Back See this section in context: Criterion 3 Core Component 3D

3D.1: Facilities Support Teaching and Learning

In accordance with Illinois Community College Board rules, the college has periodically developed a Facilities Master Plan, which addresses instructional and student space requirements, to guide it in setting priorities. Sauk has consistently applied for ICCB Resource Allocation and Management Plan (RAMP) funds and had reached the top of the list for projects identified in its 2000 Master Plan just as the state froze funding. In FY11, the Board of Trustees has taken the first steps to begin the 2010 Master Plan’s 15-year redesign of the campus. The first priority of three five-year phases will upgrade and improve the technology area and completely update the science laboratories and equipment.

Despite limitations in physical and financial capacity, Sauk has made carefully selected choices to maintain and improve the facility in ways that support teaching and learning:

• Technology area: A RAMP grant proposal in 2000 to move the technology area to the T-1 Building (west of the main building) was finally approved in 2005, by which time increased project costs made the project cost prohibitive. However, the college used available local funds for several small remodeling projects to improve the area’s instructional layout. The 2010 Master Plan has identified the technology area for the first phase of remodeling, scheduled for FY12.
• Art and music areas: Although the 2000 Master Plan vision of a west-end fine arts center was not possible when the technology area did not relocate to T-1, some improvements were made in 2005:
  • In the visual arts area, remodeling of the existing second floor art area created significant improvements in the program’s studio, storage, and display space.
  • The music area was expanded to accommodate a recording studio, and the piano lab was relocated to that area from the third floor.
  • The band room was relocated from a second floor area behind the gym to a basement area directly below the music area.
• Technology-enhanced classrooms: Sauk has systematically upgraded 38 of its 44 (86%) general purpose classrooms with multimedia projection equipment that enhance opportunities for student engagement activities in the lecture setting.
• Learning Resources Center: In 2003, the LRC was renovated in response to student needs resulting from “major changes in library support technology.” Renovations included the creation of computer work stations, enhancements in study and reading areas, replacement of the circulation desk and card catalog, and ADA-compliant spacing and furnishings in the study and circulation desk areas.