible surrounding community. We want to invest in campus growth and infrastructure that is mutually beneficial to the University and that wider community. As we go forward, we will plan collaboratively with local, regional and state organizations.