Frederick Community College Facilities Master Plan Chapter 4 Needs Assessment 4-57 May 12, 2023 QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT (Programs) A variety of qualitative or nonstatistical environmental characteristics impact the physical needs of a college campus. These global needs, where Frederick Community College is concerned, focus more on quality and functionality of spaces than on quantity. Unlike quantitative assessment, where focus is primarily on space, qualitative assessments focus more on programmatic issues. Qualitative indicators of current conditions and program characteristics and future needs/desires are the result of observations by the master plan consultants, conclusions reached in plans and studies by other consultants, and views expressed by FCC personnel during interviews and/or via written statements and other documentation. Growth or change of some existing programs and the establishment of new ones suggest concomitant growth or change in enrollments, demographics, and the need for specific specialized facilities. We believe that exploiting opportunities to effectively market the values of a Frederick Community College education will drive program offerings in the coming years. Many of these programs require specialized classrooms, labs and other facilities that can be flexibly adjusted for a variety of teaching/learning or other settings. As previously discussed, in addition to primary academic needs, there are needs for programs and projects focusing on various academic support, institutional support and campus-wide pursuits that collectively create an exceptional atmosphere for students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors to the campus. These needs should be viewed in the context of how strategic responses would effectively align with the College’s mission Strategic Plan, and its planned academic direction. Summary of Key Findings Facilities master planning regimens should strategically focus on programs and projects that will collectively transform the character of Frederick Community college’s academic, cocurricular, and administrative activities to create a holistic approach to student success. Strategic focus should allow for flexible, nimble and seamless response to future market dynamics. Athletics and Outdoor Recreation There is a compelling need for contemporary campus development to provide for athletic and large venue facilities that are commensurate with the standing and quality of the FCC’s athletic programs now and in the future. Future College facilities should be consistent with Title IX and should also serve as prime recreation resources responsive to the needs of its community. Existing outdated athletic facilities are insufficient, inadequate and inappropriate for the needs of even current athletic programs. The need for an appropriate quantity of facilities is underscored by the fact that the generally recognized necessary minimum core space to support basic Athletics/Physical Education activities on a modern community college campus is nonexistent at Frederick Community College. One of the original campus buildings constructed, the outdated Athletics Center presents several safety and ADA accessibility challenges. Functionally, this building has antiquated fitness, wellness and other activity spaces and is woefully inadequate in terms of size, configuration for use as a contemporary combination academic, athletic and recreation facility. The athletic weight room is too small for the College’s athletic teams. There is insufficient space for shared student activities, recreation, intramurals or club sports, as well as
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