A Letter from Adrianne Burns, Director of University Advancement

At Missouri State, students can improve their college experience and create endless memories that they can carry with them long after graduation. This can be done through school spirit!

This simple yet effective concept is often overlooked at Missouri State but can become the difference between just being at a school and being at our school. Through school spirit, students can be a part of something exciting and unique.  As Missouri State Bears, we should work to promote our university and ensure its betterment for future students.

School spirit is important because it sets the tone for various aspects of the school and its students. When the student body is involved in events on and off campus, it demonstrates a passion for Bear Pride that is immeasurable and contagious.  I believe that school spirit translates into higher expectations of one’s self and surroundings, pushing for positive changes at the university and abroad.

There are several ways you can show your Bear Pride at Missouri State: wear your Bear Wear or Maroon every Friday, attend a sporting event, tailgate for events, support campus wide competitions, and involve yourself in events such as Homecoming. Engaging in these simple actions is great for our school because it encourages a common bond between fellow students, faculty, and staff alike.

The Student Government Association is also working hard to promote Bear Pride through numerous projects and initiatives. Such projects include improving student seating at the Plaster football stadium, bringing replica athletic jerseys to the University Bookstore, and promoting Boomer and Growl in the Springfield field area and beyond. We’re also working to promote Missouri State to potential students by creating a Top Ten Reasons list of why students attend Missouri State, coordinating new recruitment efforts among academic departments, and establishing traditions at Missouri State that students can look forward to taking part in.

In addition, The Missouri State Alumni Association also welcomes student support and participation in their efforts to continue the school spirit momentum beyond graduation. By sharing student stories of school pride and of current successes in sports, clubs, organizations, and in the classroom, we may foster the nostalgia felt by alumni for their beloved alma mater. To be an Alumni of Missouri State is a special experience because you have the unique opportunity to give back to our university through contributions to our Foundation as well as serving as an example of how Missouri State has been vital to your success.

I encourage students to show their love for Missouri State every single day, because it truly is wonderful to be a Bear.

Wyrick Proposal:

Installation of Directional

Wayfinding Signage at

Missouri State University

Respectfully submitted by:

Erin Sullivan

and

Alex Johnson

19 February 2010

1. I. Identification of Sponsors
   1. a. Project Sponsor
      1. Erin Sullivan

1001 East Madison Street Shannon 800

Springfield, MO 65807

(314) 540-8525

Sullivan308@live.missouristate.edu

1. Alex Johnson

1001 East Madison Street Shannon 500

Springfield, MO 65807

(417) 699-0415

Johnson08@live.missouristate.edu

1. b. Project Advisors
   1. 1. Krista Bassen

Assistant Project Manager— Design & Construction

Burgess House

736 S. National

Springfield, MO 65804

(417) 836-5101

KristaBassen@missouristate.edu

1. c. Project Coordinator
   1. Erin Sullivan

1. II. Description of Proposed Project
   1. 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.

1. 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 and wayfinding.  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.  Note only does an attractive and well integrated signage program 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.    In addition, based on continued complaints from visitors and first-time students regarding confusion on how to find major landmark buildings and popular offices and departments, our proposal seeks to install several wayfinding signs in some of the busiest corridors on campus.

1. c. Proposal Details and Justifications

Anyone that has worked in the Admissions Office at Missouri State, with first time freshmen, or with visitors, guests, alumni, or donors can tell you that for individuals unfamiliar with the campus, it can be very difficult to get around.  Our campus is located in the heart of a dense urban area, our campus is incredibly compact, our campus is a pedestrian campus, and our campus is continually evolving.  This can create a labyrinth for those on campus for the first time, for those who haven’t been on campus long, or for those who haven’t been to campus in a long time.  This is a bad situation for the university, noting that first impressions are everything.  The last thing we want any constituency thinking is how difficult and confusing our campus can be.  It is important to note that for pedestrian visitors and those unfamiliar with the campus, most have are attempting to get to one of several locations: Visitor Parking Lot (Lot 13), Carrington Hall, the Bookstore, or Plaster Student Union (other major destinations such as JQH Arena, Plaster Sports Complex, Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, and Bear Park North and South are easily located and visible).

To try to rectify this confusion, we recommend the installation of wayfinding signs in the main pedestrian corridor that leads to these four locations.  We recommend that new basic double-sided wayfinding signs be installed at the entrance of the Visitor Parking Lot (Lot 13), outside the south entrance to Baker Bookstore near the Plaster Student Union, and at the northwest corner of Carrington Hall.  These will constitute Signs 1, 3, and 4.  These signs should be roughly 4 foot by 4 foot.  A final sign should also be located at the southeast corner of the Visitor Parking Lot (Lot 13) that is more significant to drive individuals into the main corridor, and it should include both a permanent map and a location for individuals to take their own personal campus map.  This will be Sign 4.  This sign should be roughly 4 foot by 6 foot.  These signs should include lettering and directional arrows on both sides pointing to the four major landmarks.  The signs should also be unified in appearance, strongly influenced by Missouri State University colors (Maroon, White, Gray, and Black), and should include strong elements of the university logo.  Examples of our preferred sign designs are included (Photo 3).  All of these elements will serve to create a strong brand impact as individuals are getting a positive experience from the clear and concise signage.  Furthermore, the strong brand elements will ensure individuals know the signs are official, and will serve as a template for future signage improvements campus-wide.  An example of campus-wide applicability is included (Photo 4).

