Table of Contents
I. UCONN 2000: THE UPDATE
II. ACTIVITIES COMPLETED OR UNDERWAY:

• PLANNING, DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT
• CONSTRUCTION
• FINANCE
• PRIVATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT

IV. CURRENT PROJECT STATUS (as of October, 1998)
V. CURRENT PROJECTS FUND SOURCES: UCONN 2000 (as of October, 1998)
CHARTS

 

UCONN 2000: THE UPDATE

This is the seventh in a series of semi-annual reports to the Governor and the General Assembly pursuant to the provisions of Sections 10a-109 through 10a-109m of the Connecticut General Statutes, originally An Act to Enhance the Infrastructure of the University of Connecticut, and now known as UCONN 2000.

While UCONN 2000 is appropriately viewed as a program to rebuild, renew and enhance the University’s physical infrastructure, its ultimate goal is much broader: to attract Connecticut’s high achieving students as part of the state’s commitment to maintain a top notch workforce. With only three years of construction completed, the program is already demonstrating its success with this fall’s student enrollment. 1998 freshman enrollment has jumped nearly 17 percent over the prior year, and minority enrollment is up 27 percent. Equally impressive, the average SAT score of the freshman class is eight points higher than last year’s class. In the past, survey data indicated that the regrettable state of the campus was a prime reason accepted students chose to attend college elsewhere. This year, no surveys are necessary. The quality, diversity and size of UConn’s freshman class speaks for itself.

UCONN 2000: ACTIVITIES COMPLETED OR UNDERWAY

PLANNING, DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT

• The Board of Trustees at its May 27, 1998 meeting approved the following list of Year 4 (FY 1998-99) projects:

Fairfield Road Pedestrian Mall	$ 5,874,000
Equipment Replacement/Upgrade	$16,545,000
School of Business	$17,888,000
School of Pharmacy	$ 3,856,000
Stamford Downtown Campus	$ 4,000,000
Underground Steam/Water Upgrade	$ 3,000,000
Deferred Maintenance Renovation Lump Sum	$13,148,000
TOTAL:	$64,311,000

• Bids were received on the Litchfield Agricultural Center project on July 3, 1998. The bids received were over the budget available for the project. The project is being redesigned and will be rebid in November 1998. This $1,350,000 facility will contain approximately 10,000 square feet of space for the Cooperative Extension service in Litchfield County. The Litchfield Agricultural Center is dedicating a $350,000 grant to augment the $1,000,000 available through UCONN 2000 funding. It is estimated that the construction will be completed in the fall of 1999.

• Construction document drawings are being prepared for a new School of Business Administration building. This 100,000 square foot building will be built on Hillside Road across from the Gampel Pavilion. This project’s funding will be augmented by $4 million to be raised from private donations. The project will be bid in December 1998. The pre-qualification process for general contractors has begun.

• Program planning for the Student Union project is underway. This project, which will include renovations and a major addition to the current facility, has a primary goal of expanding the range and quality of activities available to students in the campus core. To be completed in November 1998, the program plan is a necessary precursor to the design phase.

• Schematic design drawings for the renovations of the Waring building have been completed. Present plans are for the building to house the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offices, the English Department and the Geography Department. The project includes the creation of additional classrooms. This project will be bid in summer of 1999. Waring formerly housed the Chemistry program, which is currently moving to its new home — the first academic facility built under UCONN 2000.

• Design development drawings are under review for the renovation of the Northwest Quad Dormitories, including a new Central Dining Facility for the complex, which will eliminate the small kitchens that currently exist in each of the seven buildings. This change will significantly reduce operating costs for dining services while freeing up additional program support space in each building. The dorm rooms will be renovated similar to the rooms at the new South Campus Dormitories. The project will be bid in summer of 1999.

• After further evaluation the University has decided to relocate the planned Central Warehouse Facility due to the discovery of solid waste at the initial project site. The project is being redesigned with bidding scheduled for the winter of 1999.

• Architectural design is underway for an addition to Storrs Hall for the School of Nursing. Funds for the addition will be raised through private donations while funds for renovation of the existing facility will come through UCONN 2000. The project schedule will be dependent on these fundraising activities.

• The Facilities Management Home Page on the World Wide Web continues to be very successful in providing information to interested parties. The site has been visited over 8,129 times since its introduction in October 1996. It provides an e-mail alert list for those firms with Internet access in order to inform them of project opportunities at the University as part of UConn’s efforts to provide wider distribution of professional service solicitations.

• Since the last report, three bond authorizations for projects authorized prior to UCONN 2000 have received favorable action by the State Bond Commission. These are the last of the pre-UCONN 2000 projects that required State Bond Commission action. These projects are:

• Mansfield Training School Improvements

• Gant Plaza Deck Repair

• Renovation & Code Requirements Improvements at Waterbury

• As part of the building and renovation program, the University of Connecticut is in the process of standardizing building systems and system components (such as electrical circuitry, panel boxes, etc.). This standardization process will reduce the number of replacement parts the University needs to inventory, speed repairs, improve the level of maintenance and lower overall costs.

• The success of the Owners Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP) continues, enabling the University to use savings to add scope of work within budget for each project. The University is looking into carrying the OCIP into Phase II UCONN 2000 projects.

• The University of Connecticut has announced a partnership with Pfizer, Inc., for the building of a facility on the Storrs campus that will house an Animal Vaccine Research Center. Pfizer, Inc., will fund the building project on land leased from the University for one dollar a year. The University will occupy 20% of the space in the building. This collaboration will serve as a model for the University as it explores other activities with Connecticut industry. The Environmental Assessment draft for the project is now being circulated for public comment. Construction is scheduled to begin in December 1998.

Responses were due on October 7, 1998 for the selection of an architectural firm for the design of a University Visitors Center. This project is funded through a private gift and will provide a central location to offer visitors tours and information about the University and University events. The likely site for the Center is on North Eagleville Road, near the new parking garage, the Alumni House and the planned University Programs building (see below).

• Responses were due on October 29, 1998 from architectural firms for renovations at the Law School. This project will provide for the phased renovation of several buildings, including the old Law School Library Building.

• Final designs are being completed for the University Programs building. This project is being built on land leased from the University by the University of Connecticut Foundation to house the Foundation’s private fundraising activities. Construction activities will begin in November 1998. Funding for the project is being obtained by the Foundation.

• Advertisements were placed for the selection of an architect for the new School of Pharmacy project. Nineteen firms responded; six firms were interviewed for the project. The firm of Davis, Brody Bond was selected. The project provides for the construction of a 120,000 square foot facility.

CONSTRUCTION

• Classes began in January 1998 at the new downtown Stamford facility. This project, which involved the renovation of the 230,000 square foot building formerly occupied by Bloomingdale’s, was open for instructional activity 16 months after construction started. The building was dedicated in April with all final construction activity (short of punchlist) completed in September. The project moved forward despite the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Guy F. Atkinson Company, the parent firm of this project’s general contractor, Walsh Construction Company of Trumbull, Connecticut.

• Construction activity is continuing on the Avery Point Marine Science project. This project includes a new 116,000 square foot research building, a 30,000 square foot Project Oceanology building, and a new central chilled water plant. This project will be completed in May 2000. The contractor on the project is C.R. Klewin of Norwich, Connecticut.

• Occupancy of the Chemistry building began in September 1998. The six-floor building is a 200,000 square foot steel structure with block/brick face and metal roof construction. It houses teaching, research and administrative facilities, with each occupying a separate wing. Construction of the building began December 2, 1996 and final punchlist activities will be complete in December 1998. At present, many faculty and graduate students have moved into lab and office space; classes are scheduled to begin in the new facility at the start of next semester.

• The South Campus Residential and Dining Hall saw the three dormitory facilities ready for occupancy in August 1998. The dining facility will be completed in November 1998. The dormitories will house 674 students with a suite set-up. Some groups of students have chosen to live in academic clusters where students who share a major can live and learn together. The Honors Program is also housed in South Campus, which was designed specifically to include instructional space. Construction on this project began in June 1997.

• Construction activity continues on the Biological Sciences project. The contractor is HRH/Atlas of Stamford, Connecticut. The building is a seven-story 145,000 square foot facility designed for biology and physics research. The exterior of the building will be brick veneer; a glass greenhouse will occupy the roof. The project is scheduled for completion in August 1999.

• During the summer the centralized chilled water and emergency power portions of the Central Heating Plant project were completed so that the Chemistry building could be occupied. This project will provide for centralized chilled water, fire pumps, and emergency power for all buildings in the central campus and technology quad areas. The project will also provide for the connection of chilled water, fire protection, emergency power, primary power, telecommunications, steam and domestic water within a utility tunnel in the technology quad. The project is scheduled for completion February 1999 and serves as an excellent example of the University’s commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility for the entire UCONN 2000 effort. The contractor for this project is Precision Power Incorporated of Hamden, Connecticut.

• Construction on the South Campus Chiller project was completed in August 1998. This project provides chilled water, centralized fire protection, and emergency power to the south side of campus. The general contractor on this project was Konover Construction of West Hartford, Connecticut. The ability to sequence and construct planned centralized utility systems as part of the larger building program is a critical component of the UCONN 2000 program.

• Construction continues for the Music and Drama/Music Additions and Renovations project. Renovations to the Drama/Music building were completed this summer. Structural steel has been put into place for the new Orchestra and the Music Library Buildings. The project is scheduled for completion in September 1999. The general contractor for this project is O&G Industries of Torrington, Connecticut.

• OThe new Dairy Bar portion of the White Building Code Improvements project will be occupied in October 1998. The remainder of the project is scheduled for completion May 1999. The general contractor on this project is Carlin Construction of Waterford, Connecticut. The Diary Bar, already one of the campus’ most popular spots, promises to be an even greater success serving ice cream in its new home.

• On October 2, 1998 a construction contract was awarded to HRH/Altas of Stamford, Connecticut for the construction of Agricultural Biotechnology Center project. This building will contain research activities of the College of Agricultural and Natural Resources. Funding for the project consists of UCONN 2000 and federal funds. Project completion is scheduled for the fall of 1999.

• The Fairfield Road Pedestrian Mall project construction is moving at a rapid pace. This project, which is a key component of the University Master Plan, will change the center of the campus into a pedestrian environment, vastly enhancing aesthetics, safety and the opportunity of social interaction. Included in the project is the creation of an underground utility tunnel that will provide for efficient (and easily maintained) central chilled water, heating, emergency power, and fire protection to the central campus buildings including the new School of Business, new School of Pharmacy, Student Union, and Babbidge Library. The general contractor for this project is Precision Power, Incorporated of Hamden, Connecticut. The project is scheduled for completion in December 1998.

• The Mansfield Road Shuttle Bus project will be complete on October 15, 1998. This project, which includes many pedestrian path improvements, will enable the University to add an internal campus shuttle loop to its expanding transportation service system. Convenient access to the central core of campus is a critical component of a pedestrian centered campus.

• Babbidge Library repairs are scheduled for completion in mid October 1998 under the management of the Department of Public Works.

FINANCE

As of September 30, 1998, $382 million of the $962 million in authorizations for UCONN 2000 projects had been allocated and approved for bonding by the Board of Trustees and the Governor. On February 21, 1996, the University, in conjunction with the Office of the State Treasurer, issued $83.9 million of “The University of Connecticut General Obligation (GO) Bonds 1996 Series A” secured by the State’s Debt Service Commitment. This was followed by General Obligation Debt Service Commitment bond issuances of $124.4 million in April 1997 and $99.5 million in June 1998. Through these issuances, the University funded $303 million for projects.

Major projects funded with proceeds of these issuances include: the Chemistry Building, the Stamford Downtown Campus, the Avery Point Marine Sciences Research Center, the Parking Garage, the Agricultural Biotechnology Facility, the Technology Quadrant Phase IA, the Heating Plant Upgrade, Deferred Maintenance work and Capital Equipment purchases.

As of October 8, 1998 the UCONN 2000 Debt Service Commitment Bonds were rated AA by Standard & Poor’s, A-1 by Moody’s Investors Service, and AA- by Fitch Investors Service. In addition, certain maturities of bonds are insured with AAA rated municipal bond insurance. The University and the Office of the State Treasurer together managed the Debt Service Commitment Bond sale process.

Pursuant to the Indenture of Trust, during June 1998, the construction fund proceeds from the Debt Service Commitment 1998-A Bond Issue, and a small amount of remaining proceeds from the previous issue, were deposited to State Street Bank & Trust, as Trustee, with the directive that the Trustee invest the proceeds so deposited in the State Treasurer’s Short Term Investment Fund. This fund is “AAA” rated and offers daily liquidity and historically attractive risk-adjusted yields.

On February 4, 1998, the University issued $33.6 million of the University of Connecticut Student Fee Revenue Bonds 1998 Series A, of which $30 million was used to fund the South Campus Residence and Dining Hall project. The University managed the issuance and sale of the UCONN 2000 Student Fee Revenue Bonds 1998 Series A, and realized a favorable true interest cost over the twenty-nine year term. The main source of repayment of the bonds is an Infrastructure Maintenance Fee paid by students, with additional funding from other University sources.

The majority of the Student Fee Revenue Bonds 1998 Series A proceeds are being used to finance a portion of the cost of the South Campus project, including dormitories and a consolidated dining hall facility. Additionally, part of the proceeds was used to fund a Special Capital Reserve Fund. The University has invested the bond proceeds in suitable investment obligations pursuant to the Indenture of Trust.e.

The State SCRF enhancement allowed the bonds to obtain a “AA-” rating from Standard & Poor’s with a positive outlook, a “AA-” rating from Fitch Investors Service, and a “A-1” rating from Moody’s Investors Service. The bonds were subsequently insured by MBIA and upgraded to a “AAA” rating category at Fitch and Standard Poor’s and “Aaa” at Moody’s Investors Service. On October 8, 1998, Standard & Poor’s upgraded the underlying rating to AA .

The University, in conjunction with the Office of the State Treasurer, currently anticipates offering a new Debt Service Commitment Bond issue around March of 1999. Generally, the University plans on issuing a series of Debt Service Commitment Bonds at least every twelve months.

Additionally, at some future point, the University could issue Special Obligation Revenue Bonds for certain projects determined to have the capacity to be financially self-sufficient. An example of an undertaking that may warrant such is a “Greek” housing project for fraternities and sororities on campus.

PRIVATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT

• The UCONN 2000 endowment matching gift program has been a resounding success, resulting in unprecedented levels of giving from alumni and other friends of the University.

• To date, the $20 million in 1:1 match of state funds to private gifts as provided by the original UCONN 2000 legislation is either in-hand or fully committed. During the first year of the program, $9.1 million in match-eligible gifts was received. During calendar year 1997, an additional $6.5 million was received and, $1.6 million was received in calendar year 1998 as of June 30th. The remaining $2.8 million is scheduled to be collected by December 31, 1998.

• The $9.1 million in state funds to match the private gifts received in 1996 was transferred by the state to the University in December 1997 and immediately invested.

• In February 1998, the Board of Trustees submitted to the State a request for $6.8 million in matching funds to be paid against the endowment gifts received in 1997.

• IIn recognition of the program’s success, the General Assembly enacted a continuation and restructuring of the match on a 1:2 basis (one state dollar to every two private dollars). From Fiscal Year 2000 to Fiscal Year 2007, the state grant will total up to $52.5 million, depending on the level of match-eligible donations actually received. To date, $2.4 million in pledges has been received as part of the 1:2 matching gift program.

• The size of individual gifts has increased dramatically since the inception of the UCONN 2000 matching gifts program. As of June 30, 1998, 87 donors made contributions of between $25,000 and $99,999. During the same period, 29 donors made gifts of $100,000 or more.

• The toTotal endowment assets for the University at June 30, 1998 were $128 million, including the Foundation’s total endowment assets of $123 million. Foundation endowment assets grew 43% during Fiscal Year 1998. The $123 million in Foundation assets shows excellent growth as compared to the $86 million at June 30, 1997 and the $50 million at June 30, 1995.

