Charge:

The Campus Physical Planning Council advises the UMass Amherst administration on issues relating to the physical environment of all campuses and properties of UMass Amherst as they contribute to and affect the mission, goals and quality of academic life at the University. The CPPC serves as a forum for the communication and exchange of ideas and proposals regarding the physical development on the campus and its impact on the campus community, the surrounding neighborhoods, and the towns of Amherst and Hadley.

The intent of the Council’s involvement is to carry out intelligent and representative reviews of proposed projects, and to offer timely and constructive comment, expert advice, and recommendations directly to the administrative group managing the projects as well as serving as an advisory body to the Provost, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, and Faculty Senate. 

Scope of Council Reviews:
The CPPC reviews initiatives that will result in a physical alteration to the campus fabric and other univeristy properties. The types of projects that fall under the Council’s review include:
(a) Policies and priorities for existing and new buildings and structures, site conditions and findings of note, and other related issues, with consideration of the campus master plan; 
(b) Site development for buildings or landscape architectural projects such as plazas, open space areas, recreational areas, pedestrian zones, parking lots;
(c) Site development for buildings or landscape architectural projects and infrastructure such as plazas, open space areas, recreational areas, pedestrian zones, parking lots, or solar arrays and other major utility projects;
(d) General character, size, massing, materials, and construction processes of proposed new buildings or major renovations; 
(e) Proposed alterations to historic and other existing elements of the campus; 
(f) Plans for changes to the patterns of access and circulation systems on campus, and their connection to town systems; 
(g)Issues related to environmental sustainability of buildings and landscape elements; 
(h) Issues related to Frank A. Waugh Arboretum and other vegetated spaces;
(i) Policies concerning the scheduling and utilization of University academic space; and
(j) Policies designed to improve campus services.

Evaluative Criteria:
The CPPC reviews proposals to consider the general ‘fit’ between the project and a range of contextual conditions, including:
(a) The health and safety of students, employees, visitors and residents of the campus;
(b) Potential impacts on movement, physical and visual accessibility and environmental conditions in the surrounding context in which a project is located or proposed; 
(c) Incorporation of sustainable practices in site and building design and development; 
(d) The aesthetic and functional impact of the proposed development; 
(e) The impact of the proposed project on the campus master plan and future development considerations; and
(f) Use of campus for teaching and research.

Council Procedure:
The Council reviews proposals in the preliminary phase of the site selection, planning and design process at the stage when suggestions and recommendations can still be incorporated. It receives information on the projects again at the completion of key milestones during the design development stage and the project’s execution. 
(a) Facilities and Campus Services (F+CS) brings projects before the Council at the appropriate stages of planning and/or development.
(b) The Council will produce reports, in an advisory capacity, to the Provost, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and Faculty Senate through the faculty Council chair. The Council will vote on pertinent issues when necessary.
(c) F+CS provides staff support for the Council.
(d) The Council or its committees will meet monthly (generally, on the 1st Thursday of each month), 12 months per year.

(e) The Council Chair or faculty member designee may participate as member of client team on select campus (or other university-associated) projects.

Membership
Its membership shall be:
The following individuals will have voting membership on the Council:
(a) Eight Faculty Members, selected at large with an intent of broad representation from several colleges and schools;
(b) One Faculty Member from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning, one from the Department of Architecture and one Librarian;
(c) One Member from the Massachusetts Society of Professors, selected by the Massachusetts Society of Professors;
(d) The Chair of the University Public Art Committee or a designee, serving ex officio;
(e) The Director of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture or a designee, serving ex officio;
(f) The Associate Chancellor and Chief Planning Officer, serving ex officio;
(g) The Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance or a designee, serving ex officio;
(h) The Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities and Campus Services or a designee, serving ex officio;
(i) The Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs or a designee, serving ex officio;
(j) The Executive Vice Chancellor for University Relations or a designee, serving ex officio;
(k) The Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement or a designee, serving ex officio;
(l) The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life or a designee, serving ex officio;

(m)The Associate Chancellor for Equity and Inclusion or a designee, serving ex officio; 

(n) The Director of Disability Services or designee, serving ex officio;

(o) The Director of Athletics or a designee, serving ex officio;
(p) The President of the Graduate Student Senate or a designee, serving ex officio;
(q) The President of the Student Government Association or a designee, serving ex officio; and
(r)  One Graduate and one Undergraduate Students appointed by their respective governing bodies.

The following individuals will have non-voting membership on the Council:
(a) The Director of the Physical Plant;
(b) The Director of Design and Construction Management;
(c) The Director of Campus Planning;
(d) The Dean of Libraries;
(e) The Director of Environmental Health and Safety;
(f) The Director of Parking;
(g) The Director of Transit;
(h) One Representative from the Town of Hadley;
(i) One Representative from the Town of Amherst; and
(j) The Secretary of the Faculty Senate or a designee.

The Council is chaired by a faculty member elected by the faculty members from among voting Council members.

From chapter 5 section 5 of the Faculty Senate Bylaws.