The university’s first master plan was created in 1994 after broad involvement and consultation of campus stakeholders. The plan was updated in 2001. Work later began on a new, comprehensive master plan in 2009. That plan was revisioned and completed in 2011 and later updated in 2016.
A new Campus Master Plan is currently in process. The plan will serve as a broad guide and vision for the physical transformation of our campus and outlines the infrastructure needs and priorities to support the university’s strategic vision.
Between spring/summer/fall 2022 and January 2023, the university held six cross-disciplinary design sessions, more than 30 listening sessions that included the deans of every college, six open forums and themed focus groups representing several key areas including research, academics, parking, Student Life and housing. More than 4,000 people participated in a campus-wide survey.
The Campus Master Plan has now been approved by the UT Board of Trustees, Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and State Building Commission (SBC).
A 2023 timeline of meetings and key events in the approval process include:
- January 25–Campus Master Plan Town Hall for students, faculty and staff
- January 27–Presentation at the UT Knoxville Advisory Board meeting
- February 23-24–The Board of Trustees approved the Campus Master Plan following a presentation by Chancellor Donde Plowman
- Early March– Full Campus Master Plan submitted to THEC
- May 11–THEC approved the Campus Master Plan
- June 8–SBC approved the Campus Master Plan