Big changes ahead for CSU Monterey Bay

Over the next decade, California State University Monterey Bay plans on doubling its number of students.

Behind that goal is a big plan to guide that growth. Called the Campus Master Plan, it focuses on adding more facilities in the heart of campus.

“Soit becomes a much more dynamic center where our students would like to stay,” Associate Vice-President of Campus Planning and Development Christopher Placco said.

In the works, a state-of-the-art rec center, a new student union and more housing. Placco added sustainability is a key factor in the designs plans, so all of the new buildings will be eco-friendly.

“The master plan will never really end,” Placco said. “There’s no concluding point to it, it’s a living document. But our target has been about 2030 and we expect to have full build-out for this plan. It’s basically doubling the size of the campus, more than doubling the rooms that are available for on-campus housing.”

It also means getting rid of about 20 old military buildings from former Fort Ord.

Many students told KION they’re excited the Master Plan aims to get rid of the long walk to class. As it is now, the campus is pretty spaced out. Soon, it will be more walk-able, with most classes located in the central core of the campus.

“I’ve seen the plan online and I’ve been hoping for the expansion of the campus,” Freshman Julien Ducree said. “So I’m rooting for the plan to work.”

Click here for more information on the 2016 Campus Master Plan.