Photo 3 – Wayfinding Signage “Mock-Up”

Photo 4 – Potential Applicability to Campus-Wide Sign Unification

1. d. Proposed location for the object of the proposal

Wayfinding Signs

• Entrance to Parking Lot 13 (Visitor Lot)
• SW Corner of Parking Lot 13
• Area Near the S Entrance to Bookstore
• Planting Bed Near NE Corner of Carrington

1. e. Alternative Uses

None

1. f. Drawbacks

These signs might lead some campus constituents, particularly colleges, deans, and multiple auxiliary departments to desire wayfinding signs that direct students to their locations.  It is unfeasible to do this all in one project.  We view this as a potential positive and a future opportunity for another Wyrick Proposal.

In addition, the sharp image and brand tie-ins with these signs may lead other university stakeholders to seek a shift towards a more unified signage system campus wide that mimics these signs’ appearances.  We view this as an opportunity for the campus to unify and simplify its signage for more effective, impactful, and enjoyable use.

1. g. Necessary modifications to existing structures

The current entry sign for the Visitor Parking Lot (Lot 13) will need to be removed.  Furthermore, a small tree located at the southwest corner of Visitor Parking Lot may need to be removed.  This has been discussed with Grounds, Design and Construction, and Administrative and Information Services, and costs have been considered and will be covered.  Finally, a planting bed northeast of Carrington Hall will have Sign 4 placed inside it.

1. III. Estimated Cost of the Project

(Please Note: All cost estimates unless noted were provided by Design and Construction)

Wayfinding Signs Proposal Costs
Element		Unit Cost	Quantity	Size	Overall Costs
Wayfinding Signs
	Basic Sign	$3,500	3	4’X4′	$10,500
	Larger Sign	$5,000	1	4’X6′	$5,000
	Total				$15,500

1. 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 and that it would mainly be just the maintenance of the wayfinding signs.

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.

1. a. 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.

1. 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.  Furthermore, designs for the wayfinding signs are complete and will need only to go out for bid and be installed.  We see approval and installation of this project taking no longer than one year.

1. 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 wayfinding signs will be made out of durable, weather resistant material that should holdup for decades.

1. 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 ease confusion and 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.

Wyrick Proposal:

Four Corner Sign

Improvements & Installations at

Missouri State University

Respectfully submitted by:

Erin Sullivan

and

Alex Johnson

19 February 2010

1. I. Identification of Sponsors
   1. a. Project Sponsor
      1. Erin Sullivan

1001 East Madison Street Shannon 800

Springfield, MO 65807

(314) 540-8525

Sullivan308@live.missouristate.edu

1. Alex Johnson

1001 East Madison Street Shannon 500

Springfield, MO 65807

(417) 699-0415

Johnson08@live.missouristate.edu

1. 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

1. c. Project Coordinator
   1. Erin Sullivan

II.     Description of Proposed Project

1. 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.

1. 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.  Note 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. This proposal seeks to take the first steps towards remedying that problem, and potentially creating a format and template for future signage improvements, by updating the four corner signs located at Grand and National, Grand and Holland, Elm and Kimbrough, and Cherry and National.

1. c. Proposal Details and Justifications

The current four corner signs that serve to mark the main corners of Missouri State University and serve as an indication of pride and recognition for all those in and visiting the campus and Springfield community, are severely lacking in appearance and “wow” factor.  There cast cement façade echoes some campus structures, but, as the “front-doors” of campus, they serve as cold welcoming posts.  Furthermore, their individualized metal lettering is frequently stolen, giving a mixed message to all coming to campus.

We recommend the current cement facades remain, but extensive updates be made to the sign at the corner of Grand and National, since it not only is the “unofficial” main corner of campus, but also to allow it to compliment the very attractive new intersection recently installed to handle the immense amount of traffic going through. We suggest that a half-oval shaped planting bed with a base made to reflect the limestone (including the red-tinted rock) featured in many of the buildings on the main quad be installed.  Recommendations from Grounds for plantings in and around these beds are included below (Photo 3).  Furthermore we recommend that four pillars (also made to reflect the limestone) be erected around the new planting beds that have panels and tops that reflect architectural details seen on Carrington Hall.  These pillars can’t be connected through rounded walls extending from the planting bed, and the central two columns can be connected by steel fencing that includes a plaque featuring the university’s main logo.  We also recommend that the current lettering on the cement facades being removed and be replaced with a large stainless steel plate with “Missouri State” cut out of it in the current university lettering A “mock-up” (Photo 1) follows this description.  This lettering should be backlit.  We further recommend that the stainless steel plates with cut-out lettering and backlighting be installed at the other three secondary locations.

