Wyrick Proposal:
Addition of Missouri State University
School Spirit Banners
& Fence Paintings
Respectfully submitted by:
Erin Sullivan
and
Alex Johnson
19 February 2010
- I. Identification of Sponsors
- a. Project Sponsor
- Erin Sullivan
- a. Project Sponsor
1001 East Madison Street Shannon 800
Springfield, MO 65807
(314) 540-8525
Sullivan308@live.missouristate.edu
- Alex Johnson
1001 East Madison Street Shannon 500
Springfield, MO 65807
(417) 699-0415
Johnson08@live.missouristate.edu
- b. Project Advisors
- 1. Krista Bassen
Assistant Project Manager— Design & Construction
Burgess House
736 S. National
Springfield, MO 65804
(417) 836-5101
KristaBassen@missouristate.edu
- c. Project Coordinator
- Erin Sullivan
II. Description of Proposed Project
- a. Research Process
Having both been students on this campus, there is a clear and apparent need for improved and expanded campus signage to address several deficiencies. Through anecdotal experiences as student workers interacting with both prospective and current students everyday we recognized that something needed to be done to make signage more effective and impactful for nearly all campus constituencies. Recognizing that, and both serving as members of the Missouri State University Student Government Association – the official voice of the student body— we requested the creation of a committee to research and gather input on ways to improve the lackluster signage found in some of the most pivotal locations on our campus. The request was approved, and committee membership was solicited in order to create a diverse group of student representatives that would be able to best voice the concerns and desires of constituencies campus-wide. The final committee included freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students, and included on-campus and off-campus students, as well as student involved in Fraternity & Sorority Life, Athletics, University Ambassadors, marketing, and many more organizations. This group gave us a balanced perspective of the entire student population, and with this balanced view we did extensive research on campus signage featured at educational and non-educational institutions. Furthermore, we researched the importance of signage and its contributions, did full assessments of our campus, solicited input from the general student body on places and areas of greatest need, and involved Missouri State University Design and Construction, Facilities, and Grounds. Missouri State University Design and Construction’s involvement in this project was extensive, providing us with designs, cost estimates, recommendations, locations and options that would best meet the current long-range and strategic plans of the university, as well as offering us general guidance. All cost estimates, examples, and “mock-ups” provided are from their office. Based on the extensive initial research, followed by the inclusion of as diverse a field of student representatives as possible that exhibited expertise and experience in the area of need, and, finally, inclusion of Design and Construction in nearly every step of the process, we have full confidence in our proposal. We believe it addresses a major need at Missouri State University, and does so in a measured and cost effective way that blends with the future visioning of campus leaders. Furthermore, we believe our estimates (in terms of cost and timing) to be as close to accurate as possible, we believe this project will have a significant positive impact on nearly all of the campus community, and we believe our project has “legs” that will allow it to be advanced, expanded, and built upon in the future (if future students seek to take it further). We appreciate your consideration and welcome all questions and inquiries on our proposal.
- b. General Description of Proposal
Missouri State University is a wonderful campus and a wonderful community for past, current and future members. This campus is something to be proud of and that should be reflected in our general signage. Signage, particularly on the perimeter of campus is our campus’s face to the world, and it is important that “our face” reflect Missouri State’s vision, purpose, pride, nature, and makeup. Not only does an attractive and well integrated signage program on the perimeter and through core corridors of campus create interest and a positive impression on members and prospective members of the campus community, but it has been found that effective signage on properties can have a significant positive impact on users’ experiences due to increased independence, ease of access, understanding, branding, and awareness. Signage that builds pride and improves the user experience is something severely lacking on our campus. This problem is particularly acute in the areas of the campus near Grand St. and National Ave., which serve as the main thoroughfares for nearly all individuals coming to and traveling through campus. Our proposal seeks to install Missouri State banners and paintings in and around several of the largest parking areas of campus so that “there is no doubt when you’ve gotten to Missouri State that you are in Bear Country” and to build pride and excitement amongst commuter students and visitors, some of those with the least incentive to be excited about the university.
- c. Proposal Details and Justifications
- 1. Light Pole Banners
As many of the off-campus students involved in this project can tell you, they are a rare breed of Missouri State students. Many off-campus students due to their remoteness from campus and their use of campus as only a place to “go to class” have trouble getting excited about the university. Many are disconnected with school spirit and school pride, and don’t feel fully integrated as part of the community. This is no easy fix, but simple steps to build the Missouri State University brand where nearly all of these students arrive on campus is at least moving in the right direction. Furthermore, anyone working in the Admissions Office or with guests to the campus can tell you that often visitors complain that they “almost” or did miss the campus, because they couldn’t tell where Springfield ended and where Missouri State began. In some ways this is good, noting that we have so well integrated with the community, but in other ways this can prove frustrating to visitors and provide them with a lackluster first impression. When you arrive in most college towns or near most college campuses the place oozes with their colors and their logos. There is no doubt you are in their territory. Missouri State, at least on its own campus, should be the same.
That is why we recommend the installation of light pole banners in the major commuter and visitor parking lots on the Missouri State University campus. Our campus already includes some banners but all of these consistently lack the true Missouri State brand impact. We recommend these banners include the “Bear’s Head” logo, which is more pride-oriented, the Missouri State colors or shades of them, and the Missouri State University lettering. Recognizing that such designs would need to be approved by University Publications, we didn’t design any specific examples. We instead included design costs given to us by University Publications into our cost estimates, leaving the graphic design and branding to the experts. However, if approved, as we move forward with design, we will continue to stress the elements we mentioned above, and will stress simplicity and boldness. We anticipate a total of 3-4 designs to be repeated multiple times in each of the parking lots we have pin-pointed for inclusion in this project.