CURRENT PROJECT STATUS

CURRENT PROJECTS FUND SOURCES: UCONN 2000

CHARTS

Table of Contents
I. UCONN 2000: THE UPDATE
II. UCONN 2000: THE MASTER PLAN
III. ACTIVITIES COMPLETED OR UNDERWAY:

• PLANNING, DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT
• CONSTRUCTION
• PRIVATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT
• FINANCE

IV. CURRENT PROJECT STATUS (as of April, 1998)
V. CURRENT PROJECTS FUND SOURCES: UCONN 2000 (as of October, 1997)
CHARTS

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UCONN 2000: THE UPDATE

This is the sixth in a series of semi-annual reports to the Governor and the General Assembly pursuant to the provisions of Sections 10a-109 through 10a-109m of the Connecticut General Statutes, originally An Act to Enhance the Infrastructure of the University of Connecticut, and now known as UCONN 2000.

On November 14, 1997 the University Board of Trustees adopted the Master Plan, the long-range comprehensive plan for the renewal and enhancement of UCONN’s physical infrastructure. The University of Connecticut’s Master Plan was commissioned to respond to two significant events: the adoption of the Strategic Plan by the Board of Trustees in 1995 and the passage in the same year of Public Act 95-230, the law popularly referred to as UCONN 2000, by the Connecticut General Assembly. UCONN 2000 is an opportunity the likes of which the University has never before seen, and it was deemed essential that its implementation embody the Board of Trustees’ new vision for the University’s renaissance.

The Process
The development of the Master Plan took 18 months and involved hundreds of people. The planning process was overseen by the University administration and the Master Plan Advisory Committee, a group broadly representative of the University community. As a prelude to plan development, the Committee formulated the following overarching guiding themes:

Accessibility

• Create a user-friendly campus.
• Strengthen ease of navigation for those with disabilities.

• Improve safety.

• Provide adequate and convenient parking and shuttle services.

• Improve the “readability” of the campus for the visitor as well as the resident.

Flexibility

• Promote multipurpose design.

• Incorporate and understand the importance of technology infrastructure.

• Build for the future.

• Accept only qualified construction that will last over time.

• Design with long-term maintenance in mind.

• Create buildings that further our mission of teaching, research and outreach.

Aesthetics

• Facilitate an open and welcoming environment.

• Create a physical entity that reflects the quality of our academic programs.

• Maintain consistent architectural themes that blend and complement existing buildings.

• Visually capitalize on our New England heritage and beautiful surroundings.

• Maintain our historical integrity while promoting institutional capacity to address the future.

Community

• Integrate social, residential and academic life.

• Create an environment that nurtures interaction and communication.

• Provide space and amenities (both inside and outside buildings) that invite the exchange of ideas such as benches, pathways and common areas.

• Allow sufficient room for student activities.

• Emphasize a sense of community that will engender respect for our physical environment.

Commitment

• Commit to and follow through on the Master Plan once adopted.

• Accept the need to set priorities and make tough decisions.

• Coordinate with other Strategic Plan activities (especially academic priorities).

• Provide ongoing care of the physical plant.

• Establish a process for ongoing planning, review and communication/coordination with the community in which the campus is located.

Master Plan Framework
The Master Plan Advisory Committee initially focused its deliberations on the establishment of planning principles and goals. From that effort grew the primary elements of the plan and the vision of a reborn campus.

The Planning Principles are:

• Respect what is already in place.

• All campus elements must inter-relate.

• A campus is about people, not just buildings.

The Planning Goals encompass:

• Establishing a clear organizational concept.

• Developing an articulated hierarchy of space and plans.

• Creating a humane campus in space, function and materials.

• Providing a framework for growth which builds from existing elements and allows for future growth in support of the plan’s primary elements.

The Master Plan’s primary elements include:

• Pedestrian-only campus core.

• Distinct “neighborhoods” throughout campus.

• Set of major walkways, highlighted by the Academic Way.

• New open space for social and intellectual interaction.

• A major plaza in campus academic core.

The campus will feature:

• Buildings clustered around organized open space.

• A strong center of activity in the heart of campus.

• Open spaces linking the pedestrian corridor system.

• Preserved East Lawn, Mirror Lake and Swan Lake environs.

• Academic uses in the central campus area.

• Intersecting walkways and the existing campus grid.

• Open space and landscape improvements to visually unite the campus on both sides of Route 195.

• A new system of roadways, eliminating auto-pedestrian clashes.

UCONN 2000: ACTIVITIES COMPLETED OR UNDERWAY

PLANNING, DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT

• The Agricultural Biotechnology Center project is out to bid. Since expected levels of matching federal funds have not materialized, the project scope has been reduced to focus on the research lab portion of the building. If the additional federal funds ($6 million) become available, the facility will be expanded to reflect the project as originally planned. Bids are due May 5, 1998 with project completion scheduled July 1999.

• Construction documents are under review for the Litchfield Agricultural Center project. This $1,350,000 facility will contain approximately 10,000 square feet of space for the Cooperative Extension Service in Litchfield County. The Litchfield Agricultural Center is dedicating a $350,000 grant towards the project cost. It is estimated the construction will be completed July 1999.

• Design development drawings are being prepared for a new School of Business Administration building. This 100,000 square foot building will be built on Hillside Road across from the Gampel Pavilion. This project’s funding will be augmented by $4 million to be raised from private donations. The project will be bid in Fall, 1998.

• Program planning for the Student Union Addition project has begun. This project, which will include renovations and a major addition to the current facility, has a primary goal of expanding the range of activities available to students in the campus core.

• Planning activities for the renovations of the Waring Chemistry building have been completed. Present plans are for the building to house the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offices, the English Department and the Geography Department. The project includes the creation of additional classrooms. This project will be bid in Summer, 1999.

• Design work has begun on the renovation of the Northwest Quad Dormitories, including a new Central Dining Facility for the complex which will eliminate the small kitchens that currently exist in each of the seven buildings. This change will reduce operating costs for dining services while providing additional support space in each building. The dorm rooms will be renovated similar to the rooms at the South Campus Dormitories. The project will be bid in Summer, 1999.

• Architectural design is underway for an addition to Storrs Hall for the School of Nursing. Funds for the addition will be raised through private donations while funds for renovation will come through UCONN 2000. The project schedule will be dependent on these fundraising activities.

• A key component of the University of Connecticut’s Master Plan is to create a pedestrian core for the campus. The first step in this direction is the closing of Fairfield Road to vehicular traffic and its reopening as a pedestrian mall. Design activity has begun, with construction to start in Summer 1998. As part of this project, Mansfield Road will be extended to Glenbrook Road to create an inner-campus shuttle bus loop. The road extension project will be completed this summer.

• The University has selected four firms to provide on-call analysis support as needed for claims made by contractors during the construction process, as well as recommendations to assist the University in the avoidance of claims.

• The University has selected, through a competitive process, Architectural and Engineering firms to provide services on an on-call basis. Firms were selected in the following categories:

• Architectural

• Civil Engineering

• Structural Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Environmental Engineering

• Interior Design

• Surveying

• The Facilities Management Home Page on the World Wide Web continues to be very successful in providing information to interested parties. The site has been visited over 5,900 times since its introduction in October 1996. It provides an e-mail alert list for those firms that have Internet access in order to inform them of project opportunities at the University as part of UCONN’s efforts to provide wider distribution of professional service solicitations.

• The University of Connecticut rolled out its Master Plan on March 3, 1998. In addition to its overarching thematic structure, the plan provides standards to ensure common design perspective, architectural elements and material use in our building program.

• Since the last report, three bond authorizations for projects authorized prior to UCONN 2000 have received favorable action by the State Bond Commission. These projects are:

• New Central Warehouse

• Avery Point Marine Science Center

• Music and Drama/Music Additions and Renovations

Three additional projects authorized prior to the adoption of the UCONN 2000 legislation await action by the State Bond Commission. These projects are:

• Mansfield Training School Improvements

• Ice Rink Enclosure

• Gant Plaza Deck Repair

• With the building and renovation program, the University of Connecticut has begun the process of standardizing building systems and system components. This standardization process will reduce the number of replacement parts the University needs to inventory and improve the level of maintenance within available resources.

• The success of the Owners Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP) continues, enabling the University to add scope of work within budget for each project. The University is looking into carrying the OCIP into Phase II UCONN 2000 projects.

• The University of Connecticut has announced a partnership with Pfizer, Inc., for the building of a facility on the Storrs campus that will house an Animal Vaccine Research Center. Pfizer, Inc., will fund the building project on land leased from the University for one dollar a year. The University will occupy 20% of the space in the building. This collaboration will serve as a model for the University as it explores other activities with Connecticut industry.

CONSTRUCTION

• Classes began in January 1998 at the new downtown Stamford facility. This project, which involved the renovation of the 230,000 square foot former Bloomingdale’s building, was open for classes 16 months after construction started. The building will be dedicated in April with all construction activity finished in August. The project moved forward despite the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Guy F. Atkinson Company, the parent firm of this project’s general contractor, Walsh Construction Company of Trumbull, Connecticut. In January 1998 the assets of Atkinson were purchased by Clark Construction of Bethesda, Maryland. The bonding company for this project (and for the Chemistry project) has contracted with Clark to manage the completion of both projects.

• After action by the State Bond Commission on $1,318,000 of the funding for the Avery Point Marine Science project, a construction contract was awarded to C. R. Klewin of Norwich, Connecticut. This project includes a new 137,000 square foot research building, an 30,000 square foot project Oceanology building, and a new central chilled water plant. The project will be completed in May 2000. Along with the renovations to the Branford House and the replacement of the utility systems which will both be completed in the fall, the Avery Point project will vastly improve research facilities for our Marine Science program.

• The Chemistry Building project is on track for completion in August 1998. The six floor building is a 200,000 square foot steel structure with block/brick face and metal roof construction. It houses teaching, research and administrative facilities, with each occupying a separate wing. Construction of the building began December 2, 1996.

• The South Campus Residential and Dining Hall will see the three dormitory facilities ready for occupancy in August 1998. The Dining Facility will be completed in October 1998. The dormitories will house 674 students in single rooms with a suite set-up. Construction on this project began in June 1997.

• On January 26, 1998 a construction contract was awarded to HRH/Atlas of Stamford, Connecticut for the Biological Sciences project. The building is a seven-story 145,000 square foot facility designed for biology and physics research. The exterior of the building will be brick veneer; a glass greenhouse will occupy the roof. The project is scheduled for completion in August 1999.

• On December 16, 1997, Precision Power Incorporated of Hamden, Connecticut, was awarded a construction contract for the Central Heating Plant project. This plant will provide for centralized chilled water, fire pumps, and emergency power for all buildings in the central campus and technology quad areas. The project will also provide for the connection of chilled water, fire protection, emergency power, primary power, telecommunications, steam and domestic water within a utility tunnel in the technology quad. The project is scheduled for completion February 1999 and serves as an excellent example of the University’s commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility for the entire UCONN 2000 effort.

• On January 22, 1998 the North Parking Garage was opened to provide parking for 1,035 cars. The only remaining work to be completed is the exterior landscaping. Construction activity on this design/build project began in July 1997. The contractor for the project was O & G Industries of Torrington, Connecticut.

• On December 15, 1997 a construction contract was awarded to Konover Construction of West Hartford, Connecticut for the South Campus Chiller project. In addition to chilled water, this project provides emergency power and centralized fire protection for buildings on the south side of campus. The project will be completed July 1, 1998.

• On January 15, 1998 a construction contract was awarded to O & G Industries of Torrington, Connecticut for the Music and Drama/Music Additions and Renovations project. Included in the project are a new Orchestra Building, a new Music Library Building, and renovations to the existing Music and Drama/Music buildings. The project is scheduled for completion in September 1999.

• On March 10, 1998 a construction contract was awarded to Carlin Construction of Waterford, Connecticut on the White Building code project. Included in the project is the upgrading of the Dairy Bar. The project is scheduled for completion May 1999.

• Construction activity was stopped on the new Central Warehouse facility in March 1998 after discovery of solid waste material under the parking lot at the project site. The University is working with the Department of Environmental Protection on solutions to this issue so that the project can move forward in a timely and environmentally appropriate manner.

• Babbidge Library repairs are continuing under the management of the Department of Public Works. The project is scheduled for completion in August 1998.

• The UCONN 2000 endowment matching gift program has been a resounding success, resulting in unprecedented levels of giving from alumni and other friends of the University.

• To date, the $20 million in state dollar match to private gifts as provided by the UCONN 2000 legislation is either in-hand or fully committed. During the first year of the program, $9.1 million in gifts was received. During calendar year 1997, an additional $6.5 million was received and, fiscal year-to-date, $500, 000 has been received. The remaining $3.8 million will be collected by December 31, 1998 in order to be eligible to receive the full match from the State.

• In recognition of the program’s success, the General Assembly enacted a continuation and restructuring of the match on a 1:2 basis (one state dollar to every two private dollars). From Fiscal Year 2000 to Fiscal Year 2007, the state grant may total up to $52.5 million, depending on the level of donations actually received. To date, $1.8 million in pledges has been received against the newly enacted 1:2 matching gift program.

• The $9.1 million in state funds to match the private gifts received in 1996 was paid in December 1997 and immediately invested.

• In February 1998, the Board of Trustees submitted to the State a request for $6.8 million in matching funds to be paid against the endowment gifts received in 1997. It is expected that the match will be paid by the State before the end of calendar year 1998.

• The size of individual gifts has increased dramatically since the inception of the UCONN 2000 matching gifts program. As of March 31, 1998, 57 donors made contributions of between $25,000 and $99,999. During the same period, 18 donors made gifts of $100,000 or more.

• The total endowment assets for the University were $118 million at March 31, 1998. The Foundation’s total endowment assets were $104 million (this amount does not include the state match), which represents growth of 21% over the balance of $86 million at June 30, 1997.

As of April 3, 1998, $317.7 million of total project authorizations has been allocated and approved for bonding by the Board of Trustees and the Governor.

On February 21, 1996, “The University of Connecticut General Obligation Bonds 1996 Series A”, the first series of bonds secured by the State’s Debt Service Commitment, were issued in the amount of $83.9 million. On April 24, 1997, “The University of Connecticut General Obligation Bonds 1997 Series A” were issued in the amount of $124.4 million. Major projects funded through these first two issuances include the Chemistry Building, Stamford Downtown Campus Relocation, the Avery Point Marine Sciences Research Center, the Parking Garage, Deferred Maintenance work and Capital Equipment purchases.

As of April 30, 1997, the UCONN 2000 Debt Service Commitment bonds were rated “AA-” by Standard & Poors, “A-1” by Moody’s Investors Service, and “AA-” by Fitch Investors Service. In addition, certain maturities of bonds are insured with “AAA” rated municipal bond insurance. The State Treasurer managed the Debt Service Commitment Bond sale process and invested the proceeds for these issues.

The University is also authorized to issue Special Obligation Revenue bonds. Unlike the Debt Service Commitment bonds (for which debt service is paid out of the State’s General Fund), the Special Obligation Bonds are paid for out of certain pledged revenues of the University as defined in the particular bond series indenture.

On February 4, 1998, the University issued $33.6 million of the University of Connecticut Student Fee Revenue Bonds 1998 Series A. The University managed the issuance and sale of these bonds and realized a favorable true interest cost of 5.01% over the twenty-nine year term. The main source of repayment of the bonds is the Infrastructure Maintenance student fee.

The majority of the proceeds of the Revenue Bond issue will be used to finance a portion of the cost of the South Campus residential halls and consolidated dining hall facility. Additionally, part of the proceeds were use to fund a Special Capital Reserve Fund (“SCRF”). The State SCRF enhancement allowed the bonds to obtain a “AA-” rating from Standard & Poor’s with a positive outlook, a “AA-” rating from Fitch Investors Service, and a “A-1” rating from Moody’s Investors Service. The bonds were subsequently insured by MBIA and upgraded to a “AAA” rating category at Fitch and Standard & Poor’s and “Aaa” at Moody’s Investors Service.

The University, in conjunction with the Office of the State Treasurer, is currently planning a new Debt Service Commitment Bond which has an anticipated issuance schedule of May 1998. Generally, the University plans on issuing a series of bonds at least annually for the duration of the UCONN 2000 Project building period.

