Community Transitions Educational Specifications/Design Advisory Committee

Purpose(s)/Goal:

• Develop Educational Specifications to inform the design for building for Community
  Transitions program and OT/PT group on the Whatcom Community College (WCC)
  campus.
• After the educational specifications are completed, review and provide feedback on
  schematic and design development drawings for the new Community Transitions
  project.

Basis for Establishment: 

• The Community Transitions program serves students aged 18-21 who qualify for special
  education services. A novel collaboration between Whatcom Community College and Bellingham Public Schools allows for a building to be planned and built on
  WCC property to serve students in CT along with the co-location of the district’s OT/PT
  staff, resources, and maker space.
• Before designing the facility, a complete and accurate description of the desired
  educational program, instructional activities, as well as the functional, spatial and
  environmental needs must be established. This detailed description is referred to as
  educational specifications. Educational specifications help clarify and direct the scope
  of work and design requirements for the architects, engineers, and other professionals
  working on the building design and site plan.

Decision-Making Process: 

• The committee will make recommendations based on research, discussion and input
  gathered during the process.
• Recommendations will be presented to the superintendent.

Plan of Work and Timeline:

• The committee will work with the architects on the educational specifications and
  design elements related to the new building.
• Work on the educational specifications will begin in November 2023 and continue
  through the winter/spring 2024. Schematic design for the new building will be
  completed before the end of the school year.
• The Community Transitions Specifications/Design Advisory Committee meetings will
  focus on site/building specific unique items associated with the new Community
  Transitions.
• 4-6 meetings (2 hours each) are anticipated.
  • Meetings will be held on Mondays from 3:30 to 5:30 PM, December 11, January 8, January 22, February 5, and February 26
  • Location: Whatcom Community College Foundation Building
  • Evening Community Meetings; dates and times TBD
  • Additional meetings as necessary; dates and times TBD

Responsibilities: 

• Regular meeting attendance
• Respectful and collaborative interactions with committee members.

Budget Implications:

• Provide substitutes for staff as applicable.
• Transportation for potential field trips.