The now-famous UB 2020 plan will put UB on track to becoming one of the nation's foremost public research universities within the next 20 years.
Some students, however, are skeptical. Yet others have their own ideas to add to the project.
According to President John B. Simpson, UB 2020 does not only imply a 20-year deadline, but it is also a metaphor implying clear vision. Under the UB 2020 plan, a hopeful view of the future for both UB and Western New York is finally within reach.
"We do not have to wait for the master plan," Simpson said. "If you haven't noticed, the shovels are already in the ground."
Behind UB 2020
An improved UB will mean a better Buffalo, as well as economic growth for the Buffalo-Niagara Region, Simpson said.
"Fifty percent of the faculty is highly interested," said Robert Shibley, director of urban design and architecture. "We are headed in a core direction."
The plan, according to Shibley, involves an additional 750 faculty members, 10,000 students and 600 staff members.
The transit system, Shibley says, is top priority. Major changes like these will not only benefit UB, but also bring business to new parts of the city. But they will never happen without the cooperation of Western New York officials.
"The three campuses will have to be connected to each other, transportation will be important," Shibley said, referring to a third campus that will be erected Downtown. "If we bring 10,000 students to this university without figuring out how to get them here, then we will have failed."
New housing for the additional students, both in Amherst and Downtown, will be necessary, fueling an increased population in both regions.
It is also their goal to integrate UB life with the community, making it a place where older and younger generations alike can hang out and share stories.
"We need memorable places to enrich our lives," Shibley said. "Places that are truly going to be cross generational."
The student response
A better transit system, improved integration in city life outside of Amherst, a nicer ambiance, and improved faculty and student relations, are all changes students at UB hope to see with UB 2020.
Senior International studies major, Andy Shea, would especially like to see an interconnection between UB and the city.
"UB is a sub-city, instead of being a part of Buffalo," Shea said. "I think this will be the first step in Buffalo working against the segregation of this city."
"Students don't always like it here and cannot get to the city due to the poor transit system," Shea continued. "Ideally what I would like to see is a safe, clean transit system."
Shea says the quality of student life at the current time is "not pleasant," because Amherst is the only place where students on North Campus can hang out. Jennifer Becker, a sophomore psychology major, and Nicole Kresse, a computer science major, agree that UB is in need of a "more pleasant atmosphere."
"I definitely want to see a nicer atmosphere here, but the thought of more students is a little scary," Becker said. "I can't even get an appointment with my adviser."
David Sobotka, a senior finance major, is also concerned that more students and faculty members focusing mainly on research will mean impaired student teacher relationships, and that the current problems will only be exacerbated.
"I would like to see more focus on the student," Sobotka said.
Within the UB 2020 regime faculty will increase along side the increase in students. Students like Becker are less likely to have problems with things like accessing an adviser.
Like Shea, Becker also wants to see an improvement in transportation. "It is such a hassle to simply get from north to south campus," Becker said. "It takes way too much time to get from one point to the next."
For students, traveling within the campus is taxing enough, however, the commuters are also concerned about the already horrific parking conditions that may only get worse.
For Shea, the parking conditions are "nightmarish," and his concern lies in finding the room for more lots. Parking tickets are a dime a dozen for students who are fed up with being late to class.
"I've paid $120 in parking tickets this year," Sobotka said. "I have missed important exams in the past and can't let it happen again."
Sobotka is not willing to let parking stand in the way of his grades, so as most students do, he withstands the abundance of tickets.
Commuters are concerned with more than the parking situation but also better conditions on campus are certainly desired.
"There is a pretty large amount of commuters at this school and we don't even have a commuter lounge anymore," said Matt Rogers, a senior business major. "I would hope that the transformation will involve better conditions for commuters.
Student Association president Viqar Hussain anticipates this path to prominence and is thrilled about the future of UB.
He believes that the problems addressed will be taken care of in due time.
"I'm thrilled," Hussain said. "The potential is huge, I can't wait to come back and witness what becomes of it."
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
