University Physical Master Plan – Rutgers 2030

The Board of Governors approved the university physical master plan, Rutgers 2030, in June 2015. Rutgers 2030 was the most comprehensive and robust physical planning effort undertaken in the 250-year history of the institution, and was developed in concert with the current University Strategic Plan. The plan encompasses all major areas of the university, including Rutgers University – Camden, Rutgers University – Newark, Rutgers University – New Brunswick, and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.

The Office of Planning and Development is responsible for maintaining and updating the University Physical Master Plan and ensuring that capital projects are developed in a manner consistent with the long-range vision.

Sector Master Plans

The Office of Planning and Development periodically engages in a more in-depth analysis or study of a specific campus-wide system or organization, resulting in more refined and detailed capital project recommendations that inform the ongoing evolution of Rutgers 2030.

• Transportation Master Plan
• University Libraries Master Plan
• Housing Master Plan Athletics Master Plan

Precinct Studies

The office undertakes targeted planning efforts on a specific geographic area or district within the campus where major redevelopment is anticipated to take place.

• Student Affairs Master Plan
• Stormwater and Landscape Master Plan

University Capital Plan

The Office of Planning and Development maintains and updates a list of proposed capital projects, which reflect the institution's priorities and are reflected in Rutgers 2030, the long range physical master plan.

Capital Project Initiation and Process

Project Initiation

University academic or administrative units seeking to initiate any type of work (feasibility study, planning, design, construction) on a capital project are advised to complete and submit a form which can be accessed through this link:

Project Request Form

Upon review of the submission, the project will be assigned to an appropriate staff person from within Institutional Planning and Operations to manage the request. The project may be categorized as a Feasibility Study, Capital Project, Non-Capital Project, or other type based on specifics of the project.

Feasibility Studies

There may be a need for preliminary studies to help a university academic or administrative unit determine whether a capital project can or should be implemented. Planning, Development, and Design can assist by retaining the services of an Architectural/Engineering firm to undertake a Vision Document or Feasibility Study. This analysis will help to define size and scope of the proposed project, identify sites, develop and evaluate options, and generate initial cost estimates.

Non-Capital Projects

Projects that have a project cost of $5 million or less, and have an identified source of funding, can advance with Planning, Development, and Design guidance to the implementation phase. Staff from University Facilities – Contract Services may be assigned to oversee the implementation of the process.

Capital Projects

Capital Projects are defined as major renovation or new construction of a building or infrastructure that is greater than $5 million in project cost, or involves the acquisition or sale of real estate. The process for approval of capital projects involves vetting by the Capital Planning Advisory Committee (CPAC), composed of senior university leadership, and ultimately, approval by the University Board of Governors.

Capital projects submitted to CPAC must have endorsement of the appropriate Chancellor, be consistent with the University Strategic Plan and Physical Master Plan, have strong purpose and justification, have an identified source of funding, and be supported by a solid business plan. It may be necessary to undertake a Feasibility Study (described above) to generate necessary supporting documentation for submission to CPAC. 

Upon CPAC authorization, Planning, Development, and Design can procure the professional services of architectural and engineering firms to begin final space planning and design of the project. The phases of this process include Programming, Schematic Design, and Design Development, leading to the completion of construction documents and specifications. This office, along with staff from the Office of Architecture and Design, direct the consultants and oversee development of the plans to ensure consistency with university design standards and conformance with the goals of the long range master plan. Upon completion and final review of the plans, colleagues from University Facilities – Project Administration will be assigned to put the documents out to bid, select contractors, and to provide project management and construction management oversight through the completion of the project.

The role of the Real Estate Department is to assist all schools, units and departments in achieving and executing real estate leasing and other property transactions in compliance with university policies governing such matters.

Real Estate Leasing and Purchasing Information

GIS Services

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Services provides critical support to university planning and operations by maintaining and making available geospatial information pertaining to the university’s physical footprint, infrastructure, and resources. This area maintains the university's Online Campus Map, providing key wayfinding information to the university community and its visitors, as well as supporting university operations. 

Campus Maps

Landscape planning has a rich history at the university. It provides the stewardship of the exterior campus environment and the creation of dignified surroundings for the academic, research and public service pursuits engaged in by the campus community.

The Office of the University Architect includes the University Landscape Architect, who is a licensed professional in New Jersey, to oversee all landscape planning projects. The development and implementation of a comprehensive Master Plan provides the direction for the management, preservation and enhancement of the campus landscape. All landscape planting and grounds improvement initiatives undertaken by various internal university administrative units, including the University Facilities and the Department of Transportation Services, as well as those by student groups and faculty researchers, are coordinated by the University Landscape Architect and staff.

The Landscape Planning staff works closely with all University Facilities units. They review plans for all capital projects for consistency and adherence to the Landscape Master Plan. This office also provides design services on landscape renovation projects, coordinates technical expertise and affirms policy recommendations.