President's Message

October 7, 2011

The University at Buffalo is a flagship of the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive institution, serving nearly 29,000 students on three campuses. The university is a major presence and partner in the Buffalo-Niagara region, which is home to 1.5 million residents and is the second-largest metropolitan area in New York State. UB’s three campuses are located in downtown Buffalo, in an historic neighborhood on the northern edge of the city, and in suburban Amherst.

Recognizing the key role that a vibrant 21st century physical campus environment plays in enhancing education, research, and learning, UB is implementing a long-range plan for making its North, South, and Downtown campus spaces more functional, beautiful, and sustainable. In support of its ongoing pursuit of academic excellence, UB continues to invest in creating optimal teaching and learning, research, and library facilities, as well as the shared public spaces that are vital to fostering a robust campus community. The Facilities Master Plan builds on the ideas generated in the UB 2020 Comprehensive Master Plan and provides an implementation strategy for these plans.

I am grateful to the State University Construction Fund and to consultant RTKL for their work and leadership in this significant undertaking. Consultants received valuable feedback from the Deans and Vice Presidents throughout the process that has culminated in this Facilities Master Plan, which will be a valuable tool in reaching our ambitious academic and campus goals. I am pleased to endorse the findings and outcomes of the plan, and I look forward to seeing these plans realized as we move forward in preparing UB’s campuses for excellence in the 21st century.

Sincerely,

Satish K. Tripathi

President