(We considered a scaled down version of the Grand and National corner sign at the three secondary corners.  A photo example of that concept (Photo 2) is included.  However, as costs became prohibitive and recognizing that other individuals on campus would have their own Wyrick Proposals, we opted to recommend only the steel plates at the other three secondary corner locations.  We do hope that future Wyrick Proposals or university efforts will be made to ensure that the other three corners are fully updated as well.  We have included the cost estimates for those updates which include the cost of the steel plates and backlighting, for your records and for future interested parties.)

1. d. Proposed location for the object of the proposal

Four Corner Signs

• Northwest Corner of Grand and National
• Northeast Corner of Grand and Holland
• Southwest Corner of Cherry and National
• Southeast Corner of Elm and Kimbrough

1. e. Alternative Uses

None

1. f. Drawbacks

Due to cost limitations, we didn’t recommend a full revamping of all four corner signs.  We suggested a complete remodel of the main four corner sign at the “front door” to campus at Grand and National.  The others we recommend replacement of lettering with a steel plate with letters cut out to provide a sharper, more refined and personal image, while at the same time cutting back on potential theft.  However, potential lack of consistency from sign to sign might lead some to want the other signs to be revamped as well.  We view this as a potential positive and a future opportunity for another Wyrick Proposal.

1. g. Necessary modifications to existing structures

The existing location of the signs will be the same, as will the current cast concrete base.  However, all locations will require electric for the new backlighting.  These costs have been considered.  In addition, the lettering will be removed from all of the current concrete bases and replaced with a less mobile and easily removable form of lettering.  In addition, the entire area around the concrete base at Grand and National will be reworked to provide for a much more attractive structure.  This will include removal of some of the current vegetation with replacement by new forms of vegetation.

1. III. Estimated Cost of the Project

(Please Note: All cost estimates unless noted were provided by Design and Construction)

Four Corner Sign Improvements Proposal Costs
Element		Unit Cost	Quantity	Size	Overall Costs
Grand and National Four Corner Sign
	Remodel				$58,320
	New Plantings                    (Estimates Provide By Grounds)				$1,053
	Total				$59,373
Secondary Corner Signs
	Stainless Steel Plates	$5,610	3		$16,830
	Backlighting	$1,500	3		$4,500
	Markup	10%			$2,133
	Total				$23,463
Total					$82,836

1. 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 upkeep on the four corner signs, electric costs for the four corner signs, plant upkeep, care and replacement for the Grand and National four corner sign.

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.

1. a. 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.  We have included their full cost estimations on the Grand and National Four Corner Sign (Sheet 1), as well as their cost estimates on the other three corner signs (Sheet 2).  In addition we have included the cost estimates from Grounds on initial planting costs (Chart 3).

Again, due to cost limitations we have opted to not include a complete remodel of the “Other Three Locations” for the Four Corner Signs.  We have only recommended replacement of the letters with a metal plate and backlighting.  However, again, we have included the cost estimates on the full remodel to encourage future students to consider Wyrick Proposals to complete these concepts.

Wyrick Proposal:

Addition of Missouri State University

School Spirit Banners

& Fence Paintings

Respectfully submitted by:

Erin Sullivan

and

Alex Johnson

19 February 2010

1. I. Identification of Sponsors
   1. a. Project Sponsor
      1. Erin Sullivan

1001 East Madison Street Shannon 800

Springfield, MO 65807

(314) 540-8525

Sullivan308@live.missouristate.edu

1. Alex Johnson

1001 East Madison Street Shannon 500

Springfield, MO 65807

(417) 699-0415

Johnson08@live.missouristate.edu

1. b. Project Advisors
   1. 1. Krista Bassen

Assistant Project Manager— Design & Construction

Burgess House

736 S. National

Springfield, MO 65804

(417) 836-5101

KristaBassen@missouristate.edu

1. c. Project Coordinator
   1. Erin Sullivan

II.     Description of Proposed Project

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. c. Proposal Details and Justifications
   1. 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.

1. 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”

1. d. Proposed location for the object of the proposal
   1. 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.)

1. 2. Wooden Fence Paintings Fences

• Fence facing Lot 15
• Fences Facing North on Grand
• Fences Facing East on National

1. e. Alternative Uses
   1. 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.

1. 2. Fence Painting

None

1. f. Drawbacks
   1. 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.

1. 2. Fence Painting

None

1. g. Necessary modifications to existing structures
   1. 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.

1. 2. Fence Painting

The fences recommended will obviously be painted.

1. 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

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.