Updates for the Master Plan, Renewable Energy center, and election of a new chair were addressed at the Council of University Planning and Budget on Friday.

Karla Evans, executive director of philanthropy, was voted as the new chair of the CUPB.

“It’s a pleasure, but also a challenge,” said Evans. “There are some budget constraints on the university, and therefore, I look forward to active involvement in working with the administration and finding the best ways to approach (these constraints).”

Alongside chair council, the board also elected new members for the Executive and Budget Transfer Committee as well as the subcommittees for the presidential/vice presidential advisory.

Researchers from the Education Advisory Board will be visiting the college on Oct. 7 to discuss options for alternative revenue streams for the college with the CUPB.

The university is a member of the EAB which focuses on best practices in business, academic and student affairs, said William Weber, vice president of business affairs.

“I hope it will result in some good direction from the (CUPB),” Weber said.

Gary Reed, director of facilities planning and management, updated the council of the progress of the Renewable Energy center as well as the continuing construction on campus.

Reed said construction is right on schedule for the center, noting that the next phase will entail installing the heavy internal equipment in the next four to six weeks.

The university will also be receiving the wood chip fuel for the center by late February, early March.

By the time of its completion, the Renewable Energy Center will be able to generate 10 percent of the university’s energy needs.

The status of the Master Plan was also addressed at the meeting. Since the university did not have the budget to take on a full-fledged undertaking, the new science building and the demolishing of the student services building will be Eastern’s focus, Weber said.

He added that the university plans to build a “one-stop shop for students” in place of the old student services building.

The last open-session for public feedback for the Master Plan will coincide with the next Faculty Senate meeting on Sept. 28.

The college plans on launching a regional-wide Campaign on Oct. 22, said Bob Martin, vice president for university advancement. Eastern will bring the campaign to Chicago on Dec. 14.

Shelley Holmgren can be reached at 581-7942 or meholmgren@eiu.edu