 

 

CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: UCONN 2000 – PHASE I

CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: UCONN 2000 – PHASE I				April 1998
(UCONN 2000 funding only; does not include previous funding or other funding sources.)
CHART KEY: *** = Planning and Design Completed = Construction Completed
Project Description	UCONN 2000 Funding*	Comments	IMPLEMENTATION Planning/Design	Completed to date 25% 50% 75% 100%
Agriculture Biotechnology Facility: Phase 1	$9,400,000	Out to bid.	******************************
Avery Pt. Marine Science & Technology Center: Phase 1	$30,000,000	Construction started.	******************************
Babbidge Library Envelope Repairs		Construction completion scheduled 8/98.	******************************
Beach Hall Renovations	$994,000	Design to begin FY98/99
Benton State Art Museum Addition	$700,000	Project being re-evaluated.	******************************
Chemistry – New Building	$53,062,000	Completion date July 1998.	******************************
Deferred Maintenance and Renovation Lump Sum FY 97-98	$31,689,000	Bidding and awarding contracts for FY97-98 projects.
Equipment, Library Collections & Telecommunications FY 97 – 98	$43,955,000	FY 97/98 Equipment and Library Collections have been ordered.
Fairfield Road Pedestrian Mall	$1,880,000	In design. Construction begins summer 1998.	***********
Gant Plaza	$3,516,000	Construction to be integrated with Tech Quad Phase I.	********************
Hartford Relocation Design	$10	Project cancelled
Hartford Relocation Feasibility Study	$0	Project cancelled
Heating Plant Upgrade	$12,969,000	Under construction.	******************************
Ice Rink Enclosure	$3,280,000	Construction started	******************************
Litchfield Agricultural Center	$1,000,000	Design complete. May bid.	*****
Mansfield Apartments Renovations	$2,471,000	Complete.	******************************
North Campus Renovation	$2,654,000	Design to begin FY98/99.
North Superblock Site & Utilities	$7,668,000	Construction underway.	******************************
Northwest Quadrant Renovation	$2,001,000	Design started.	*******
Parking Garage – North	$9,658,000	Complete.	******************************
Pharmacy – New Building Phase I	$3,856,000	Study completed. Design to begin FY98/99.	****
School of Business – New Building	$21,559,000	Schematic design complete. Design development underway.	**************
South Campus Dorms & Dining Hall: Old & New	$12,251,000	Construction started 6/15/97.	******************************
Stamford – Relocation to Downtown: Phase I	$48,350,000	Classes began January 20, 1998. Construction to be complete August 1, 1998.	******************************
Tech Quad: Phase I-A: Biology & Physics New Building	$39,993,000	Construction underway.	******************************
University Programs New Building	$0	Project rescoped; to be built and funded through the UConn Foundation.	****
Waring Building Conversion	$7,520,000	Schematic design underway.	******
Waterbury Property Purchase	$200,000	Negotiations underway.
White Building Code Violation Abatements	$2,430,000	Construction started.	******************************
Wilbur Cross Building Renovation	$3,409,000	Programming underway.	***

 

 

CURRENT PROJECTS, FUND SOURCES: UCONN 2000 – PHASE I

Table of Contents
I. UCONN 2000: THE UPDATE
II. ACTIVITIES COMPLETED OR UNDERWAY:

• PLANNING, DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT
• CONSTRUCTION
• PRIVATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT
• UNIVERSITY SPECIAL OBLIGATION REVENUE BONDS SECURED BY PLEDGED REVENUES

III. CURRENT PROJECT STATUS (as of October, 1997)
IV. CURRENT PROJECTS FUND SOURCES: UCONN 2000 (as of October, 1997)
CHARTS

---

UCONN 2000: THE UPDATE

This is the fifth in a series of semi-annual reports to the Governor and the General Assembly pursuant to the provisions of Sections 10a-109 through 10a-109m of the Connecticut General Statutes, originally An Act to Enhance the Infrastructure of the University of Connecticut, and now known as UCONN 2000.

The first report, dated October 1, 1995, placed this historic undertaking in the context of the University’s strategic plan and provided a summary of the provisions of the law. Because the reporting deadline followed so closely on the heels of the enactment of UCONN 2000, many of the activities on which the University is required to report were in the earliest stages of development. This, and future reports, will contain an increasing level of detail as projects are implemented and completed.

While most of the activities mentioned in this report are projects specified in the UCONN

2000 legislation, some are supported in whole or in part by other funding sources. All significant projects underway are presented in this report, however, for two reasons. First, it is essential that all major capital activities are developed, implemented and reported in a comprehensive manner. Second, UCONN 2000 did more than provide a funding structure for the rebuilding of the University. The law also conferred upon UConn the flexibility and management authority necessary to enable the University to move forward with this tremendous effort in a focused and expeditious manner. Every aspect of the University’s physical renewal has benefitted from the management oversight provisions of UCONN 2000.

 

UCONN 2000: ACTIVITIES COMPLETED OR UNDERWAY

PLANNING, DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT

• On July 11, 1997, the Board of Trustees approved the list of Year Three UCONN 2000 projects. These projects and their corresponding budgets are:

PROJECT NAME	1997-98 AMOUNT
Agricultural Biotechnology Facility	$ 9,400,000
Chemistry Building	$ 3,632,000
Deferred Maintenance and Renovation Lump Sum	$ 10,000,000
Equipment, Library Collections & Telecommunications	$ 13,814,000
Fairfield Road Pedestrian Walkway (Design)	$ 200,000
Gant Plaza	$ 3,516,000
Litchfield Agricultural Center	$ 904,000
North Superblock Site & Utilities	$ 7,668,000
Technology Quadrant — Phase IA (Biology/Physics)	$ 37,903,000
Underground Steam & Water Upgrade	$ 3,000,000
Wilbur Cross Building Renovations	$ 3,109,000
TOTAL	$93,146,000

• Bids have been received on the Ice Rink Enclosure project. The bids were $1,000,000 lower than previous bids due to a revised scope but still higher than the pre-existing budget. On September 26, 1997, the Board of Trustees approved a revised budget of $3,828,000 for the project. The design/build contract has been awarded to HRH/Atlas of Stamford, Connecticut, with completion scheduled for October 1998.
• Additional projects have been included under the Owners Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP) with a total construction value of over $147 million.

 

The following projects are included in the program:

New Chemistry Building

Stamford Downtown Campus

Music and Drama/Music Additions and Renovations

South Campus Dormitory and Dining Hall

North Campus Parking Garage

New Central Warehouse

Ice Rink Enclosure

 

In the event of State Bond Commission action, the Avery Point Marine Science project will be included in the OCIP program.

Current projections indicate that these projects under the OCIP program will save the University $4.5 million. Additionally, the first report from the insurance broker (Sedgwick, James of New England) on the OCIP program indicates that the lost-time incident rate on our projects is better than the national average lost-time incident rate.

The following projects, now out to bid, will also be covered under OCIP:

Agricultural Biotechnology Facility

Technology Quadrant-Phase 1A (Biology/Physics)

Underground Steam and Water Upgrade

 

Current estimates are that OCIP implementation will potentially realize savings of approximately $7 million on Phase 1 projects.

§ The UCONN 2000 Errors and Omission policy is in place. Architects and engineers under contract to the University have been enrolled in the program.

§ The Facilities Management Homepage on the World Wide Web has been very successful. The site has been visited over 3,200 times since its introduction in October 1996. Facilities Management has also started an e-mail alert list for those firms that have Internet access in order to inform them of project opportunities at the University. All public notices are being sent to these firms to provide wider distribution of professional service solicitations.

§ The University is advertising for Architectural and Engineering firms to replace the existing open-ended contracts. The old contracts covered a two-year time limit and are expiring.

§ The University is advertising for firms to provide on-call claims analysis as needed.

§ The State Bond Commission on September 26, 1997, allotted funds for the following projects for which bond authorizations occurred prior to UCONN 2000:

§ Three additional projects authorized prior to the adoption of the UCONN 2000 legislation are awaiting action by the State Bond Commission. The projects are:

§ The project for the development of a revised Facilities Master Plan is moving to completion. This plan has identified potential future building sites for the UCONN 2000 projects. Some of the goals of the master planning effort are:

• Establishment of a framework that emphasizes a clear concept of campus organization within a context of an academic community committed to a physical infrastructure that is beautiful, accessible, practical, secure and durable.
• Adoption of architectural building guidelines
• Development of site and landscape standards
• Composite campus-wide system plans that identify:

  Service access points

  Potential building locations

  Open space

  Pedestrian circulation

  Parking

  Utilities

  • Regional campus projects that will improve the identity of the campus
  • Identification of infrastructure capacities to support growth including:

    Utilities (distribution and production)

    Telecommunications

    Site/building capacities

    Parking

    Vehicular circulation (automobiles, shuttle transit and bicycles

The final plan will be presented to the Board of Trustees for approval in October 1998. Public meetings have been held to receive input from the campus community and residents of the Town of Mansfield. The University of Connecticut is in a unique position — with the support of UCONN 2000 funding, the University will be able to see significant aspects of its Master Plan implemented in the coming decade.

• On the Avery Point Marine Sciences project bids have been received. However, since part of the funding ($1,318,000) for the project was authorized prior to UCONN 2000, the construction contract cannot be awarded until action is taken by the State Bond Commission to release that portion of the funds.
• On July 11 1997, the Board of Trustees approved moving the funding for the Waterbury Property Purchase project ($325,000) into the Deferred Maintenance and Renovation Lump Sum project to fund renovation projects on the Waterbury campus.

CONSTRUCTION

• The pace of the UCONN 2000 construction program is accelerating. Projects that have started or are out to bid total over $253 million dollars. The following major new projects have had construction contracts awarded and construction started since the last report:

South Campus Dormitories and Dining Hall

North Campus Parking Garage

New Central Warehouse

Ice Rink Enclosure

Branford House Interior Renovation (Avery Point Campus)

Utilities Upgrade — Avery Point Campus

• The following projects are out to bid:

Biology/Physics Building (Tech Quad Phase I)

Underground Steam and Water Upgrade

Agricultural Biotechnology Facility

White Building Renovation

Benedict Miller House Renovation (Waterbury Campus)

• Despite the August 10, 1997, Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by Guy F. Atkinson, a national construction firm and the parent company of the prime contractor for the new Chemistry and Stamford campus buildings, neither company nor UConn officials expect the action to delay the two UConn projects.

  Workers for Walsh Construction Company of Trumbull, a subsidiary of Atkinson, have not slowed their pace since the filing was announced. Walsh started work on the Stamford campus in August 1996 and on the Chemistry building one month later.

  In Stamford, one of about 20 subcontractors Walsh officials hired for the project initially left the site, but the firm — Jordan Panels of New York — returned to work in mid-September. None of the subcontractors working with Walsh at the Chemistry building site has ceased operations.

  Atkinson’s bankruptcy is a concern, but it does not lessen UConn’s resolve to complete the projects on time and on budget. Both UConn projects are fully bonded, and funds are available for the company to pays its subcontractors. University officials will review progress on the Stamford job in mid-October for a better determination of when the job will be completed.

The new Chemistry building is expected to open in late 1998.

• The Field House Reconstruction project was completed and the building returned to use during the fall semester. The project represents a vast improvement in the recreational facilities available to the UConn community. The contractor for this project was Konover Construction Company of West Hartford, Connecticut.
• The renovations to the Mansfield Apartments were completed on schedule and under budget.
• The new Chemistry Building is over 50% completed and on schedule for a fall 1998 completion. This new building is an excellent example of the improvements promised by UCONN 2000 on the Storrs campus.
• The South Campus Dormitories and Dining Hall project is underway at the southern end of the Storrs campus. The contractor, Suffolk Construction, has embarked on an ambitious construction schedule, targeting a fall 1998 opening. The project will be a showplace for the renewed emphasis on the quality of student services, with technology and learning activities directly tied to residential life.
• Construction of the North Campus Parking Garage has started at the corner of Hillside and North Eagleville Roads. This 1,000 car garage is scheduled to be design-built in six months by O & G Industries of Torrington, Connecticut. The project is on target for a January 1998 opening.
• Numerous smaller projects were completed over the past six months, including the renovation of seven high-tech classrooms, new surface parking lots, repair of four roofs, and replacement of mechanical equipment at several buildings.
• Babbidge Library repairs are continuing under the management of the State Department of Public Works. The project is approximately 70% complete with final completion scheduled for spring 1998.

PRIVATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT

• The UCONN 2000 endowment matching gift program has been a resounding success, resulting in unprecedented levels of giving from alumni and other friends of the University. By the end of Fiscal Year 1997, private giving had enabled the University to take full advantage of the state’s initial $20 million commitment. In recognition of the program’s success, the General Assembly enacted a continuation and restructuring of the match on a 1:2 basis (one state dollar to every two private dollars). From Fiscal Year 2000 to Fiscal Year 2007, the state grant may total up to $52.2 million, depending on the level of donations actually received.
• After the first full year of UCONN 2000 solicitation, which ended on December 31, 1996, pledges totaled $16.8 million. At June 30, 1997, the original $20 million, 1:1 match was fully subscribed and over $500,000 in additional pledges was received against the new 1:2 matching gift program enacted by the legislature.
• Gift receipts for the University totaled $19.8 million at June 30, 1997, the end of the fiscal year. This amount represents a 48% increase over the previous fiscal year. This can be compared to $13.3 million raised during Fiscal Year 1996 and $8.2 million raised in Fiscal Year 1995.
• The upward trend in giving demonstrated since the inception of UCONN 2000 continued. At June 30, 1997, giving was up across all major areas for the year Storrs and regional campuses, 72%; Health Center, 47%; and Athletics, 13%, compared to gift levels during the previous fiscal year. The largest increases in academic fundraising were recorded by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Institute of Material Science, and the Schools of Allied Health, Fine Arts and Law, each of which doubled their gift receipts in Fiscal Year 1997.
• Gifts to endowment at June 30, 1997, totaled $10.6 million. This represents an increase of 124% over the previous fiscal year, and can be directly attributed to the matching gift opportunities available to donors through UCONN 2000. To be eligible for UCONN 2000 matching funds, endowment gifts must have been for scholarships, faculty professorships or program enhancements.
• The size of individual gifts has increased dramatically since the inception of the UCONN 2000 matching gifts program. During Fiscal Year 1997, 70 donors made gifts between $25,000 and $99,000, which totaled $2.8 million. Twenty-eight gifts of $100,000 or greater were received, including six gifts of $500,000 or greater (five gifts from individuals and one from a corporate donor), for a total of $8.4 million. This compares to 65 gifts of $25,000 – $99,000 and 18 gifts of $100,000 or greater, totaling $5.8 million, received during the previous fiscal year.
• On February 14, 1997, the Board of Trustees submitted to the state Office of Policy and Management a request for $9.1 million in matching funds to be paid against endowment gifts received in calendar year 1996. It is expected that these funds will be received from the state before the end of calendar year 1997.
• The Foundations’s total endowment assets at fiscal year-end were $85.8 million, an increase of 33% over the balance of $64.6 million the previous year.
• Total Foundation assets at June 30, 1997, were $108.7 million, an increase of 28% over the prior year.

UNIVERSITY SPECIAL OBLIGATION REVENUE BONDS SECURED BY PLEDGED REVENUES

• The law authorizes the University to issue Special Obligation Revenue bonds. Unlike the Debt Service Commitment bonds, for which debt service is paid out of the State’s General Fund, the Special Obligation Bonds are paid for out of certain pledged revenues of the University as defined in the particular bond series indenture.
• On November 8, 1996, the Board of Trustees approved the Special Obligation Master Indenture and Supplemental Indenture drafts authorizing the issuance of up to $30,000,000 of Special Obligation bonds for construction of the South Campus Dormitories and Dining Hall. This initial issue of Special Obligation bonds is scheduled to be priced and issued by the University during January 1998.
• It is expected that the Special Obligation bond issue will be backed by the additional security of the State’s Special Capital Reserve Fund (SCRF). The State SCRF enhancement will allow the bonds to attain a higher credit rating.
• A Special Capital Reserve Fund may be established only if the Board of Trustees of the University determines that the Special Obligation bond issue is self-sufficient as defined in the law. Additionally, the self-sufficiency finding by the University must be submitted to and confirmed as not unreasonable or arbitrary by the Treasurer of the state, prior to issuance of the bonds. The Board of Trustees is expected to act on the finding of selfsufficiency during the November 14, 1997 meeting. The finding would then be submitted to the Office of the Treasurer.
• Once approved, the Special Capital Reserve Fund is funded at issuance by the University to meet the minimum capital reserve requirement. However, subject to notification by the University on or before December 1 (annually), if this amount falls below the required minimum capital reserve, there is deemed to be appropriated from the state General Fund the sums necessary to restore each such Special Capital Reserve Fund to the required minimum capital reserve level.