- 2. Wooden Fence Paintings
For all the same reasons that warrant the installation of the Light Pole Banners, as well as a general desire to build-up university pride campus-wide we recommend painting fences around the campus, particularly around major destinations, with a ever-more frequently appearing university symbol – the “peeking bear”. The peeking bear with the Missouri State University lettering written below has found two permanent homes at Missouri State – on the sides of JQH Arena and on the ROTC tower. This has proven a hit with all members of the campus community, is building pride, provides us a unique branding image, and has a certain “cool” aura. More touches and additions of the “peeking bear” around campus could further this and do more of the same good. It is simple, inexpensive, and makes a huge impact. Updating the boring wooden fences on campus with a splash of MSU Pride is sure to make an instant impact, improving the campus experience for all in the university community.
Photo 5 – “Peeking Bear” and Missouri State Lettering Fence Painting “Mock-Up”
- d. Proposed location for the object of the proposal
- 1. Light Pole Banners
- Lot 13 – 3 Banners
- Lot 15 – 8 Banners
- Lot 18 – 8 Banners
- Lot 22 – 23 Banners
- Lot 25 – 8 Banners
- Lot 35 – 6 Banners
- Lot 38 – 5 Banners
- Lot 40 – 2 Banners
- Lot 43 – 5 Banners
(Recognizing current university light pole banner policy we recognize that currently Lot 22 and 35 currently provide space for designated “Intercollegiate Athletics Banners”. We have made note of this, and have thus allotted for only half of the light poles in each lots to be used, to provide space for current and future Athletics Banners.)
- 2. Wooden Fence Paintings Fences
- Fence facing Lot 15
- Fences Facing North on Grand
- Fences Facing East on National
- e. Alternative Uses
- 1. Light Pole Banners
If future special events or university promotions arose that required banner brackets in specific, targeted locations on campus, the banner brackets being used for this project could be used on banners for these special circumstances.
- 2. Fence Painting
None
- f. Drawbacks
- 1. Light Pole Banners
As mentioned before, currently Intercollegiate Athletics has the right to use the light poles in 2 of our suggested lots. There may be some conflict regarding installation of our banners in these lots, noting that it might be seen as encroaching on their marketing opportunities. However, improvements of Missouri State University pride, we believe, directly benefit Missouri State Athletics. We, however, have made accommodations for this, leaving half of all light poles in nearly all lights available for other use.
- 2. Fence Painting
None
- g. Necessary modifications to existing structures
- 1. Light Pole Banners
All recommended light poles recommended in each lot will have to be retrofitted with a banner bracket. The costs of these brackets have been included.
- 2. Fence Painting
The fences recommended will obviously be painted.
- III. Estimated Cost of the Project
(Please Note: All cost estimates unless noted were provided by Design and Construction)
Banners & Fence Painting Proposal Costs |
|||||
Element |
Unit Cost | Quantity | Size | Overall Costs | |
Light Pole Banners | |||||
Banners Design (Estimates Provide By Publications) |
$250 |
4 |
$1,000 |
||
Banners (Estimates Provide By Publications) |
$0.05/sq inch |
68 |
36”X42” |
$5,148 |
|
Brackets (Estimates Provided By Gettysburg Flag Supply Company) |
$91 |
68 |
36”X42” |
$6,188 |
|
Total |
$12,336 |
||||
Fence Paintings | |||||
Stencils |
$375 |
2 |
$750 |
||
Painting Labor and Materials |
$100 |
65 |
$6,500 |
||
Total |
$7,250 |
||||
Total |
$19,586 |
- a. Ongoing Costs
After discussions with multiple departments and divisions within the university we recognized that there would be some on-going costs associated with this project. Those would include maintenance and installation of the banners and maintenance and repainting of “Peeking Bear” fence paintings.
To address these costs, we have included a memo in the Administrative Support Section from Vice President of Administrative and Information Services, Ken McClure, in which he agrees to have his division cover any on-going costs associated with this project. We very much appreciate his willingness to take on these future costs, and we very much appreciate his support.
- b. Complete Cost Estimates on Multiple Projects
As mentioned in previous sections, University Design and Construction provided us with extensive help in the designs and cost estimations on this project.
- IV. Estimated Completion Time of Project
We see no reason, upon approval of our proposal and passage during the Spring 2010 student body elections, that this project couldn’t be completed with the direct oversight of the University Architect in an incredibly quick time. Painting of the fences and design, completion, printing, ordering of materials and installation of banners could occur almost immediately. We see approval and installation of this project taking no longer than one year.
- V. Estimated Life of Project
These projects will add that extra touch of pride to our campus, and with upkeep from the grounds and maintenance the project should last into the foreseeable future. The painting will require upkeep from time to time and banners will need to be monitored for any upkeep.
- VI. Direct Benefits to Students
Since Missouri State University’s name change in 2005, interest in our university from potential students, current students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and the Springfield community and beyond has increased greatly. Yet despite this increase in interest, Missouri State has taken no significant steps in providing an attractive, proud, welcoming first impression and “front door” for those many constituencies. This project makes great strides towards improving that situation. Not only will these new remodeled and installed elements improve impressions for those unfamiliar with the campus, but it will also present a new face of Missouri State to the outside and visiting world, and build pride in students living both on and off campus. This project will move the image of Missouri State forward and help us live up to our fresh new name. Furthermore, as the “Promise” and size of our university expands both physically and literally, it will be key that we have examples of quality signage in place to create standards for future signage improvement and expansion.