UNLV will host an open house Sept. 3 to present information and receive comments about the university's facilities master plan.

The event, which is open to the public, is set for 4-6 p.m. in the Foundation Building on campus.

UNLV is completing a 20-month planning process that will determine the physical appearance and characteristics of the 337-acre campus for years to come. Because the physical environment has a tremendous influence on both the image of the institution and its ability to continue successful operations, the comprehensive campus master plan will serve as a guide to shape the campus environment in a way that will support the university's academic mission, according to university officials.

"This has been an enlightening and educational process that has revealed many challenges to maintaining and enhancing the unique quality of UNLV's campus as we accommodate the university's tremendous growth," said UNLV President Carol C. Harter. "We consider interaction with the community a vital part of this process. Many concerned citizens and members of the planning staffs of local government entities have participated on the planning committees.

"It is our hope that this last open house will help us refine our final report," she said.

The event will be the last opportunity for members of the Southern Nevada and campus communities to comment on the draft facilities master plan report. University staff and the consultants working on the project will consider those comments when preparing the final version of the plan. The plan then will be presented to the Board of Regents of the University and Community College System of Nevada in December.

The university has contracted with SmithGroup JJR of Ann Arbor, Mich., a firm that specializes in campus planning, to guide the effort. The consultant team includes Stanley Consultants of Las Vegas and Orth-Rodgers Associates of Summerlin who helped address infrastructure and transportation issues.

The master planning process began in February 2002. It was divided into two phases. The first phase, known as the discovery phase, was completed in June of that year. During that phase, critical facility and infrastructure requirements were identified so that they could be included in the biennial budget. The second phase, which is set to wrap up in December, includes more detailed idea generation, refinement of the plan, and presentation of the final results.

For additional information, call David Frommer, UNLV senior planner, at 895-2500.