 

CURRENT PROJECT STATUS

CURRENT PROJECT STATUS: UCONN 2000 – PHASE I				October 1997
(UCONN 2000 funding only; does not include previous funding or other funding sources.)
CHART KEY: *** = Planning and Design Completed = Construction Completed
Project Description	UCONN 2000 Funding*	Comments	IMPLEMENTATION Planning/ Design	Completed to date 25% 50% 75% 100%
Agriculture Biotechnology Facility: Phase 1	$9,400,000	Out to bid.	************
Avery Pt. Marine Science & Technology Center: Phase 1	$30,000,000	Bids received. Awaiting Bond Commission actions.	**************
Babbidge Library Envelope Repairs		Construction completion scheduled 4/98.	**************
Beach Hall Renovations	$994,000	Design to begin 98/99
Benton State Art Museum Addition	$700,000	Project being re-evaluated.	**************
Chemistry – New Building	$53,062,000	Construction began 11/96.	**************
Deferred Maintenance and Renovation Lump Sum FY 97-98	$31,689,000	Bidding and awarding contracts for FY97-98 projects.
Equipment, Library Collections &Telecommunications FY 97 – 98	$43,955,000	FY 97/98 Equipment and Library Collections have been ordered..
Fairfield Road Pedestrian Mall	$1,880,000	AIE selection.	**
Gant Plaza		Construction to be integrated with Tech Quad Phase I.	***********
Hartford Relocation Design	$10	Project cancelled
Hartford Relocation Feasibility Study	$0	Project cancelled
Heating Plant Upgrade	$12,969,000	Out to bid.	*************
Ice Rink Enclosure	$3,280,000	Contract awarded. Construction start 3/16/98	**************
Litchfield Agricultural Center	$1,000,000	Design underway.	*****
Mansfield Apartments Renovations	$2,471,000	Complete.	**************
North Campus Renovation	$2,654,000	Design to begin 98/99.
North Superblock Site &Utilities	$7,668,000	Out to bid.	*************
Northwest Quadrant Renovation	$2,001,000	Preliminary design contract. Negotiating design contract.	**
Parking Garage – North	$9,658,000	In construction.	**************
Pharmacy – New Building Phase I	$3,856,000	Study completed. Design to begin 97/98.	*
School of Business – New Building	$21,559,000	Schematic design underway.	****
South Campus Dorms &Dining Hall: Old &New	$12,251,000	Construction started 6/15/97.	**************
Stamford – Relocation to Downtown: Phase I	$48,350,000	Construction completion 1/98	**************
Tech Quad: Phase I-A: Biology & Physics New Building	$37,393,000	Out to bid.	************
University Programs New Building	$0	Project rescoped; to be built and funded through the UConn Foundation.	**
Waring Building Conversion	$7,520,000	Programming study underway.	***
Waterbury Property Purchase	$325,000	Seller rejected University offer. Board of Trustees voted to move funds into the Deferred Maintenance and Lump Sum Project for Waterbury projects.
White Building Code Violation Abatements	$2,430,000	Redesign complete; rebidding.	**************
Wilbur Cross Building Renovation	$3,409,000	AIE selection complete.	*

 

 

 

CURRENT PROJECTS, FUND SOURCES: UCONN 2000

---

On April 17, 1997, Philip E. Austin was inaugurated as the 13th president of the University of Connecticut. President Austin addressed those gathered to celebrate the event with the following words:

The installation of a university president is less the inauguration of an individual than the rededication of an institution. It marks a point along the University’s historical path. I have called the University of Connecticut home for only six months, yet I am absolutely certain of the great potential of this University…

UConn, including the regional campuses, the Law School, and the Health Center in Farmington, is an institution that shares with all the great public universities across the United States a common tradition and a common set of assumptions about America’s future. That tradition — and those assumptions — embody three concepts that are as valid as they are familiar to people concerned with higher education. They stand at the heart of what this administration will represent. They define our future agenda.

The first is excellence in our academic programs — at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, in the classrooms, the laboratories, and the libraries.

The second is access for the people of Connecticut, regardless of race, gender, national origin — or economic condition.

The third is service — to the state and beyond.

We have multiple responsibilities at the University of Connecticut. We seek to fulfill all of them. But we have no greater responsibility than to enable our students to expand their range of knowledge about the world, and their role in making that world a more tolerant, a more secure, a more productive, a more beautiful, and a more equitable place. Those goals are worth working for, worth arguing for, worth struggling for. They merit an investment of dollars; they merit moral support. And I believe that this University will use that investment and that support to make itself a model for the public universities of America.

I came to Connecticut last October firmly convinced that no public university in the United States is better positioned to improve, and improve dramatically, the level of excellence, access and service it offers. I retain that conviction. The University of Connecticut has been an important University for many decades. Now it has the potential to become a great University — one of the handful of public institutions that define what a state can do when it makes a commitment of resources and a commitment of will.

That was a commitment that Connecticut renewed in 1995 when this state’s leaders — many of whom are here today — authorized the long and ambitious journey we call UCONN 2000.

Evidence of that journey’s early steps surrounds us today, a silent but powerful statement of the work of the Governor, President Pro Tem Sullivan, Speaker Ritter, other state legislators, and of the leaders of business and labor who joined forces with members of the Board of Trustees, alumni, administration, faculty, staff, and students to develop an ambitious plan and turned that plan into reality. On behalf of the entire University, I express our deepest gratitude to you, the leaders who brought UCONN 2000 into being.

Nothing is more important to the quality of life in this state than educational excellence. Nothing is more important to Connecticut’s economic development. But even more fundamentally, nothing is more important to our sense of who we are as citizens of a human community and a democratic society. UCONN 2000 — like the University of Connecticut itself, and like all the great American universities — represents a commitment to the concept of education for its own sake, and on its own merits. It is in truth the foundation for all which lies ahead…

UCONN 2000: THE UPDATE

This is the fourth in a series of semi-annual reports to the Governor and the General Assembly pursuant to the provisions of Sections 10a-109 through 10a-109m of the Connecticut General Statute, originally An Act to Enhance the Infrastructure of the University of Connecticut, and now known as UCONN 2000.

The first report, dated October 1, 1995, placed this historic undertaking in the context of the University’s strategic plan and provided a summary of the provisions of the law. Because the reporting deadline followed so closely on the heels of the enactment of UCONN 2000, many of the activities on which the University is required to report were in the earliest stages of development. This, and future reports, contains an increasing level of detail as projects are implemented and completed.

While most of the activities mentioned in this report are projects specified in the UCONN 2000 legislation, some are supported in whole or part by other funding sources. All significant projects underway are presented in this report, however, for two reasons. First, it is essential that all major capital activities are developed, implemented and reported in a comprehensive manner. Second, UCONN 2000 did more than provide a funding structure for the rebuilding of the University. The law also conferred upon UConn the flexibility and management authority necessary to enable the University to move forward with this tremendous effort in a focused and expeditious manner. Every aspect of the University’s physical renewal has benefitted from the management oversight provisions of UCONN 2000.

UCONN 2000: ACTIVITIES COMPLETED OR UNDERWAY

PLANNING, DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT

The following projects are presently covered by OCIP:

The following projects are either out to bid or will be bid in the near future and will also be covered by OCIP:

Current projections indicate potential savings of approximately $7,000,000 as a result of OCIP implementation.

Architects and engineers providing professional design services are normally covered for errors and omissions by insurance purchased for their practices. Although the practice policy is the most common type of insurance, the policy has several short-comings from the owner’s point of view. The two most significant problems with the traditional policy are:

These drawbacks expose the University to substantial risk in an undertaking as large as UCONN 2000. In order to reduce that risk, the University investigated measures to supplement or replace traditional coverage. Based on this review, UConn has decided to replace the traditional policies with a new policy, one that will provide $10,000,000 of insurance per claim and aggregate per project. Most importantly, insurance will extend for a period of eight years after the last UCONN 2000 project is completed. This insurance program is designed to include major projects already in construction as well as all future UCONN 2000 projects. Sedgwick James of New England, Inc. submitted the successful proposal to provide the new service to the University.

The combination of the use of the web and traditional newspaper advertisements resulted in an excellent response to this year’s new projects. Architect/Engineer teams have been selected for the following projects:

The only additional advertisements for the next few months will be for new open-ended architect and engineer contracts to ensure that qualified professionals are available for small projects. These contracts will replace the on-call list selected two years ago.

Identification of infrastructure capacities to support growth including:

Vehicular circulation (automobiles, shuttle transit and bicycles)

The master planning effort will be completed in the Fall of 1997. The University of Connecticut is in a unique position — with the support of UCONN 2000 funding, the University will be able to see significant aspects of its Master Plan implemented in the coming decade.

CONSTRUCTION

This prequalification procedure will be followed for these additional projects within the next two months.

Physics/Biology Building – Tech Quad Phase I

Heating Plant Upgrade

Agricultural Biotechnology Building

PRIVATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT

FINANCE

General Obligation Bonds Secured by the States Debt Special Commitment

University Special Obligation Revenue Bonds Secured by Pledged Revenues

The law also authorizes the University to issue Special Obligation Revenue bonds. The debt service on the Special Obligation Revenue bonds is normally paid for from certain revenues of the University pledged in the particular bond series indenture.

Any University Special Obligation Revenue bonds to be issued might also be backed by the State’s Special Capital Reserve Fund (“SCRF”). The SCRF may be funded at issuance at the lesser of the maximum amount of debt service in any calendar year or any succeeding calendar year on all outstanding bonds issued under the indenture, or 10% of the bond issue. The State is obligated to refill the SCRF to the required amount should the SCRF funds be drawn upon to pay debt service.

The University is planning a special obligation revenue bond issue during early Fiscal Year 1998 to finance the South Campus Complex, including a dormitory and dining hall facility. These bonds are currently planned to be secured by selected student fees as well as the State’s Special Capital Reserve Fund.

 

 

 

 

CHART KEY:	*** = Planning and Design Completed		= Construction Completed
Project Description	UCONN 2000 Funding*	Comments	IMPLEMENTATION Planning/Design	Completed to date 25% 50% 75% 100%
Agriculture Biotechnology Facility: Phase 1	$9,400,000	Contract documents due 8/97.	************
Avery Pt. Marine Science & Technology Center: Phase 1	$34,000,000	Out to bid. Construction start 6/2/97.	**************
Babbidge Library Envelope Repairs		Project over budget; DPW obtaining additional funding. Construction completion scheduled 4/98.	**************
Beach Hall Renovations	$994,000	Design to begin 97-98
Benton State Art Museum Addition	$3,341,000	Architectural contract cancelled. Project being re-evaluated.	**************
Chemistry – New Building	$53,062,000	Construction began 11/96.	**************
Deferred Maintenance and Renovation Lump Sum FY 97-98	$21,214,000	Bidding and awarding contracts.
Equipment, Library Collections & Telecommunications FY 97 – 98	$30,141,000	FY 97/98 Equipment and Library Collections have been ordered..
Fairfield Road Pedestrian Mall	$1,880,000	Await outcome of Master Plan update. Design to begin FY 97/98
Gant Plaza		Construction to be integrated with Tech Quad Phase I.	***********
Hartford Relocation Design	$10	Project cancelled
Hartford Relocation Feasibility Study	$0	Project cancelled
Heating Plant Upgrade	$9,469,000	Final contract documents under review.	*************
Ice Rink Enclosure	$2,470,000	Construction start 3/16/98	**************
Litchfield Agricultural Center	$1,000,000	Design underway.	***
Mansfield Apartments Renovations	$2,471,000	Construction began 10/96. 7/97 completion.	**************
North Campus Renovation	$2,654,000	Design to begin 98/99.
North Superblock Site &Utilities	$7,668,000	Design under review. Project to be bid as part of Heating Plant Upgrade.	*************
Northwest Quadrant Renovation	$2,001,000	Negotiating design contract.	**
Parking Garage – North	$9,658,000	Bidding 5/97 to design build contractors.	**************
Pharmacy – New Building Phase I	$3,856,000	Study completed. Design to begin 97/98.	*
School of Business – New Building	$19,464,000	Programming study complete. Design start 6/97.	**
South Campus Dorms &Dining Hall: Old &New	$12,251,000	Construction start 5/15/97.	**************
Stamford – Relocation to Downtown: Phase I	$48,350,000	Construction completion 10/97	**************
Tech Quad: Phase I-A: Biology &Physics New Building	$37,393,000	Contract documents due 7/15/97.	************
University Programs New Building	$0	Project rescoped; to be built and funded through the UConn Foundation.	**
Waring Building Conversion	$7,520,000	Programming study underway.	***
Waterbury Property Purchase	$325,000	Offer made to seller. Await response.
White Building Code Violation Abatements	$2,430,000	Bids over budget. Negotiating with contractors.	**************
Wilbur Cross Building Renovation	$3,409,000	Await completion of program.	*

 

 

 

CURRENT FUND SOURCES: UCONN 2000 – PHASE I

April 1997

 

CURRENT PROJECTS, FUND SOURCES: UCONN 2000					April 1997
Project Description	Budget	UConn 2000 Securities	University Revenue Bonds	Other State Funds	Federal Funds	Private Funds
Agriculture Biotechnology	$13,183,550	$9,400,000		$600,000	* $3,857,550
Facility: Phase 1
Avery Point Marine Science andTechnology Center: Phase I	$38,000,000	$34,000,000		$4,000,000
Babbidge Library Envelope Repairs	$29,650,000			$29,650,000
Beach Hall Renovations	$994,000	$994,000
Benton State Art Museum Addition	$4,870,456	$3,341,000		$750,000	** $389,986	*** $389,470
Chemistry New Building	$56,754,200	$53,062,000		$3,692,200
Deferred Maintenance & Renovation Lump Sum	$21,214,000	$21,214,000
Equipment, Library Collections & Telecommunications	$30,141,000	$30,141,000
Fairfield Road Pedestrian Mall	$1,880,000	$1,880,000
Gant Plaza	$2,000,000			$2,000,000
Hartford Relocation Design	$0	$0
Hartford Relocation Feasibility Study	$0	$0
Heating Plant Upgrade; Underground Steam and Water Upgrade	$13,969,000	$12,969,000		$1,000,000
Ice Rink Enclosure	$2,790,000	$2,470,000		$320,000
Litchfield Agricultural Center – Phase I	$1,350,000	$1,000,000				$350,000.00
Mansfield Apartments Renovations	$2,771,000	$2,471,000		$300,000
North Campus Renovations	$2,654,000	$2,654,000
North Superblock Site and Utilities	$7,668,000	$7,668,000
Northwest Quadrant Renovation	$2,001,000	$2,001,000
Parking Garage – North	$9,658,000	$9,658,000
Pharmacy – New Building: Phase I	$3,856,000	$3,856,000
School of Business – New Building	$19,464,000	$19,464,000
South Campus Dorms and Dining Hall – Old and New	$40,981,000	$12,251,000	$26,979,350	$1,750,650
Stamford – Relocation to Downtown	$62,350,000	$48,350,000		$14,000,000
Technology Quadrant – Phase IA	$40,118,000	$37,393,000		$2,725,000
Biological Sciences I
University Programs Building	Budget being developed.
Waring Building Conversion	$7,520,000	$7,520,000
Waterbury Property Purchase	$325,000	$325,000
White Building Code Violation	$2,800,000	$2,430,000		$370,000
Abatements
Wilbur Cross Building Renovations	$3,409,000	$3,409,000
TOTALS	$422,371,206	$329,921,000	$26,979,350	$61,157,850	$4,247,536	$739,470
* Federal funding to date ** Federal funding and interest (designated) *** Foundation

 

UCONN 2000

Legislative Update No. 3

October 1, 1996

Table of Contents

I. A NEW PRESIDENT’S VIEW
II. THE UPDATE
III. ACTIVITIES COMPLETED OR UNDERWAY:

• PLANNING, DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT
• CONSTRUCTION
• PRIVATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT
• FINANCE
• COORDINATION WITH OTHER STATE PUBLIC AND INDEPENDENT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

IV. CURRENT PROJECT STATUS (as of October, 1996)
V. CURRENT PROJECTS FUND SOURCES: UCONN 2000 (as of October, 1996)

 

Phillip E. Austin began his duties as the 13th President of the University of Connecticut on October 1, 1996. An academic known for forging strong ties to the political and business community while Chancellor of the University of Alabama System, Austin stated in a news conference following his appointment by the University Board of Trustees that UCONN 2000 and the University’s potential for greatness attracted him to the Presidency. “The opportunity in Connecticut is perhaps unique in American public higher education these days and I very much look forward to becoming a member of this team and leading the effort,” he said.

