The role of a master plan in the context of an educational institution such as the University of South Alabama is to create a framework for future growth and development. This framework responds to the institution's mission, goals, and programmatic needs by enhancing the physical environment and the facilities of the campus. It evaluates and presents recommendations on elements of campus organization, and landscape enhancements. The master plan does not have to be completely adhered to item-by-item, but serves as a guideline or a philosophy. This guideline is flexible enough to allow for future modifications without making a total assessment each time a new issue is presented. It also provides a timeframe and order that best accomplishes the goals of the master plan by looking a both short-range and long-range needs of the campus. When fully implemented, the master plan will provide for the University an attractive campus that promotes intellectual and social interchange between student, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community.

The foundation of this Campus Facilities Master Plan is formed by the University's strategic goals and the objectives to meeting those goals as set forth in the institution's Visions planning document. The individual construction and renovation projects described in the Master Plan provide the physical resources to foster accomplishment of the University's purpose and can be related to the strategic goals adopted by the University long-range Planning Committee and adopted by the Board of Trustees.

The University Space and Facilities Committee is responsible for implementation of the Campus Facilities Master Plan. The Committee, a standing committee of the institution, provides a vehicle for discussion and decision involving faculty, staff, students, and administrators. Oversight of implementation of the Campus Facilities Master Plan is specified in the revised charge to the Committee.

The University Space and Facilities Committee is responsible for reviewing each project in the Campus Facilities Master Plan in the context of

1. the project's responsiveness to programmatic needs identified in the University's strategic goals and objectives as set forth in the Visions planning document;
2. application of institutional design standards for architecture and landscape architecture; and
3. emerging objectives and challenges related to the institution's enrollment, program development, and finances.