Allston is a crucial part of our efforts to create a campus for Harvard’s next century. We have made important progress with the recent approval of the Institutional Master Plan, the opening of Tata Hall, and last week’s groundbreaking at Barry’s Corner, and I write now to update you on plans to articulate our ambitions and shape the future of the University at a critical moment for all of higher education.
Deepening understanding and creating knowledge are the heart of our work, and strengthening connections across intellectual boundaries stimulates imagination and leads to discoveries and innovations that can improve people’s lives. New and expanded spaces in Allston must knit our campus together in ways that encourage interaction and promote collaboration. At the same time, we must reach out to partners beyond the University to ensure that the extraordinary ideas generated by faculty and students are used to help build a better world for all.
Reaching these goals will require close collaboration among many stakeholders. I have charged Provost Alan Garber and Executive Vice President Katie Lapp with leading efforts to develop plans for Allston that reflect our mission and our highest aspirations for the future of the University. Three committees have been created to guide this important work:
The Allston Academic Planning Advisory Committee, working in consultation with deans, faculty, students, and other members of the Harvard community, will revise or reaffirm guiding principles; review previous planning documents; solicit, create, and review proposals for new initiatives; and make recommendations regarding the creation or relocation of teaching and research activities.
The Enterprise Research Campus Planning Committee will initiate planning for the development of a community of commercial and nonprofit enterprises on Harvard’s Allston property, promoting the translation of research ideas generated by the Harvard community and others into successful products and services.
These groups will make recommendations to the Harvard Allston Steering Committee, which will review proposals for future development, consider landscape and building design issues, and coordinate all aspects of planning. The committee will also consult with faculty across the University as it proceeds, taking advantage of the unparalleled expertise that exists across our Schools.
Allston presents unprecedented opportunities to extend our traditional strengths in teaching and research as we demonstrate the ways in which a university can make the biggest difference for the world. I thank Provost Garber and EVP Lapp for their leadership and the committee members for their willingness to serve. The years to come will be ones of change and growth, distinguished by the creativity and vision of our community, and I look forward to all that we will imagine and accomplish together.
Cambridge, Mass.