In 2011, the Commission on Building the University of the 21st Century was established to drive forward UNT Dallas’ goal of creating a “New University Model” that provides high quality education through an inter-disciplinary approach, innovation and enhances educational access to the citizens of Dallas and the North Texas Region. The Commission’s final report sets out 10 guiding principles for developing the New University Model, which includes at its core the evaluation of all actions according to quality, cost benefit and accessibility.

With these goals as a foundation, Broaddus Planning held a series of interactive presentations and discussions with university leadership to identified new physical planning issues and propose planning solutions for further consideration. The study evaluated the assumptions of the 2005 master plan based on changes that have occurred since the plan’s completion. Four main issues were identified for consideration: 1. The location of a New Library and Student Success Center; 2. The need and suitability for the University’s first student housing building; 3. Connection to DART Rail Station; 4.Recreation Field Locations. Four options were proposed to the University to achieve the best solution to each issue.