Speaking of what brought him to the University, Austin said, “One of my initial attractions to UConn was the availability and presence of UCONN 2000, which is an opportunity to transform an already good institution into a much better one. By spending the resources available through UCONN 2000, you can develop a physical plant that will attract and enhance faculty resources. Then you get the message out that UConn has superior faculty and physical plants — which attracts junior faculty and students. UCONN 2000 allows the potential for transformation.” But, he noted, the first step is to determine programmatic and academic priorities, which should drive how the physical plant is assembled and what is built.

“The best thing about the University of Connecticut,” Austin has said, “is that at the end of ten years, it will arguably have one of the most magnificent sets of infrastructure in the United States. That’s the beginning of the process. Comprehensive libraries, clean, safe physical facilities; state-of-the-art instrumentation and laboratories are all necessary to pursue excellence at a research university. In the first instance and the last instance, it’s the quality of the faculty and how they interact with the students that determines whether or not one pursues, achieves and maintains national stature. What will be provided [via UCONN 2000] is a set of physical facilities that will allow us to improve facilities for faculty and to give them the environment they need to attract the best students in the country.”

This is the third in a series of semi-annual reports to the Governor and the General Assembly pursuant to the provisions of Public Act 95-230, An Act to Enhance the Infrastructure of the University of Connecticut, the law that is now known as UCONN 2000.

The first report, dated October 1, 1995, placed this historic undertaking in the context of the University’s strategic plan and provided a summary of the provisions of the law. Because the reporting deadline followed so closely on the heels of the enactment of UCONN 2000, many of the activities on which the University is required to report were in the earliest stages of development. This, and future reports, will contain an increasing level of detail as projects are implemented and completed.

While most of the activities mentioned in this report are projects specified in the UCONN 2000 legislation, some are supported in whole or part by other funding sources. All significant projects underway are presented in this report, however, for two reasons. First, it is essential that all major capital activities are developed, implemented and reported in a comprehensive manner. Second, UCONN 2000 did more than provide a funding structure for the rebuilding of the University. The law also conferred upon UConn the flexibility and management authority necessary to enable the University to move forward with this tremendous effort in a focused and expeditious manner. Every aspect of the University’s physical renewal has benefitted from the management oversight provisions of UCONN 2000.

• PLANNING, DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT

• On July 12, 1996, the Board of Trustees approved the list of Fiscal Year 1996-97 UCONN 2000 projects. (Please see Attachment A.)
• An Owner Controlled Insurance Program has been put into effect for Phase I. In undertaking authority for its own capital construction projects under UCONN 2000, the University also assumed responsibility for managing the associated risks. Although public works projects in Connecticut have traditionally required that contractors and subcontractors purchase their own insurance for workers compensation and general liability, it is also possible for the construction “owner” (e.g., UConn) to secure a single policy in its own name for the same coverage. Such coverage is known as an Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP), or “wrap-up”. Policies covering multiple construction projects at various sites, appropriate to UCONN 2000, are known as “rolling wraps”.

The possibility of employing an OCIP for UCONN 2000 was investigated because of several potential benefits:

• Greater savings through greater unified purchasing power and elimination of contractor markups
• Better coverage and limits
• Elimination of gaps in coverages
• Enhanced job safety through coordinated safety programs
• More opportunity for participation by minority and small business contractors who might otherwise find coverage unavailable or too expensive.

In March, 1996, interested firms were invited to submit their qualifications to provide brokerage services in structuring a UCONN 2000 OCIP should the University decide to use this insurance option. On the basis of their responses, five firms were invited to give oral presentations discussing their experience with, and planned approaches to, a “rolling wrap.” The two firms whose proposals were deemed strongest were then assigned insurance markets (i.e., carriers) and asked to prepare insurance programs according to University specifications, with price quotes, in sixty days.

Sedgwick James of New England, Inc., was named UConn’s prospective OCIP broker in June. The financial benefit of the OCIP was tested in bidding for the downtown Stamford relocation project, for which contractors were instructed to bid both with and without their own insurance. Sedgwick James assisted in review of the bids to confirm that all contractor insurance costs had been eliminated from bids “without”. After adjusting for attribution of insurance costs under an OCIP, the University estimated it would save a minimum of $400,000 as compared to the cost of contractor-supplied insurance on this project.

The University has, therefore, undertaken an OCIP with Sedgwick James, for projects in Phase I of UCONN 2000, effective September 20, 1996. Reliance Insurance Company is the carrier. Under terms of its brokerage contract, Sedgwick James will provide both a full-time, on-site insurance administrator and safety program consultant. While ultimate OCIP savings will depend on loss experience, particularly with regard to workers compensation, expected total savings in Phase I are between $4 and $5 million. The University has reserved the option to expend the OCIP to Phase II projects if justified.

• UCONN 2000 authorizes the University to prequalify contractors in accordance with set criteria. Potential responsible qualified bidders are evaluated with reference to seven governing categories of consideration:
• • Experience on similar projects
  • Bonding capacity
  • Financial ability
  • Managerial ability
  • Technical ability
  • Integrity
  • Absence of any conflict of interest.

A more detailed description of the prequalification process is available in Attachment B.

• In accordance with the pre-qualification process, contractors have been qualified for bidding on the Stamford, Chemistry and Drama/Drama Music projects. Major subcontractors were also pre-qualified on the Chemistry project. The process is continuing on the following projects:
• • Avery Point Marine Science Center
  • South Campus Dormitories
  • Ice Rink Enclosure
  • Central Warehouse
  • White Building
• The process of selecting architects has begun for the following Year Two UCONN 2000 Projects:
• • New School of Business Building
  • Parking Garage
  • Renovations to the Waring Building
  • Renovations to Wilbur Cross
  • University Programs Building
  • Renovation of the Northwest Dormitories
  • Litchfield Agricultural Center
• Interviews were held with five firms in order to choose a provider of Construction Administration Services. The firm of Fusco/Bechtel of New Haven, Connecticut was selected. The provision of such services will serve as an adjunct to the University’s Facilities Management Department in providing field services during the construction phase of several projects.
• Design for the South Campus residence complex is nearing completion. The final design has three residential halls and one dining hall building. The project will go out to bid this fall, with occupancy still scheduled for the fall of 1998. This project has been deemed absolutely critical in University planning; with a 7% increase in Storrs freshman enrollment this year, residential space is already at a premium.
• Preliminary construction documents for the Avery Point Marine Science Center will be finalized in October 1996. The project will be bid in November 1996, with construction to last two years.
• The Agricultural Biotechnology Laboratory project has moved into the design development phase. The nearby Dairy Barn will be preserved as the result of recent design modifications. To date, $3.85 million of federal funding has been authorized for this project. The design work will be completed by the summer of 1997 by Svigals Associates of New Haven, Connecticut. Groundbreaking for the facilty was held on September 29, 1996.

• CONSTRUCTION

• Bids have been reviewed for the Stamford downtown relocation project and the project will be awarded to the low bidder, Walsh Construction of Trumbull, Connecticut. The very competitive bids were within the construction budget. The project is set to be completed by the start of classes in the fall of 1997.
• Bids are due September 25, 1996 on the new Chemistry building. Eight contractors have been pre-qualified along with nine electrical, seven plumbing and seven Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) sub-contractors. The project will take two years to complete.
• The Gampel Seating Expansion Project is on budget and ahead of schedule. Originally scheduled for construction over two summers, all work will be completed by October 15, 1996. All concrete work is done and seats are now being installed. The contractor for this project is O & G Industries of Torrington, Connecticut.
• The Babbidge Library repairs are continuing. Structural steel has been placed on the east, south and west sides of the building. Masonry installation has begun. This project, the last at UConn to be completed under the management oversight of the state Department of Public Works (DPW), is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 1997.
• All demolition activity has been completed on the Field House Renovation Project. Footings and foundations have been poured for the areas of the expansion. Structural steel has been sandblasted and repainted. The completely renovated facility will re-open at the start of fall 1997 classes. The contractor is Konover Construction of West Hartford, Connecticut.
• The only remaining work on the Towers Renovation is the placement of some marble panels, scheduled to be installed in October 1996. The project, which included new roofs, windows and replacement/repair of the facade, has transformed the exterior durability and aesthetics of these residence halls.
• Classroom renovation took place this summer in the School of Business Administration, Design and Resource Management, Communication Sciences, Whetten Graduate Center, Ratcliffe Hicks and Monteith.
• The rebuilding of Gilbert Road was completed over the summer. Included in the project were replacement of the utilities (stream and storm water) under the road, new curbing, new sidewalks and repaving of the road surface. Additional parking was created at the Alumni Quad Dorms.
• Additional parking has also been created on Horsebarn Hill Road by a recently finished construction project. Lighting, curbing and sidewalks were included in the project scope, vastly improving access and safety.

• PRIVATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT

• The goal for private financial support for Fiscal Year 1995-96 was $12 million in receipts (pledges are no longer counted toward the goal). Actual gift receipts for the University totaled $13.34 million. This amount represents a 62% increase over Fiscal Year 1994-95. The goal for private financial support for Fiscal Year 1996-97 is $18 million.
• An analysis of the private giving results for Fiscal Year 1996-97, as compared with1995, reveals several noteworthy trends. Although all areas of the University benefited from increased charitable contributions, the academic program showed the most dramatic increases. Specifically, gifts to Storrs and the regional campuses were up 99%, gifts to the Health Center were up 57%, and gifts to the athletic program were up 48%.

• Many University supporters contributed for the first time, renewed lapsed giving, or increased their annual giving levels, which helped the Annual Fund raise $1.29 million through phonathon and direct mail efforts, a 46% increase. Fiscal Year 1996 unrestricted contributions totaled $1.05 million, an increase of 43% over the same period last year and 131% of the $800,000 unrestricted goal set for Fiscal Year 1995-96. Donors to the Annual Fund form a broadening base of major donors for the years ahead.

• Last July, the Board of Trustees approved guidelines governing the eligibility of private donations for the $20 million state matching funds made available under UCONN 2000. Generally, state matching funds are applied on a dollar-for-dollar basis to all private gifts and pledges of $25,000 to $2,000,000 which either create new endowments or add to existing endowments and are received in calendar years 1996, 1997 and 1998. (The State matching grant will be paid in Fiscal Years 1998, 1999 and 2000). By targeting investment to endowments, the matching program encourages new and existing donors to support the University’s long-term needs and assist the University in funding its highest institutional priorities.
• Alumni and other friends have shown great interest and enthusiasm for the endowment matching program made available under UCONN 2000. As of June 30, 1996, 91 documented, match-eligible pledges from private sources had been recorded. In total, these pledges amounted to $10.33 million and, once received and matched by the State, will permanently increase UConn’s endowment by $20.66 million. Actual cash receipts from donors against these pledges totaled $3.16 million through February 1996.
• Recent commitments to UConn illustrate what an incentive this unique public-private partnership is and how important private support is to the University.
• In June, the first payment of more than $500,000 was made on a three year, $1.5 million pledge by Ray Neag ’57. The gift will endow the Neag Family Center for Talent Development and the Lynn and Ray Neag Chair for Talent Development in the School of Education. The Neag Center will enhance UConn’s nationally recognized program for the gifted by linking the program’s three operating areas: summer outreach, graduate teaching and the National Research Center for the Gifted and Talented (NRCG/T). The new center will carry on NRCG/T’s cutting-edge research. It will also continue to turn out superior teachers, who now number more than 100 a year.
• A $1 million pledge by the Heilig family — Charles, wife Alice and daughter Cheryl — will endow the Murray-Heilig Chair in Molecular Medicine at the UConn Health Center. The chair is a major component of the Health Center’s strategic plan. When filled, it will pioneer gene therapy, a technology that underlies the future of medicine. The donors and the University believe that the chair will help catapult the Health Center into the top-tier of research schools. This is the second chair to be established by the Heiligs at the Health Center and was inspired by the opportunity of the state match.
• The School of Business Administration (SBA) will benefit from a commitment made by Robert Cizik ’53. Cizik’s pledge of $500,000 will establish the Robert Cizik Chair of Excellence in Manufacturing and Technology Management. It will be the first endowed chair in SBA. It will fund a full professorship, which will help SBA recruit a premier educator to foster joint business and engineering projects, conduct critical research, and forge strong ties with industry.
• Donyell Marshall continues to make history on the UConn basketball court. By making the largest initial donation by a recent UConn athlete, Marshall established an endowment to benefit a member of the men’s basketball team. With this $100,000 donation, scholarships for the program are now fully endowed.

• FINANCE

• UCONN 2000 authorizes the University to issue bonds to finance its capital infrastructure program. A significant amount of activity over the last year has revolved around this aspect of the legislation. The law provides that:
• The State pays the debt service on $962 million of UConn bonds.
• The State Treasurer manages the sale process and invests bond proceeds.
• The maximum annual issuance amount is limited to 120% of the estimated project expenditures during the following 12 months.
• The law also requires that the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees adopt a Master Indenture which is, in essence, a contract between the University and the banking and trust company providing services for bondholders. It authorizes the issuance of bonds and describes how the debt will be serviced. The Board of Trustees approved the Master Indenture in November 1995, and the State Bond Commission approved it as to form in December 1995. Also in November, the Board of Trustees approved the revised list of UCONN 2000 projects which will be financed by the state debt service commitment over the ten-year period.
• Consistent with the statutory provisions of UCONN 2000, the Board of Trustees has approved, and the Governor has accepted, Year 1 and Year 2 project lists totaling approximately $224 million. Of that amount, $83.9 million has thus far been financed by sale of the Series I bonds on February 7, 1996. Current cash flow projections show those funds will be exhausted in about fifteen months, or by May of 1997. The University thus expects, subject to discussions with the State Treasurer, to go to market with Series II bonds in the early spring of next year.
• The University has also been planning for the future operation and maintenance of facilities built or expanded by virtue of UCONN 2000. In addition to an in-depth examination of current maintenance activities and a focus on ensuring that new space is as efficient as possible, the University has adopted a budget plan which includes a new Infrastructure Maintenance Fee to become effective Fall 1997. The fee will fund new debt service to be incurred with the South Campus project revenue bonds and will eventually also partially fund operating and maintenance costs related to UCONN 2000 projects.

• COORDINATION WITH OTHER STATE PUBLIC AND INDEPENDENT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

• The UCONN 2000 legislation contains a provision that, with regard to the issuance of securities or the initiation or expansion of academic programs at, regional campuses, the Board of Trustees:

… shall find and determine that the university has considered (1) whether there are opportunities to coordinate programs and services between the university and other state public and independent institutions of higher education and (2) whether there are opportunities to share programs and facilities with other public and independent institutions of higher education in conjunction with the projects being considered by the university.

The law also requires that such Board findings be included in the semi-annual reports mandated by the Act.

As Stamford relocation and program expansion plans proceed apace, the time had come in September for the Board to review the administration’s activities with regard to collaboration in order to determine whether “the university has considered” such opportunities. Clearly, the potential range of opportunity is broad and includes articulation between new and existing programs, joint offerings, shared curriculum planning, joint degree arrangements, coordinated services such as guidance/referral and library access and shared facility use. A brief summary of activities reviewed by the Board follows.

• Community-Technical Colleges

Over the course of the last fiscal year there were four meetings between administration and staff of UConn-Stamford and Norwalk Community-Technical College (NC-TC), with a focus on sharing information regarding each institution’s programs, enhancing the current course articulation agreement and exploring potential future coordination. These activities are on-going. A guide for NC-TC students who are interested in transferring into one of UConn’s articulated degree programs is already available.

• Connecticut State University (CSU)

Western Connecticut State University and Southern Connecticut State University are the CSU institutions within geographic proximity to Stamford. Beginning last spring, the UConn administration has participated in several meetings with CSU System Chancellor William Cibes and his staff; one of the meetings held at CSU offices included James Roach, President of Western Connecticut State University. Of prime concern to CSU representatives initially was a rumor regarding plans to include residential facilities at UConn-Stamford (UConn has no such plans); subsequently, discussions have focused on programmatic issues related to the institutions’ existing offerings and plans for course expansion, as well as the potential for better coordination among UConn, CSU and the Community-Technical College system in the area of instructional technology/distance learning. These discussions are continuing.

