Public Service Project Policy

College of Architecture, Planning and Design
Kansas State University
June 2007

Students can often learn a great deal from the challenge of working on real projects with actual clients, so we welcome inquiries from the public which seek to involve students in such ventures. We receive many inquiries and can respond to only selected opportunities. The following policies and procedures are intended to clarify the circumstances in which we can provide assistance in public service projects.

Policy

- The college and any of its academic departments/programs may recommend, but do not dictate, the projects which individual instructors choose to take on.

- Instructors choose projects which support the educational objectives of the studio level or class level they are teaching.

- We recommend projects which promote the public good, and for which there would be no other resource by which design input could be received.

- We avoid projects from private clients, which might be more appropriate for professional services.

- The primary objective of all studio and class projects is student learning; any other benefits are of secondary importance.

- Student projects should not be interpreted as providing professional advice or direction for construction or development.

- We often request logistical and financial support in an effort to enhance opportunities for student learning.

- Under no circumstances do we suggest that students provide professional services.

Procedure

Individuals interested in having students work on selected projects are invited to send a description of the project to the college and/or appropriate department/program. This will be distributed to faculty members teaching design studios and/or other classes. The description should define the intentions, history, site, and client for the project, and should outline the desired outcomes of the student involvement. The proposal should also list the contact information of interested parties. A faculty member may then contact these parties directly for additional information; if the project is appropriate and satisfactory accommodations can be made, the faculty member may choose to adopt the project as a learning vehicle in his or her design studio or other class.