Virginia Tech has formed a committee to examine the long-term future of Norris Hall, site of 31 of the 33 shooting deaths at the university April 16.

While faculty moved back into offices in the building and the basement research laboratories reopened this summer, the classrooms on the second floor, where the shootings occurred, remain unused. Days after the shooting, the university announced that traditional classes would never be held in the building again. The university has also decided against locating a public memorial in the building.

The committee is expected to make recommendations to President Charles Steger by Dec. 1 and will be chaired by Provost Mark McNamee. Faculty, students and staff are represented on the committee of 12, including McNamee.

Ishwar Puri, department head of engineering science and mechanics -- the building's main tenant -- was not included.

Puri said he heard about the makeup of the committee Thursday, when Tech announced it, and did not know why he was not on it.

People can submit proposals about what to do with the space by going to the provost's Web site, www.provost.vt.edu, or by contacting Bethany Flora at 231-7242. Preliminary proposals are due by Sept. 30.

Puri, who's office is in Norris, was a supporter of moving back into the building when the university closed it for about two months. He said Thursday that he and his colleagues miss the activity of students in the building.

"We hope that we will once again be at the center of such a vibrant and enjoyable student-centered community," he said.