Thursday, July 31, 2008

Summer Updates

Hi all,

We didn't mean to neglect this place, but summer comes with its tides of non-A3C work days and dog days... heck, I'm procrastinating on studying for my bio final by writing here!

1) A3C Center Updates
2) AAA Welcome Reception on Sept. 6th
3) An Upcoming Article about Asians and Mental Health on College Campuses

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1) A3C Center Updates
We have had four A3C Committee meetings in the summer so far, starting in July. Yesterday, we spoke with Dan Forlenza, one of the main architects who is working with us. We are starting to visualize what the center is going to look like with a mere 1,200 sq. ft. in the second floor of Willard Straight Hall.

We will need to finalize the floor plans next week, but we will most likely have
  • Two offices (one for the Assistant Dean, one for the A3C Program Director)
  • A storage closet
  • A 10-person meeting room
  • A slightly larger multipurpose room/study lounge - max. capacity: 30 people standing
  • A bathroom
  • A kitchenette - maybe 2 mini-fridges, a coffee machine, and a microwave
  • 3 computer stations that line up against one wall
Here is the "aggressive" (her word) timeline drafted by Roberta Dillon, the Project Manager:
  • Prepare Design Proposal, Kick-off Design - July 30, 2008
  • Start Design - August 1, 2008
  • Design PAR due for Pre-CF&PC - August 6, 2008
  • Submission of Architectural Design Development Drawings to the AC3 Committee - August 13, 2008
  • *Approval of the Architectural Design Development Drawings - August 22, 2008
  • Complete Design - October 1, 2008
  • Plot and Conduct Coordinated Review of Drawings and Specs - October 1-8, 2008
  • Plot and Sign Mylars (allows 3 business days) - October 8-10, 2008
  • 100% Construction Documents Due in Contracts - October 13, 2008
  • Bid Period - October 16–November 6, 2008
  • Construction PAR due for Pre-CF&PC - November 6, 2008
  • Pre-CF&PC - November 11, 2008
  • CF&PC - November 19, 2008
  • Execution of Construction Contract - November 19-24, 2008
  • Start Construction Period - December 1, 2008
  • Construction Complete (13 weeks) - March 1, 2009
*If customer approval is not received by this date, it may negatively impact the design completion date.

I can post many more updates, but these are the most recent ones. If you want to view the floor plans, the past A3C Committee meeting minutes, or any other updates, email me at ch455.
2) AAA Welcome Reception on Saturday, Sept. 6th
(Noon - 4pm) RPCC 1st floor
This is basically a clubfest for all Asian-interest groups on campus. There will be free food and performances, as well as a few speakers. The A3C as an organization can table, but we'll need your help!

Sign up with me, please.
3) Upcoming Article about Asians and Mental Health
A reporter from a higher education magazine, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, has interviewed several people from Cornell, including students and staff. I'm not sure how much she is focusing on Cornell in particular, but she will send me a link to her article when she completes it. Again, contact me if you want to receive updates about this.

Take care,
Caroline
ch455@cornell.edu