The second floor of Norris was the site of 31 of the 33 shooting deaths at Virginia Tech on April 16. The building continues to house faculty offices and laboratory space for the department of engineering science and mechanics.

In mid-October, three plans -- a center for violence prevention, a center for student engagement and one to re-create a sense of community in the building -- were discussed. On Thursday, the first two ideas were combined.

A center for violence prevention would include an interdisciplinary, student-led research center, service-learning programs and community collaboration. A center for student engagement would also involve community collaboration and incorporating the VT Engage program, a community-service effort the university kicked off Tuesday. Its goal is to generate at least 600,000 hours of community service. The first year of the program is being dedicated to the victims of April 16.

The 12-member committee will continue studying each and expects to present its final recommendation to President Charles Steger on Dec. 7, according to a Tech news release.

-- Anna L. Mallory