• Independent Colleges and Universities

There have been two meetings of representatives of UConn and Stamford area private institutions. The first took place on June 10, 1996 and was hosted by Michael Gerber, President of the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges. In addition to University representatives, present were Dr. Anthony Cernera, President of Sacred Heart University; Dr. Lawrence DeNardis, President of the University of New Haven; Dr. Richard Rubenstein, President of the University of Bridgeport; and Dr. Robert Wall, Academic Vice President of Fairfield University and members of their staffs. The discussion covered UConn’s plans regarding program expansion and the potential effect of those plans on the independent institutions in the region. While considerable interest was expressed in shared use of the UConn-Stamford downtown facility, the University cannot make any representations or commitments in this regard until renovations are completed, program and service offerings are in the final stages of preparation and emerging needs (such as presidential office space) have been accommodated. In addition, should space in the new facility be available, it may be appropriate to give priority to public higher education institutions’ needs. It was agreed at the conclusion of the first meeting that further discussions should focus on common programmatic interests.

The second meeting, hosted by Mark Swanson, Director of the UConn-Stamford campus, was held on August 13, 1996 with representatives of the four private institutions and representatives of the University of Connecticut. The nature of the discussion at this meeting was far more detailed, given the presence of individuals who were more deeply involved in local operations and offerings. The meeting started with the sharing of information about current offerings and future plans and ended with a commitment from UConn-Stamford to host meetings with local staff to enable discussions at a level of detail likely to produce concrete suggestions for cooperation. Several interesting ideas emerged, such as joint programs to bring in scholars of national and international reputation, non-credit assistance to local business where the needs exceed the capacity of any individual institution, technological hook-ups and a joint marketing effort with New York commuters as a potential target audience.

• The Department of Higher Education

On April 17, 1996, Commissioner Andrew DeRocco held a meeting of public and private sector representatives to discuss the UConn-Stamford initiative. This meeting culminated in the Commissioner’s suggestion that the group consider reshaping the initiative as currently conceived into a model more akin to a higher education center. The Commissioner has committed his agency to collecting data regarding educational consortia in other states to serve as the basis for further discussion.

• On September 13, 1996, the Board of Trustees of the University of Connecticut found and determined that the University “has considered,” in the words of the statute, opportunities for collaboration. Indeed, as the above information indicates, many of these activities go well beyond the level of “consideration” required by statute. Work with the above-referenced groups will continue, and these reports will apprise the General Assembly as some of the ideas currently under discussion move from the realm of theory into more concrete proposals.
• Approximately one year ago the University was invited to attend a meeting with the Connecticut Colleges Purchasing Group (CCPG), a purchasing consortium made up of private Connecticut colleges to discuss expansion of their membership to include public institutions of higher education. Clearly, one of the challenges to be met was the statutory requirements imposed on public institutions and how to meet those mandates in a private/public consortium environment. The University’s Director of Purchasing offered to perform the competitive bidding functions and public advertising services for consortium contracts, as required in the public sector, while simultaneously incorporating into the bidding and contract documents the specifications, terms and conditions necessary to meet the consortium members’ requirements. In June, 1996 the CCPG voted to expand its membership to include public institutions. In October, 1996, a meeting was held to set the direction for the expanded consortium, including a membership drive; UConn’s Director of Purchasing was chosen as contract coordinator for the group. The University is already contacting its present vendors to determine which are willing to extend UConn’s current discount rate to other consortium members immediately. All consortium members look forward to the cost-saving potential of this expanded collaborative effort.

 

 

CHART KEY:
*** = Planning and Design Completed

Project Description	UCONN 2000 Funding*	Comments	IMPLEMENTATION Planning/ Design	Completed to date25% 50% 75% 100%
Agriculture Biotechnology Facility: Phase 1	$8,726,000	Schematic design underway	**
Avery Pt. Marine Science & Technology Center: Phase 1	$34,000,000	Contract documents due 09/18/96	*************
Babbidge Library Envelope Repairs		Potential cost overrun being evaluated by DPW.	**********	35%
Beach Hall Renovations	$994,000	Design to begin 97-98
Benton State Art Museum Addition	$3,341,000	Architectural contract cancelled. Project being re-evaluated.	**************
Chemistry – New Building	$53,062,000	Bid opening 9/25/96.	**************
Deferred Maintenance and Renovation Lump Sum FY 96-97	$20,000,000	Bidding and awarding contracts.	**************	20%
Equipment, Library Colelctions & Telecommunications	$30,141,000	FY 96/97 Equipment and Library Collections have been ordered..
Fairfield Road Pedestrian Mall	$1,880,000	Await outcome of Master Plan update.
Gant Plaza		Design started.	**
Hartford Relocation Design	$1,500,000	Awaiting completion of Feasiblity Study.
Hartford Relocation Feasibility Study	$150,000	Proposals under evaluation.
Heating Plant Upgrade	$9,469,000	Design development due 11/29/96.	*****
Ice Rink Enclosure	$2,470,000	Design/Build contractor selection. 11/96	**************
Litchfield Agricultural Center	$1,000,000	Architect and engineer selection process started.	*
Mansfield Apartments Renovations	$2,471,000	Bid opening 9/20/96.	**************
North Campus Renovation	$2,654,000	BDesign to begin 98-99.
North Superblock Site & Utilities	$7,668,000	Design development due 11/29/96.	*****
Northwest Quadrant Renovation	$2,001,000	Architect and engineer selection process started.	*
Parking Garage – North	$9,658,000	Architect and engineer selection process started.	*
Pharmacy – New Building Phase I	$3,856,000	Study completed. Design to begin 97-98.	*
School of Business – New Building	$19,464,000	Architect and engineer selection 10/9/96.	*
South Campus Dorms & Dining Hall: Old & New	$12,251,000	Design development due 9/30/96.	*******	20%
Stamford – Relocation to Downtown: Phase I	$41,350,000	Demolition complete. Construction to start 9/24/96.	**************	20%
Tech Quad: Phase I-A: Biology & Physics New Building	$37,393,000	Design development under review.	*******
Underground Steam & Water Upgrade	$3,500,000	Design to begin 96-97.
University Programs New Building	$8,750,000	Design to begin 96-97.	**
Waring Building Conversion	$7,520,000	Architect and engineer selection process started.	*
Waterbury Property Purchase	$325,000	Propoerty appraisal process has begun.
White Building Code Violation Abatements	$2,430,000	Contract documents under review.	**************
Wilbur Cross Building Renovation	$3,409,000	Archietect and engineer selection process started.	*

 

CURRENT PROJECT FUND SOURCES: UCONN 2000 – PHASE I

October 1996

CURRENT PROJECTS, FUND SOURCES: UCONN 2000					October 1996
Project Description	Budget	UConn 2000 Securities	University Revenue Bonds	Other State Funds	Federal Funds	Private Funds
Agriculture Biotechnology Facility: Phase 1	$11,183,550	$8,726,000		$600,000	* $1,857,550
Avery Point Marine Science and Technology Center: Phase I	$38,000,000	$34,000,000		$4,000,000
Babbidge Library Envelope Repairs	$26,276,313			$26,276,313
Beach Hall Renovations	$994,000	$994,000
Benton State Art Museum Addition	$4,851,980	$3,341,000		$750,000	**$376,539	*** $384,440
Chemistry New Building	$56,754,200	$53,062,000		$3,692,200
Deferred Maintenance & Renovation Lump Sum	$20,000,000	$20,000,000
Equipment, Library Collections & Telecommunications	$30,141,000	$30,141,000
Fairfield Road Pedestrian Mall	$1,880,000	$1,880,000.00
Gant Plaza	$2,000,000			$2,000,000
Hartford Relocation Design	$1,500,000	$1,500,000
Hartford Relocation Feasibility Study	$150,000	$150,000
Heating Plant Upgrade	$10,469,000	$9,469,000		$1,000,000
Ice Rink Enclosure	$2,790,000	$2,470,000		$320,000
Litchfield Agricultural Center: Phase I	$1,000,000	$1,000,000
Mansfield Apartments Renovations	$2,771,000	$2,471,000		$300,000
North Campus Renovations	$2,654,000	$2,654,000
North Superblock Site and Utilities	$7,668,000	$7,668,000
Northwest Quadrant Renovation	$2,001,000	$2,001,000
Parking Garage – North	$9,658,000	$9,658,000
School of Business – New Building	$19,464,000	$19,464,000
Pharmacy – New Building: Phase I	$3,856,000	$3,856,000
South Campus Dorms and Dining Hall – Old and New	$40,964,000	$12,251,000	$22,454,350	$6,258,650
Stamford – Relocation to Downtown	$67,742,000	$53,742,000		$14,000,000
Technology Quadrant – Phase IA Biology and Physics New Building	$40,118,000	$37,393,000		$2,725,000.00
Underground Steam and Water Upgrade	$3,500,000	$3,500,000
University Programs New Building	$8,750,000	$8,750,000
Waring Building Conversion	$7,520,000	$7,520,000
Waterbury Property Purchase	$325,000	$325,000
White Building Code Violation Abatements	$2,800,000	$2,430,000		$370,000
Wilbur Cross Building Renovations	$3,409,000	$3,409,000
TOTALS	$431,190,043	$343,825,000		$62,292,163	$2,234,089	$384,441
* Federal funding to date
** Federal funding and interest (designated)
*** Foundation

 

 

I. INTRODUCTION

II. ACTIVITIES COMPLETED OR UNDERWAY:

• PLANNING, DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT
• CONSTRUCTION
• PRIVATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT
• FINANCE

III. PROJECTS FUNDS LIST
IV. PROJECT LIST (as of April, 1996)

 

INTRODUCTION

This is the second in a series of semi-annual reports to the Governor and the General Assembly pursuant to the provisions of Public Act 95-230, An Act to Enhance the Infrastructure of the University of Connecticut, the law that is now known as UCONN 2000.

The first report, dated October 1, 1995, placed this historic undertaking in the context of the University’s Strategic Plan and provided a summary of the provisions of the law. Because the reporting deadline followed so closely on the heels of the enactment of UCONN 2000, many of the activities on which the University is required to report were in the earliest stages of development. This and future reports will contain an increasing level of detail as projects are implemented and completed.

While most of the activities mentioned in this report are projects specified in the UCONN 2000 legislation, some are supported by other funding sources. All significant projects underway are presented in this report, however, for two reasons. First, it is essential that all major capital activities are developed, implemented and reported in a comprehensive manner. Second, UCONN 2000 did more than provide a funding structure for the rebuilding of the University. The law also conferred upon UConn the flexibility and management authority necessary to enable the University to move forward with this tremendous effort in a focused and expeditious manner. Every aspect of the University’s physical renewal has benefited from the management oversight provisions of UCONN 2000.

 

ACTIVITIES COMPLETED OR UNDERWAY

• Twenty-two design contracts have been assigned to the University after transfer from the State Department of Public Works. Along with the contracts, the funds for these projects were transferred to UConn.
• The review for prioritization of all projects proposed under UCONN 2000 has been completed and a list has been developed of those projects that will be funded by the state debt service commitment. The list of projects has been approved by the Board of Trustees and the Governor and submitted to the Bond Commission. (Attachment I)
• The list of Fiscal Year 1995-96 projects funded under UCONN 2000 has been developed and approved by the Board of Trustees. (Attachment II)
• On March 15, 1996, the Board of Trustees adopted a policy concerning the negotiation of construction bids. (Attachment III)
• The staff for managing the UCONN 2000 program and projects are in place and the University has assumed project management responsibilities for all projects transferred from the Department of Public Works.
• The flexibility and management authority given to the University by UCONN 2000 has made a significant difference in terms of UConn’s ability to move projects forward in a planned, deliberate and timely fashion. The Chemistry Building – one of the biggest projects of the early phase – is six months ahead of the original schedule, a state of affairs that is largely attributable to the new management flexibility of UCONN 2000.
• Architectural and engineering firms have been selected to perform services for the University. Their contracts have been signed and design work is underway. The categories of work include:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Structural Engineering (Threshold Code Review)
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
• Advertising for, and interviewing of, legal counsel has taken place. Firms have been selected and are under contract for specific tasks. Most immediate tasks are the development and/or review of contracts, bid documents and prequalification documents.
• A review of the feasibility of the University’s purchasing directly the insurance for the UCONN 2000 projects (wraparound and project coverage) is underway . This approach is expected to offer savings in insurance coverage costs. Over $225 million of Phase I construction projects have been identified for potential inclusion in wraparound coverage.
• A firm has been hired to update the University’s 1987 Facilities Master Plan. Its activities will include development of an overall strategy for campus design, including matters related to maintenance, energy use and environmental concerns, architectural standards for buildings, a parking and transportation plan, landscaping and signage schemes, as well as assistance in preparation of implementation strategies for projects. This plan will include all University facilities except for the Health Center.
• Prequalification criteria and information for contractors have been developed and reviewed by legal counsel. UCONN 2000 permits the prequalification of contractors, enabling the University to ensure that contractors who bid on a project meet baseline criteria concerning such matters as finances, experience, prior project quality and use of subcontractors. The process has been completed to prequalify contractors for the Gampel Seating Expansion and demolition activities in Stamford. Other projects will be advertised later this Spring.
• University representatives are meeting with representatives of various public and private higher education institutions to discuss opportunities for coordination.
• The University has issued a request for qualifications as it begins the process of selecting a consultant to conduct the study of the feasibility of relocating the West Hartford campus to a location in downtown Hartford.

 

CONSTRUCTION

The Babbidge Library repairs are continuing. All plastic has been removed and the footings and foundation for the new structure poured. The structural steel has been fabricated and will be put into place in the next few weeks.

Bids have been received for the Field House renovation. Construction on the project will begin May 1, 1996, with completion scheduled eighteen months later.

• The South Campus residence hall project has moved into the design development phase. The residence halls will be equipped to bring state of the art technology directly to dorm rooms and should serve to enhance the University’s ability to attract talented students. The project is scheduled to be bid in October, with occupancy planned for the Fall of 1998.
• Demolition and asbestos removal activities for the Stamford Downtown Relocation project are out to bid. This phase of work will permit the University to assess renovation needs more precisely before the larger project is bid in May 1996.
• Classroom renovation projects are continuing with Arjona 119 and Torrey Life Sciences 301 currently undergoing construction. The School of Business Lecture Hall and classrooms in Design and Resource Management, Ratcliffe Hicks, Monteith and Whetten Graduate Center are scheduled for construction this summer.
• Exterior physical enhancements are continuing with facade repairs, window replacement, roof repairs/replacement for Beach, Wood and Manchester Halls. Window replacement at the Northwest Quad Dorms will be completed in May 1996. Bids have been received on the reconstruction of Gilbert Road. Construction on the road will be completed during Summer 1996.
• The Gampel Seating Expansion project is out to bid. The project will provide for 1600 additional seats. Construction activities are scheduled to take place from May to September, 1996 (structural work and utilities relocation) and from May to September, 1997 (seat installation).
• Bids have been received for the Mansfield Apartments (graduate student housing) renovations. Construction is scheduled to begin in April 1996 with completion in April 1998.
• UCONN 2000 also provides significant funding for equipment. Much of the equipment to be acquired is systems-related and research-oriented. There are, however, exceptions to this general rule. For example, UCONN 2000 has allowed the University to address a longstanding need to upgrade the student shuttle bus system. Four new buses accessible to persons with disabilities have been ordered at a cost of approximately $200,000 each. The improved shuttle bus system also will enable closing parts of center campus to vehicular traffic. This will improve campus appearance, reduce grounds maintenance costs, facilitate pedestrian activities and increase student, faculty and staff safety.

