Updates on Institute Task Forces
Updates on some of the Institute task forces are as follows:
Renovation of Faculty and Staff Housing Units: Chaired by Professor Lalit M Johri, the task force will review the proposal of the successful proponent, further negotiate with the proponent, and subsequently finalize a contract. Negotiations with the proponent will also explore the possibility to include the operation and maintenance of the faculty and staff housing units for a specified period of time after renovation, perhaps following a BOT (build, operate and transfer) model.
Reopening of AIT Golf Course: Chaired by Dr Jonathan L Shaw, the task force will further negotiate with the top-ranked proponents for the renovation and re-opening (operations and maintenance) of the AIT Golf Course, and subsequently finalize a contract. Negotiations with the proponents will include assurance for the preservation and improvement of the arboretum, as well as the possibility for further improvement of the AIT campus grounds and trees. Mr. Maris Samaram, Chairman of the AIT Board Audit Committee and member of the Executive Committee, has kindly accepted to serve as a resource person to the task force.
Provision of Laptop Computers: Chaired by Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, the task force will finalize an Institute-wide policy on the provision of laptop computers to students and interested employees. The task force will also look into the possibility of providing free or subsidized computers with the corresponding costs integrated into the fee structure; recommend ways to minimize fixed assets expenditures and operation costs of computer laboratories; recommend the Institute's involvement; and subsequently develop a full concept proposal for negotiation with vendors.
Biomedical Engineering: Chaired by Prof. Peter Haddawy, Vice President for Academic Affairs, the task force is looking into the creation of a new interdisciplinary program in biomedical engineering, including a review of the Institute's capability to respond to the promising demands and interests in this relatively new discipline.
Renovation of Student Accommodation Units: Chaired by Ms. Ann L Fontanilla, the task force will evaluate an outsourcing proposal for the renovation, and possibly maintenance after renovation, of student dormitories.
AIT Environment Month Celebrations: Chaired by Dr. Jonathan L. Shaw, the task force will plan and lead key initiatives that will be undertaken in the observance of AIT Environment Month in June 2007, as well initiatives that would improve the campus environment.
AIT Golden Jubilee Fundraising Campaign Steering Committee: Chaired by the Vice President for Development Resources, the committee will provide ideas on fundraising with a sense of belonging and cohesiveness / support from the community to the fundraising campaign.
Land Lease: Chaired by Dr. Sundar Venkatesh, the task force will review a lease proposal for a 1.3 rai piece of AIT land along Paholyothin Road, further negotiate with the proponent, and subsequently finalize a lease agreement.