For the first time in Northwestern University history, the athletic department will commission a study on all its athletic and recreation facilities to see what needs to be upgraded and what needs to be built.

The study will begin in November and include the athletic facilities surrounding Ryan Field. The university has selected Populous to do the study, which has done studies for Indiana, Penn State and Ohio State.

The study should be finished by the spring and a draft of the findings will be presented to the university.