 

PRIVATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT

• The goal for private financial support for Fiscal Year 1995-96 is $12 million in receipts (pledges are no longer counted toward the goal). From July 1, 1995 through February 29, 1996 actual gift receipts for the University totaled $8.8 million. This amount represents a 56% increase over the same period in Fiscal Year 1994-95 and outstrips the pace needed to achieve the goal for the year.
• An analysis of the private giving results for the eight months ended February 29, 1996, as compared with the same period in 1995, reveals several noteworthy trends. Although all areas of the University benefited from increased charitable contributions, the academic program showed the most dramatic increases. Specifically, gifts to Storrs and the regional campuses were up 93%, gifts to the Health Center were up 70%, and gifts to the athletic program were up 26%.
• Many UConn supporters contributed for the first time, renewed lapsed giving, or increased their annual giving levels, which helped the Annual Fund raise $855,000 through phonathon and direct mail efforts, an 81% increase. As of February 29, 1996 unrestricted contributions totaled $754,000, an increase of 97% over the same period last year and 94% of the $800,000 unrestricted goal set for Fiscal Year 1995-96. Donors to the Annual Fund form a broadening base of major donors for the years ahead.
• In July, the Board of Trustees approved guidelines governing the eligibility of private donations for the $20 million state matching funds made available under UCONN 2000. Generally, state matching funds are applied on a dollar-for-dollar basis to all private gifts and pledges of $25,000 to $2,000,000 which either create new endowments or add to existing endowments and are received in calendar years 1996, 1997 and 1998. (The state matching grant will be paid in Fiscal Years 1998, 1999 and 2000). By targeting investment to endowments, the matching program encourages new and existing donors to support the University’s long-term needs and assist the University in funding its highest institutional priorities.
• Alumni and other friends have shown great interest and enthusiasm for the endow ment matching program made available under UCONN 2000. As of February 29, 1996 (two months into the program), 50 documented, match-eligible pledges from private sources had been recorded. In total, these pledges amounted to $5.3 million and, once received and matched by the state, will permanently increase UConn’s endowment by $10.6 million. Actual cash receipts from donors against these pledges totaled $1.63 million through February 1996.
• Recently announced gifts serve as good examples of the exciting opportunities being afforded with private support:
  • On March 12, 1996, Connecticut Mutual announced a gift to the University of Connecticut School of Law to establish an endowed chair in insurance law to be named in honor of the 150-year-old insurance company, which has recently merged with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. The grant, made through the Connecticut Mutual Life Foundation, when combined with prior gifts and matching state funds provided by UCONN 2000, will result in a total gift of $1 million. The funds will help establish an Insurance Law Center – one of the most comprehensive academic centers in the nation for insurance law.
  • The University will be able to launch a new summer program, the UConn Mentor Connection, because of a gift from the W. R. Berkley Corporation. The contribution will provide start-up funds and endowments for scholarships (eligible for the UCONN 2000 match) for a program that will bring some of the most talented high school students from across the nation to the Storrs campus, where faculty from nearly 20 departments will provide apprenticed-based involvement in faculty research. Selection criteria are designed to identify and involve talented students from diverse cultural, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. The program design, which features teens actively engaged with faculty and graduate students, stems from research conducted by the University’s National Research Center for the Gifted and Talented, which has already received more than $8.2 million in external funding from federal sources.
  • A permanent endowment for the University of Connecticut’s Honors Scholars Program – recognized as unsurpassed in the Northeast and among the best honors programs in the nation – will be created by a gift from Richard Treibick. This gift, when matched with UCONN 2000 funds, will allow the University to strengthen the program and offer scholarships to outstanding applicants, thereby helping UConn attract the most qualified students in a very competitive environment.
  • It is fully expected that the Fiscal Year 1995-96 minimum goal of $12 million – nearly a 50% increase in cash receipts over the Fiscal Year 1994-95 results Ñ will be achieved, and that the UCONN 2000 matching opportunity of $20 million over three years will be fully subscribed. Together with the emphasis on fundraising for the current year, a comprehensive program for future private giving is being aggressively planned and pursued. Progress is continuing on several fronts: to renew and build relationships, to identify potential volunteers and financial supporters, to steward former donors, and to create the overall infrastructure necessary to increasing contributions again significantly in Fiscal Year 1996-97 and to initiating a successful multi-year campaign of $200 – $300 million for UConn in Fiscal Year 1997-98.

 

FINANCE

UCONN 2000 authorizes the University to issue bonds to finance its capital infrastructure program. A significant amount of activity over the last six months has revolved around this aspect of the law. The law provides that:

• The state pays the debt service on $962 million of UConn bonds.
• The State Treasurer manages the sale process and invests bond proceeds.
• The maximum annual issuance amount is limited to 120% of the estimated project expenditures during the following 12 months.

The law also requires that the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees adopt a Master Indenture to be submitted to the State Bond Commission prior to the initial issuance of securities. The Master Indenture, in essence, is a contract between the University and the banking and trust company providing services for bondholders. It authorizes the issuance of bonds and describes how the debt will be serviced. The Board of Trustees approved the Master Indenture in November 1995, and the Bond Commission approved it as to form in December 1995. Representatives of the University, the State Treasurer’s Office and UCONN 2000 financial advisers went to New York to make rating agency presentations regarding UCONN 2000 bonds to Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch Investors.

Also in November, the Board of Trustees approved the revised list of UCONN 2000 projects which will be financed by the state debt service commitment over the ten-year period as well as the First Supplemental Indenture which serves as the Board of Trustees’ bond resolution for the 1996 Series A Bonds. This resolution was sent to the Governor who, by virtue of his decision not to exercise his right to disapprove it within 30 days of its submission, permitted the resolution to move forward. Projects in the first year of UCONN 2000 include construction of the new Chemistry Building, various deferred maintenance projects, equipment replacement and upgrades, the Stamford Downtown relocation, a study of the feasibility of relocating the West Hartford campus to Hartford, and the Mansfield Apartment renovations (graduate student housing).

In February 1996, the team working on UCONN 2000 completed the Official Statement, a document which is provided for the purpose of presenting information about the bond financing (as well as information about the University in general) in connection with the offering and sale of the General Obligation Bonds 1996 Series A.

All of these activities culminated with the bond sale on February 6, 1996, when the University of Connecticut entered the market with an $83.9 million General Obligation Bond issue secured by the state debt service commitment. The first UCONN 2000 bond issue was successful in many respects:

• Orders totaled $327.1 million, or four times the amount of bonds offered.
• Sale was at an overall interest rate of about 4.94 % Ñ an extremely favorable interest rate. This compares to a rate of about 5.25% for the last issuance of state general obligation bonds in October 1995. Rarely in the recent past has an A1/AA- rated issuer raised twenty-year money at a cost below 5%.
• Long-term bonds sold at an interest rate about ten basis points less, and short-term bonds about five basis points less, than the state’s general obligation bonds trading in the secondary market on February 6, 1996.
• Yields on the bond issue are below those of most other similar bond issues priced during the same period.
• Individual investors purchased nearly 50% of the bonds while sufficient institutional interest was attracted to facilitate secondary market liquidity. Alumni of the University of Connecticut purchased almost 4% of the bonds.

The favorable pricing is attributable to the high retail participation in this issue which enabled the state and the University to offer more aggressive pricing to the institutional market than would have been possible without retail interest. The bonds attracted strong investor demand because of the extensive retail marketing effort and the use of insurance on bonds maturing in 2002 and after, as well as the unique nature of the UCONN 2000 financing program. While UConn bonds offer security features very similar to those on the state’s general obligation bonds, they also offer investors a defined, specific use of the proceeds. Retail investors liked knowing that proceeds would benefit UConn. Institutional investors liked the portfolio diversity which UConn bonds provide while limiting investment risk to that of the state’s general obligation bonds.

This financing was unique and represented many “firsts,” all of which combined to make the bonds appealing to investors:

• It was the first time the University entered the market in its own name.
• It was the first time the University and the state entered into a partnership specifically to provide infrastructure funding.
• It was the first time such a security structure has been used in connection with any public university program anywhere in the country.
• It was the first financing in a ten-year program in which the University expects to issue $962 million in bonds secured by the state debt service commitment.

The bond sale team included the Senior Managing Underwriter for the UConn 2000 initiative, Advest, Inc.; Co-Senior Managing Underwriters, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., Lehman Brothers, and Morgan Stanley & Co.; and the following underwriters: Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc., First Albany Corporation, Fleet Securities, Inc., Greenwich Partners, Inc., Grigsby Brandford & Co., Inc., Merrill Lynch & Co., Paine Webber Incorporated, Prager, McCarthy & Sealy, Prudential Securities Incorporated, Pryor, McClendon, Counts & Co., Inc., Roosevelt & Cross, Inc., Herbert J. Sims & Co., Inc., and Smith Barney, Inc.

Table of Contents:

I. UCONN 2000: THE CONTEXT
II. UCONN 2000: ACTIVITIES UNDERWAY

• PLANNING, DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT
• CONSTRUCTION
• FINANCE
• PRIVATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT

III. UCONN 2000: A REVIEW OF THE LAW

• PURPOSES
• CAPITAL PROJECTS
• PROJECT FUNDING
• CAPITAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT
• FLEXIBILITY AUTHORITY
• PRIVATE DONATIONS AND MATCHING GRANT
• ACCOUNTABILITY AND OVERSIGHT

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

The University of Connecticut aspires to be the outstanding public university in the nation…a center for lifelong learning which excels in both teaching and research…a diverse community whose values promote mutual respect, inspire intellectual curiosity and encourage service to society…an environment that fosters academic and artistic achievement as well as productive and responsible student life…an institution with a global perspective that recognizes its special obligation to enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of Connecticut.The Trustees’ blueprint, the Strategic Plan, sets the University on the road to educational pre-eminence.

The General Assembly’s blueprint is Public Act 95-230, An Act to Enhance the Infrastructure of the University of Connecticut, the law that has come to be known as UCONN 2000. UCONN 2000 represents the $1 billion, as well as the responsibility and accountability, that Connecticut’s citizens decided to invest in the University in the coming decade.

The University will undergo many changes as it pursues the strategic goals adopted by the Board of Trustees. (Attachment A) While it is the Board’s vision of renewal for the University that sets the context and direction for the capital rebuilding program, it is the legislature’s supp ort that turns the vision into the bricks and mortar of lecture halls, researc h labs, and dormitories. Neither blueprint can become reality without the other.

The year 1995 has brought another piece of good news to the University: early numbers indicate enrollment for the freshman class is up by almost ten percent this fall, with 2,000 students entering as the Class of 1999 – the last class of the 20th century. Admissions officials say that most comments from applicants and their parents indicate that the news of UCONN 2000 was — remarkably — even more of a factor in their decision to attend the University than the increased visibility occasioned by our Big East champion men’s and our national championship women’s basketball teams.

These enrollment figures are even more important than one might assume at first blush: for years, surveys of students who chose not to attend UConn said the physical condition of the campus was a primary reason for going elsewhere. The quality of on-campus academic and housing facilities is consistently rated low, a view which undermines prospective student confidence in the academic program. This is especially true in the case of higher-achieving students , who are a target audience critical to the future of our state. If this state is to stop the “brain drain,” its flagship university must compete aggressively for students in the marketplace. UCONN 2000 is essential to this effort.

Finally, lest there be any doubt, the University community is fully mindful of the fact that it is an active partner in this endeavor. At the University Convocation on September 5, 1995, Provost Mark A. Emmert explained this partnership as follows:

…we should always remember the social contract we share with the good citizens of Connecticut. The University of Connecticut is a public trust, an organization established over a century ago by the people of the state for the betterment of their heirs and the broader society. This year the State of Connecticut reconfirmed its commitment to this public trust through the passage of UCONN 2000. For years, citizens have provided tax support and students have paid tuition knowing that the University of Connecticut would add value to their investment.

We within the University must clearly understand this relationship with our citizens and our supporters. It is incumbent upon us to demonstrate that their support is well placed. We must make every effort to organize ourselves intelligently, to invest our resources strategically, and to provide teaching, research, and outreach of the highest quality and rigor. It is imperative that we show clearly and unequivocally that the University of Connecticut is upholding its end of the bargain.

On June 22, 1995, Governor John G. Rowland signed the UCONN 2000 bill at a ceremony in front of Babbidge Library, the symbol of the University’s crumbling infrastructure. In the short time that has passed since the signing ceremony, the University has already begun to move forward on a host of activities designed to meet the timetables and expectations of the General Assembly and the Board of Trustees.

Please note that, while most of the activities mentioned in this report are projects specified in the UCONN 2000 legislation, some are supported by other funding sources. All significant projects underway are presented in this report, however, for two reasons.

First, we wish to ensure that all major capital activities are developed, implemented and reported in a comprehensive manner. Second — and most important — UCONN 2000 is more than a capital construction finance statute. The flexibility and management authority conferred on the University by UCONN 2000 has already made a dramatic change in terms of UConn’s ability to move projects forward in a planned, deliberate and timely fashion. Every project described has benefitted from the provisions of the new law; every aspect of overseeing the renewal of the University’s physical plant has been fortified by UCONN 2000.

• The management of all projects that have not yet reached the construct ion stage has been officially transferred from the State Department of Public Works to the University of Connecticut. The total value of these projects is $378 million. For capital projects already underway, the transfer of d esign contracts, project fund balances and other accounting information is in pr ocess.
• A group representing the academic, student life, administrative and op erational divisions of the University has almost completed the review and prioritization of all projects originally proposed in UCONN 2000. This review was undertaken to determine the adjustments necessary to accommodate the level of funding authorized by Public Act 95-230. The proposed list will be submitted to the Board of Trustees for review and approval prior to submission to the Bond Commission. The law requires the approval of the General Assembly if the Board recommends the deletion or addition of any project.
• Policies for selecting design consultants and prequalifying contracto rs were adopted by the University Board of Trustees on September 8, 1995. (Attachment B) Prequalification will ensure that contractors meet specific criteria regarding financial, quality and performance standards prior to being allowed to bid on a University project.
• A comprehensive list of deferred maintenance projects to be accomplished in Year One of UCONN 2000 has been completed.
• The University has begun developing a master schedule for all new instructional, research, library, support and telecommunications equipment to be funded out of UCONN 2000.
• The University has retained Dr. Harvey Kaiser, a nationally respected expert in higher education facilities management, to consult with Trustees and s taff on overall campus planning and design issues.
• Design funds for the new Agricultural Biotechnology building have bee n allocated and design is underway. Approximately half of the design costs are federally funded.
• A Policies And Procedures Manual is under development. This document provides in-depth information on project management, project reporting, financial reporting, construction standards and other “how-to” information on all aspects of UCONN 2000.

• The $18 million authorized for repairs to Babbidge Library has been allocated by the State Bond Commission and construction is underway.The planned completion date for the Babbidge Library, dubbed the “Poster Child” of UCONN 2000, is December 1996. The entire University community eagerly awaits the removal of the plastic sheeting that surrounds the library; Babbidge will be “unwrapped” later this fall.
• Demolition of the South Campus residence halls has been completed, making way for a new, multi-building South Campus that will permit a variety of student living arrangements and will incorporate current national standards for residence halls. The new management authority granted by UCONN 2000 permitted UConn to accomplish the demolition project in rapid fashion. Demolition began on August 21st and the last of the debris was being carted away as this report went to print. Groundbreaking is scheduled for next spring; students will move into the brand new buildings in the fall of 1997. The bricks from the demolition have become a hot consumer property, soon to be used in fundraising efforts!
• The Towers dormitories project, which involves new roofs, facades and windows for 16 residence halls, started in May 1995, and will be completed in August 1996. Exterior work, it goes without saying, must be completed before interior work can begin. The cost of the exterior project is born e by a combination of low interest federal loan funds and state self-liquidati ng bonds. The interior renovation is part of the second phase of UCONN 2000.
• Over the past summer the Andre Schenker and the Torrey Life Science lecture halls, as well as several classrooms in other buildings, underwent complete renovation. These facilities are among the most heavily used rooms on campus and their refurbishing has been a priority for students as well as faculty. Renovations include air conditioning, new seating, and the latest in instructional media equipment and technological capability. The classroom and laboratory renovation program is a multi-year commitment which has been expedited with the passage of UCONN 2000.
• The Field House renovation has gone out to bid. The project is slate d to begin in May 1996, a timetable designed to minimize impact on students. The 18-month shutdown means that some reduction in program will be unavoidable, but most activities will be offered elsewhere. The Field Hou se was built at a time when the University’s enrollment was only one-third of what it is today; predating Title IX, the original design simply cannot accommodate expanded women’s athletic programs and the growth in intramural and recreational activities.
• Physical enhancements are taking place university-wide, with the inst allation of sidewalks, paving stones, durable granite curbing and other site improvements across the campus.

