Space. In Table 5 we summarize the DA requirements for more space. These amount to approximately 490 square meters. Our student offices are already at capacity and increased graduate enrollment cannot be accommodated without more space. Student office space is fixed by the absolute minimum space required for a student desk, bookcase, and chair. Even at the current minimal level of about 5 square meters per student, we need approximately 75 square meters for our estimated 16 new graduate students. Our 5-year review highlights the issue of interaction: it would be invaluable to have joint space with CITA for graduate students and a new electronic classroom. There are no more offices for research associates, postdoctoral fellows, or faculty, even for the faculty member presently being searched. We have recently had to move a substantial part of our acclaimed library (§ 5.3) to an upper floor archive, where it is less readily accessible. We have agreed to give over laboratory space on the sixteenth floor for the temporary use of a Physics experiment. We assume space for the PSciNet computer will be found elsewhere. Space is clearly a critical issue.
Computers. Our teaching at both levels is heavily computer based and should be ever more so. We are requesting an OTO of $35K and an annual ongoing commitment of $7.5K for upgrades. This will service the demanding needs of the incoming M.Sc. students, the undergraduate Computer Laboratory, and the library.
Undergraduate Observatory. The equipment in the two McLennan rooftop observatories is a key component in most of our courses. It was acquired in the 1960's and is severely dated. To upgrade one telescope and replace the other will cost $46K. A new CCD camera and spectrograph will cost $22K. Computers, software and interfaces would be $16K. Looking ahead to facilitating remote observing from student residences/homes, motorization of the domes and a weather station will cost $11K. The total reinvestment is less than $100K and can be usefully staged in $25K amounts over the period of the plan.
Advanced Research Instrument for Magellan. The present MOU with OCIW anticipates further collaboration on instrumentation beyond the one in progress, at a cost of $1.5M. This is the type of project we will enter through the DDIAA, but in the meantime we need to press ahead with the exciting science and student opportunities this investment would enable (see § 2.5.5).