SCUP

North Central 2026 Regional Conference

Community: Rooted in Place, Powered by People

The most vibrant campus communities don’t happen by accident. They are the result of planners and leaders who understand that every decision, from design to programming to policy, is an opportunity to draw people together. As higher education institutions face aging infrastructure, shifting enrollment, and emerging technology, the role of place has never been more important. Thoughtful, integrated planning creates places with purpose: campuses that invite connection, encourage dialogue, and foster a sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom.

This conference is a gathering place of its own — where higher education planners and professionals come together to share what they’ve learned, challenge what they’ve assumed, and reimagine what’s possible. Columbus, Ohio, one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities and home to a major urban land-grant university, provides a dynamic setting to explore how the built environment can support student success, create future leaders, and strengthen connections with surrounding communities.

Program Updates

  • The call for proposals is open through April 28, 2026.
  • Sessions will be held on The Ohio State University campus.
  • Support this event through sponsorship.

Call for Proposals

The call for proposals is now open.

Deadline: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern.

We seek proposals for concurrent sessions that demonstrate how colleges and universities use integrated planning to proactively shape institutional futures.

Some theme-relevant proposal topic ideas to consider:

  • Centering students, creating belonging on campus, and education for citizenship: Planning that reflects student needs, fosters community, and encourages dialogue.
  • Universal design and accessibility: Creating spaces that are accessible, welcoming, and functional for every member of the campus community.
  • Planning for research with integrative design: Using collaborative, cross-functional planning to align physical environments with evolving academic and research missions.
  • AI fluency, tools, and technology: Harnessing emerging technologies to enhance planning processes and improve decision-making.
  • Sustainability: Embedding environmental responsibility into campus planning to ensure resilient communities.
  • Volatility of markets and creative funding strategies: Navigating economic uncertainty with innovative financing models and adaptive planning approaches.
  • Value of higher education: Demonstrate the positive impact colleges and universities have on students, their surrounding communities, and society as a whole.
  • Innovation and planning with partners: Building strategic relationships with municipalities, businesses, and community organizations to advance shared goals.
  • Economic development and institutions as engines of local economies: Positioning colleges and universities as anchor institutions that drive regional prosperity and community well-being.

Call for Proposals Details

As you think about putting your proposal together, we would like you to consider some important points:

Does your proposal include integrated planning practices?

Integrated planning is a sustainable approach to planning that builds relationships, aligns the organization, and emphasizes preparedness for change.

How can you tell if you’re doing integrated planning? Check out some of the hallmarks of integrated planning.

Does your proposal bring together different perspectives and experiences?

By design, integrated planning is an inclusive practice that brings together perspectives and experiences from across an institution’s community to create solutions. This can only be accomplished when all voices are heard, recognized, and valued.

Consider these questions:

  • Whose perspective is missing?
  • Whose voice is not being heard?

We strongly encourage you to make sure your presentation team includes different voices, and that these voices are given meaningful time to share their perspectives.

Who should submit?

Integrated planning brings together perspectives from every corner of campus:

Stakeholders: students, staff, faculty, administrators, alumni, external partners
Areas of practice: academic and strategic planning, student affairs, finance, campus planning, IT, communications, development, institutional effectiveness

The secret to a great proposal.

Great proposals focus on one of two things: solutions or foresight.

Solutions: help attendees solve a pressing problem.
Foresight: explore innovative new ideas, analyze trends, and prepare attendees for the future.

Don’t forget to include:
Takeaways: give attendees next actions, tips, tools, processes, etc., that can be applied immediately.
Engagement: engage attendees with your content and with each other in meaningful ways.

Prepare Your Proposal

Quick Facts

  • Sessions are 60-minute.
  • Proposals must be submitted using SCUP’s online submission tool.
  • Proposals are reviewed based on number of factors, including relevance to the theme, actionability of the content, expertise of the presenters, and how well-planned the proposal agenda is.

Resources

Have Questions? Reach out.

Submit Your Proposal

Deadline: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern.


Sponsorship Opportunities

Gain visibility and be part of this event! Learn about event sponsorship.
Contact KenDra McIntosh for more information or complete the sponsorship order form.
kendra.mcintosh@scup.org | 734.669.3283