Review and Approval of Facilities for Research on Living Organisms and Greenhouse Christopher Dinno, Senior Director for Facilities Management presented a concept rendering for the proposed relocation of one of the existing Greenhouses on campus and the addition of a scientifically termed Head House and a Small Living Organism Facility. The design of the Head House and Small Living Organism Facility would be consistent with the existing facilities. Dr. Richard Whitkus, Department Chair of Biology informed committee members that the funding for this project is contingent upon receiving grant funding through the National Science Foundation (NSF) that the School of Science and Technology applied for in August 2009. Whitkus explained that this project has several components which will benefit research efforts to improve and enhance the Biology Department. Whitkus informed committee members that the existing middle greenhouse should be reoriented to an east-west axis to improve conditions necessary for the propagation of plants. All existing greenhouses are in need of new infrastructure which includes upgrading the existing temperature controllers, lighting and humidity controllers. To support the revitalization of the greenhouses, a new Head House will be constructed which will provide an outdoor covered area for plant preparation and potting, and interior spaces for potting plants, storage, benches, an office and a restroom facility. An addition of a Small Living Organism Facility is also being proposed. President Armiñana inquired about the size of the animals that would be housed in the facility. Whitkus responded animals smaller than an elephant seal. Whitkus informed members that this facility is necessary as when the greenhouses were relocated in 2004 due to the Recreation Center Construction, the Small Living Organism Facility was not replaced and while Darwin Hall has a cold room, it is not sufficient for the needs of the department. The proposed facility would restore the department’s research capacity. The facility will include an observation space, sink area, and storage spaces. Nate Johnson, Senior Director for Police and Parking Services/Chief of Police inquired about the level of security that the Small Living Organism Facility would have. Whitkus responded that the facility would be occupied by two people at all times when in use and access to the facility would be limited to only those who are licensed to obtain the small animals. Elizabeth Chellini inquired about vehicle and pedestrian traffic on Laurel Drive. Dinno responded that there is a fair amount of westbound traffic in the morning but it decreases by mid day. Dr. Scott Severson, Faculty Representative inquired about the timing of the project from start to finish. Whitkus replied that the grant was applied for in August 2009 and it may be two years before funding is approved. Severson inquired about how long small animals would be kept in the facility to which Whitkus replied less than 24 hours.