The Academic Acropolis
The Venerable Institutions of Morningside Heights Transform in the New Century

Access available session recordings and slides on the program page.

Overview

New York City’s Morningside Heights rapidly developed in the nineteenth century and boasts two historic districts and numerous landmarks. Situated high on a plateau, it was dubbed the “academic acropolis” by the numerous academic, religious, and nonprofit institutions who moved to the area. The neighborhood remains a unique community to this day, with a strong sense of place and long-standing institutional connections. Join us for this one-day symposium and learn about institutional histories, recent developments, the maintenance of historic campuses, and their climate transition plans.

The morning sessions will begin with a panel discussion of academic leaders from Morningside Heights, who will discuss how they cooperate and interact amongst themselves and participate in initiatives that benefit the greater community. Looking to the future, they will also share how their institutions are adapting to an ever-changing environment. Other sessions will focus on preserving historic treasures, campus expansion planning in tight urban environments, and sustainable approaches to historic buildings while moving towards net zero carbon goals.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the history of a university town and its role in a large urban setting.
2. Discuss how to update historic campus buildings and spaces to incorporate new technology and pedagogy methods while respecting historic preservation values.
3. Assess the best financial and planning strategies for incorporating campus expansion within a dense urban environment while respecting historic buildings and protecting community needs.
4. Identify sustainable strategies for moving historic landmarks and buildings toward a net zero carbon future.

AIA LU 7.0 Unit (SCUPN22M1)
AICP CM 7.0 Unit

Tours
After the sessions, registrants will be offered a choice of walking tours that will examine Morningside Heights, its historic buildings and campuses, and special spaces discussed in the morning sessions. The tours will be led by institutional hosts, aided by SCUP volunteers.

Location
The symposium will be held at Manhattan School of Music in the William R. and Irene D. Miller Recital Hall.

Featured Speakers

James Gandre

PresidentManhattan School of Music

Serene Jones

PresidentUnion Theological Seminary

Shuly Rubin Schwartz

ChancellorThe Jewish Theological Seminary

Vincent Melito

Vice President, Facilities & Site OperationsInternational House

Bryan Greaney

Associate Vice President for Facilities and Campus SafetyManhattan School of Music

Jessica Prata

Assistant Vice President in the Office of Environmental StewardshipColumbia University

Sandra Goldmark

Associate Professor of Professional Practice Director, Campus Sustainability and Climate ActionBarnard College

North Atlantic Symposium Sponsors

Learn about sponsorship.

Program

Registration

Event Location
The symposium will be held at Manhattan School of Music in the William R. and Irene D. Miller Recital Hall.

COVID Policy
Manhattan School of Music requires all attendees to show proof of vaccination. Please be prepared to show your vaccination card upon entering the building.
Union Theological Seminary, one of our tour locations, is now requiring all visitors to wear masks.

Registration is closed. Onsite registration will not be available.

Deadlines

*Cancellations can be made online through your SCUP account by 5/26/2022. Refunds are subject to a $25 USD processing fee. No-shows are not eligible for a refund, and funds committed by purchase order must be paid in full by the first day of the event. Refunds will be issued within 30 days of received written notification. If you have questions, email your registration team at registration@scup.org.

Badge sharing, splitting, and reprints are strictly prohibited.

SCUP Photo Policy

Attendance at, or participation in, any workshop or conference organized by the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) constitutes consent to the use and distribution by SCUP of the attendee’s image or voice for informational, publicity, promotional, and/or reporting purposes in print or electronic communications media. Video recording by participants and other attendees during any portion of the workshop or conference is not allowed without special prior written permission of SCUP. Photographs of copyrighted PowerPoint or other slides are for personal use only and are not to be reproduced or distributed. Photographs of any images that are labeled as confidential and/or proprietary is forbidden.

SCUP does not have a hotel room block or discount for the symposium.

Hotel Information

Aloft Hotel
2296 Frederick Douglass Blvd
New York, NY 10027
.7 miles, 14 minute walk from the Manhattan School of Music

Parking

MSM area parking garages