• Meetings have been held with State Treasurer Christopher Burnham to p lan bond sales and related activities. The University has participated with t he Treasurer’s Office in interviewing bond managers, with a selection for UCONN 2000 to be made shortly.
• The timing of the appointment of bond counsel and bond managers is suc h that it is likely that the Master Indenture will be ready for action by t he Bond Commission by late fall. This schedule fits well with the timetable for o ther state bond sales planned for early fall. The Treasurer’s Office and the University remain committed to the first UConn bond sales upon Bond Commission approval of the form of the Master Indenture.
• The firm of Hawkins, Delafield & Wood has been selected by the Treasur er as bond counsel for the UCONN 2000 program to assist with the sale of ssecurities and related issues.

 

• As part of its commitment to the General Assembly to pursue aggressive ly other sources of financial support, the University has significantly expan ded its institutional advancement program. For the first time, ambitious goa ls have been set to increase overall giving to the University, and early resu lts show promise. Giving in 1993-94 totalled $6.8 million in cash and pledges . In 1994-95, giving increased by 20% to $8.2 million. This increase is especially impressive because the $8.2 million represents cash only (no pledges) due to a recent policy change to measure results by annual cash receipts. (Pledges promised, but not yet received, will no longer be calculated in annual tallies.) Even more ambitious goals have been set for the future: $12-$15 million in Fiscal Year 1995-96, and $25 million by 1997. In addition, the University plans to initiate a multi-year $250-$300 million capital campaign during Fiscal Year 1997-98. The University will soon complete staffing its operations to meet these goals. Our new advancement program will feature sophisticated annual fund, deferred giving, major donor, alumni and corporate and foundation fundraising capabilities.These capabilities will be supported in the context of a complete institutional advancement program featuring research, public relations, marketing and constituency development programs. The goal: a University that will compete effectively for private contributions.
• In July, the Board of Trustees approved guidelines governing the elig ibility of private donations for the $20 million state matching funds made availab le under UCONN 2000. Generally, state matching funds will be applied on a dollar for dollar basis to all private gifts and pledges of $25,000 to $2,000,000 which either create new endowments or add to existing endowments and are received in calendar years 1996, 1997 and 1998. (State matching grants will be paid in Fiscal Years 1998, 1999 and 2000). By targeting investment to endowments, the matching program will encourage new and existing donors to support the University’s long-term needs and assist the University in achieving the extra margin for excellen ce. Please see Attachment C for the complete guidelines.

 

The law known as UCONN 2000 is Public Act 95-230, An Act to Enhance the Infrastructure of the University of Connecticut. UCONN 2000 establishes a structured 10-year program to rebuild the University’s crumbling infrastructure at the Storrs campus, as well as to construct and equip academic and research facilities in Storrs and at the regional campuses. The law also establishes a matching grants program, similar to those of other public universities, designed to encourage and reward UConn efforts to increase substantially the level of private donations from alumni, corporations and others. Finally, UCONN 2000 makes the University accountable for the state of its facilities by authorizing it to manage all its capital projects. This grant of authority is intended to increase management flexibility, decrease bureaucratic red tape, reduce project costs and significantly improve the quality and timeliness of capital projects and ongoing maintenance.

---

The provisions of Public Act 95-230 are summarized as follows:

PURPOSES

Defines the purposes of “The University of Connecticut 2000 Act” as:

• improving educational opportunities in Connecticut;
• establishing a special capital improvement program for UConn;
• enabling UConn to borrow money and enter into financial transactions o n behalf of the state;
• authorizing UConn to manage its capital projects; and
• assuring a state financial commitment to support these activities.

 

CAPITAL PROJECTS

Authorizes UConn to administer, manage, schedule, finance, design and construct the projects enumerated in the act to modernize, rehabilitate, renew, expand and otherwise stabilize the University’s physical plant.Those projects include:

• deferred maintenance,
• renovations and adaptations,
• new buildings and additions,
• equipment replacement and upgrades,
• library equipment and collections,
• transportation and parking, roads and walks, and
• residence halls.

 

Specifies each project authorized, including its estimated cost and its placement in either Phase I or Phase II of the program. Phase I is for Fiscal Years 1996-1999 and totals $382 million, and Phase II is for Fiscal Years 2000-2005 and totals $868 million. The total project cost of $1.25 billion must be reduced to $980 million by reducing the cost of Phase II projects. (The $980 million represents the $962 million authorized by UConn 2000 plus the $18 million for Babbidge Library authorized in Public Act 95-270.) UConn is required to file its revised list of Phase II projects with the State Bond Commission when it submits the form of the master indenture to the Commission.

Enables the UConn Board of Trustees to make material revisions in projects. Project additions or deletions can only occur upon the approval of the Board of Trustees and the General Assembly. Revisions, additions or deletions do not reduce the amount of the state’s debt service commitment.

Authorizes the University to determine the timing and sequencing of projects, and project cost revisions and reallocations.

Requires the University to report all actions involving project revisions, additions, deletions and project cost revisions and reallocations as part of the semi-annual reports to the General Assembly.

PROJECT FUNDING

Provides that the State, through the state debt service commitment, will fund the debt service costs of the securities issued for UConn.

Authorizes the University to issue securities in the name of the University on behalf of the State to finance UCONN 2000.

Limits the amount of securities the Board of Trustees may issue to the following specified amounts in each fiscal year of the program. ( P lease note that the amount specified for Fiscal Year 1996 does not reflect the $18 million for Babbidge Library authorized in Public Act 95-270.)

 

Permits the Board to carry forward to the succeeding fiscal year a ny portion of a year’s capped amount which is not used. The financing transacti on costs may be added to the capped amounts.

Authorizes UConn to issue securities under an indenture of trust o r a bond resolution and requires the securities to be general obligations of t he University, backed by its full faith and credit, unless they are spec ified as special obligations payable from special revenues in the indenture or resolution.

Requires the Board of Trustees to submit to the State Bond Commiss ion for its approval the form of the master indenture or resolution when the Board submits its revised list of Phase II projects.

Provides that the State Treasurer is responsible for the sale of t he UConn securities needed to fund UCONN 2000 and for setting the terms and provisions of each sale in conjunction with UConn.

Prohibits the University from securing funds from any other state agency or quasi-public agency to lease, finance or lease-finance any land or bu ilding outside the Storrs campus that requires an annual expenditure of more than $50,000 per year during the period when UCONN 2000 securities are issued.

Provides that the securities issued by the University are to be tax exempt.

Makes provisions similar to those provided for other state bonds with regard to liens and mortgages, interest rate agreements, trust funds, remedies, and securities refunding

CAPITAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Grants to the University, upon filing a request with the Commissioner of Public Works, the authority to design, plan, acquire, remodel, alter, repair, enlarge or demolish any real asset or other UCONN 2000 project at the University. This authority may be extended to any other capital project already underway at the discretion of the University.

Requires the University to prepare construction standards for all projects and prepare detailed plans and specifications for each project.

Authorizes the University to contract with a design professional, a general contractor and one or more prime trade contractors for any construction work.

Establishes the public bidding processes for construction contracts inc luding bidder prequalification.

Requires the University to award each construction contract to the responsible qualified bidder submitting the lowest bid in compliance with the bid requirements.

Deems each UCONN 2000 project to be a state public works project making each project subject to state laws with regard to preferences for sta te workers, wages and hours, occupational safety and health, and contrac tor disqualification.

Expedites the licensing, permitting and other administrative processes, including any judicial appeal of a pertinent administrative action.

Prevents local zoning regulations from barring a UCONN 2000 project in an area zoned to allow commercial buildings.

Deems UCONN 2000 projects to be part of the state plan of conservation and development.

Exempts any UCONN 2000 project which involves converting an existing office or commercial use building to an educational use from an environmental impact evaluation, from review and comment by the Council on Environmental Quality, and from the Department of Environmental Protection regulations concerning flood plains.

FLEXIBILITY AUTHORITY

Grants specific powers to the University pertinent to fulfilling its responsibilities under the act, including powers related to issuing securities, leasing, contracting with or employing architects, accountants, engineers, legal and securities counsel, and other professional and technical expertise.

Enables the University to establish funds and accounts, in addition to those already authorized by statute, needed to implement the provisions of the act.

Authorizes the University to indemnify and be sued with respect to financing contracts.

Authorizes the University to acquire and dispose of real property, and permits the University to accept gifts of real property without obtaining the approval of the Department of Public Works or the State Properties Re view Board.

Enables the University to lease land under its control with the approval of the Governor and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management; su ch authority had been limited to leases to private developers for the construction of dormitories. (NOTE: This change may be inconsistent with leasing authority granted in other statutes.)

Makes the University responsible for establishing and maintaining control of personal property and equipment.

Exempts the University from obtaining printing and stationery needs through the Commissioner of Administrative Services.

PRIVATE DONATIONS AND MATCHING GRANT

Establishes a permanent endowment fund to encourage private donations to support professorships, scholarships or program enhancements. (Section9)

Establishes a three-year (Fiscal Years 1998, 1999 and 2000) state match ing grant program to encourage private donations. The state will match up to $20 million over the three years with a maximum match of $10 million in any one fiscal year. UConn is required to certify to the Secretary of th e Office of Policy and Management the amount of the eligible gifts it received fo r its endowment during calendar years 1996, 1997 and 1998. The certification is to occur by February 15th of each subsequent year. The General Assembly is to appropriate an amount equal to the amount reported or, if not appropriated, said amount is deemed to be authorized as general obligation bonds. Each state matching grant is to be deposited into the endowment fund.

Provides that in the event the University receives more than $10 million in eligible gifts in any calendar year, the amount in excess of $10 million is to be carried forward and be eligible for a matching state grant in the next succeeding fiscal year.

Requires the UConn Board of Trustees to adopt guidelines governing the solicitation of endowment fund eligible gifts.

Establishes a special external gift fund to encourage private donations in furtherance of UCONN 2000.

 

ACCOUNTABILITY AND OVERSIGHT

Requires the University to submit to the State Bond Commission for its approval the form of the master indenture prior to the initial issuance of UConn securities. At such time, the University must submit a revised list of Phase II . Any substantive amendments to the master indenture form must be approved by the State Bond Commission.

Requires the Board of Trustees to submit each resolution for the issuance of securities to the Governor with a summary of the estimated costs of projects which will not be completed within the issuance. The resolution is deemed approved unless the Governor, within 30 days after receipt, disapproves a resolution by so notifying the Board in writing, including the reasons for such disapproval.

Requires the University to submit semi-annual reports on the status and progress of UCONN 2000 to the Governor and the Education, Finance, Revenue and Bonding, and Appropriations Committees of the General Assembly beginning October 1, 1995.

Each report must include:

• information on the number of projects and securities authorized, approved and issued, including project costs, timeliness of completion, any problems which have developed, and a schedule of remaining projects and their expected costs;
• revenue available for the remaining projects and expected receipts for the next year;
• information regarding money raised from private sources for the capital and endowment programs and progress made in developing and implementing the fundraising program; and
• any cooperative activities begun in the preceding six months with other higher education institutions.

 

Requires that each such report specify, for the preceding six-month period:

• the moneys credited to such fund on account of, or derived from, each source of state and federal revenue;
• the amount of investment earnings from the fund; and
• the moneys from such fund applied and expended for
  • the payment of debt service requirements,
  • the payment of principal and interest on securities issued and general obligation bonds issued for University capital improvement purposes, and
  • each budgeted account under the annual budget appropriation made to the University.

 

Requires the University to submit on January 15, 1999, a four-year UCONN 2000 performance review report to the Governor and the Education and Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committees of the General Assembly. The report must provide for each project undertaken the progress made and the actual expenditures compared to the original cost estimates. The report must also include a summary of cooperative activities with other higher education institutions. Within 60 calendar days of receipt of the report, the Education and Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committees are to consider the report and determine whether there has been insufficient progress or significant cost increases as a result of actions taken by the University. If so, the committees may make recommendations to the University and the General Assembly for appropriate action.

Requires the Board of Trustees to approve the relocation of the West Hartford regional campus prior to any authorization for funds to implement such relocation, provided the Board may expend funds for the Hartford relocation feasibility study prior to such approval. The Board is to submit recommendations for alternative uses of the West Hartford campus to the Office of Policy and Management. (Note: See Public Act 95-270, Section 10 which amends this section.)

Requires the Board of Trustees, prior to undertaking any UCONN 2000 project at a regional campus, to find and determine that the University considered opportunities for coordinating and sharing programs and facilities with other higher education institutions. The findings and determinations are to be included in the semi-annual and four-year performance review reports.

Effective Date: Upon passage (June 7, 1995).

 

 

STRATEGIC GOALS

 

STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Provide a challenging and supportive learning environment that fosters achievement and intellectual interaction among undergraduates, graduate students and faculty members and promotes excellence in research, scholarship and artistic creativity.

STRATEGIC GOAL 2: Recruit and retain outstanding students, faculty and staff.

STRATEGIC GOAL 3: Create a physical environment that reflects our expectation of excellence and encourages a strong sense of pride and ownership.

STRATEGIC GOAL 4: Enhance our sense of community by increasing and valuing interaction while developing a strong sense of pride and ownership.

STRATEGIC GOAL 5: Allocate and develop resources on the basis of mission value and performance.

STRATEGIC GOAL 6: Streamline administrative functions.

STRATEGIC GOAL 7: Promote the University’s role in fulfilling the needs of the state, its citizens and its economic institutions.

STRATEGIC GOAL 8: Foster a sense of partnership with the state.

 

Policies: Selection and Acquisition of Professional Services

Section 14(b)(3), Section 14 (b)(4) and Section 14 (c)(1) of Public Act 95-230 authorize the University to contract with professionals to plan, design and supervise UCONN 2000 projects and other capital projects.

1. The Vice President for Finance and Administration has the responsibility for the administration of these policies. Authority for their implementation may be delegated to appropriate operating departments.
2. A selection board shall be appointed to select professional services for each project.
3. Rating criteria shall be developed by the selection board.The contract shall be negotiated by the Vice President for Finance and
4. Administration or by the Executive Director of Facilities Management as designee.
5. The contract shall be approved by the Vice President for Finance and Administration or the Executive Director of Facilities Management by delegated authority, and the Office of the Attorney General.
6. Changes in scope that affect the cost of the project must be approved by the Vice President for Finance andAdministration or by the Executive Director of Facilities Management as designee.

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Policies: Prequalification and Selection of Contractors

Section 14(b)(4), Section 14 (c)(2), Section 14 (3) and Section 14 (c)(4) of Public Act 95-230 authorize the University to contract with construction firms for the building of UCONN 2000 projects and other capital projects.

1. The Vice President for Finance and Administration has the responsibility for the administration of these policies. Implementing authority may be delegated to appropriate operating departments.
2. Prequalification shall be required of all bidders for projects over $100,000.
3. Objective written criteria for prequalification of firms shall be developed.
4. A list of prequalified contractors shall be developed on an annual basis. Firms will be evaluated on written criteria, including but not limited to: (1) the firm’s previous experience with similar projects, (2) the firm’s financial ability to complete the project, (3) the firm’s ability to post surety bonds, (4) evaluation of the firm’s integrity and (5) a determination that the firm has no conflict of interest in connection with the project.
5. Prequalified firms shall be invited to bid upon a specific contract. Contracts shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder who conforms to the University’s standards for the project.
6. Upon completion of the bidding process, all bids may be rejected and negotiations may be entered with any three firms on the bidding list.
7. If it is in the best interest of the University and the State of Connecticut, all bids may be rejected and the contracting process reopened.

 

 

 

The following guidelines are proposed:

• The matching program and this policy apply to all University of Connecticut schools, colleges, and campuses.
• The match will apply to all pledges and gifts of $25,000 or more which either create new endowments or add to an existing endowments.
• The maximum amount of matching funds applied to any single pledge or gift will be $2,000,000
• All gifts and pledges will be matched on a one-to-one basis.
• Pledges must be documented by a signed agreement from the donor in which payments to be received during the matching period are specified.
• Gifts and properly documented pledges will be matched in the order they are received. However, properly documented pledges will reserve matching funds during the period of the match and they will not be displaced by gifts received later.
• Gifts of property will be eligible for the match provided that they are converted to cash during the match period.
• Life income and other deferred gifts will not be eligible for the match.
• Bequests and charitable remainders received during the matching period will be matched only if funds are available at the end of each year.
• Gifts and properly documented pledges received from reunion and memorial gift campaigns will be eligible for matching with the approval of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.
• Exceptions to these guidelines may be granted by the President, Provost, Vice President and Provost for Health Affairs and Vice President for Institutional Advancement. All exceptions are to be reported to the Board of Trustees.