Learning Resources

Abstract: Post-pandemic, Simon Fraser University (SFU) developed the Community Vibrancy Playbook to welcome students, staff, and faculty back to campus. We’ll discuss how the campus community can participate in a wide array of initiatives that lead to collaboration, programs, and projects that transform the campus into a welcoming place that prioritizes wellbeing. Positive student experiences are vital and institutions can benefit from including new activities that enrich student life and participation. Come learn how to employ facilitation and listening as tools in project management and embrace adaptability to change, leading to successful outcomes for campus life and the student experience.

Abstract: In order for institutions to support students’ desire for engagement and impact within their local, regional, and national communities, they must plan and design spaces that foster instruction, discourse, and invention. This session will evaluate Thurgood Marshall Hall on its promise as an integrated scholar-practitioner community within the University of Maryland’s (UMD) Do Good Campus for social impact education. After a year of occupation, we’ll share how we conducted a qualitative assessment of the building with a wide cross-section of stakeholders and how the resulting lessons will impact the campus’s ‘Do Good’ mission and inform future planning and design.

Abstract: Rapidly changing users and technology paired with long project timelines requires institutions to think ahead and implement innovative strategies for creating new, high-end engineering facilities. Campus facilities must be nimble and ready to support multiple types of students. At the forefront of the AI technology revolution, George Mason University is undertaking large construction projects to serve a spectrum of undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students and create ecosystems of academic, industry, government, and community users. We’ll share planning strategies for AI technology learning spaces, practical solutions for designing future-focused facilities, and ways of promoting collaboration and connection across multiple communities.

Abstract: Students’ sense of belonging is strongly connected to wellbeing and academic success. How does a student develop a sense of belonging and mattering and what does that look like in the campus built environment? In this session, we’ll explore the critical themes of belonging and mattering for design in higher education to illustrate how design choices can shape student experiences. Join us to explore how you can asses campus spaces for belonging and mattering and make quick design interventions to effect meaningful change.

Abstract: In our hybrid environment, it’s more important than ever to pull people away from their devices to build community and connection on campus. Food has the power to bring students and faculty from different backgrounds together and provide a fundamental academic experience. Through campus and workplace examples, we’ll show how food venue design can set a positive tone for interaction and support meaningful connections and wellbeing. Come learn how to plan campus food venues that serve an academic purpose, refine venue goals, and inform venue design through operations to make it more impactful and sustainable.

Abstract: As trade schools gain national recognition for their affordability and career-centric focus, Raleigh’s Wake Technical Community College (WTCC) has set a new standard for strategic facilities design by capitalizing on community, industry, and government partnerships. This session will show how WTCC is producing the next generation of innovative automotive repair technicians and leaders through an immersive program that aligns industry partnerships, high-tech education, employment opportunities, and local economic development goals. Discover how WTCC’s new automotive laboratory consolidates diverse programs into one building with agile, collaborative spaces, preparing students for emerging technologies in rapidly changing industries.

Abstract: Community colleges provide equitable access to higher education and pathways to sustainable careers. This session will show how Laurel Ridge Community College (LRCC) secured its role in the regional economy by aligning programs with community priorities and mapping students’ career pathways to inform facilities planning. Collaboration with industry and the community enabled LRCC to plan for expansion, relevant programs, and advanced facilities for science, technology, engineering, math, and health sciences (STEM-H). Join us to find out how an engaging, user-focused academic building can leverage both flexibility and specialization to support student success and attract partners.

Abstract: STEM facilities are quickly catching up to unions as the heart of student life on campus. To better support student recruitment, retention, and success, STEM facilities must provide a mashup of social and academic space that students need for sparking connections, partnerships, and friendships. We'll explore this growing trend and introduce strategies for making STEM facilities hubs for campus life. Join us to gain a solid understanding of the trends shaping the future of STEM facilities, including a look inside the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's future-forward chemistry building.

Abstract: Physical and technological re-investments in space must produce a measurable return. Reimagining campus office and instruction space can better align capital planning with student, faculty, and staff success. As space management policies and planning shift their focus from how to where people work and learn, three university panelists will share how they're rethinking academic space to improve utilization, access, and performance. Come learn how to accurately assess needs, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement post-pandemic solutions for hybrid work environments on your campus.

Abstract: Higher education campuses have changed very little since the post-industrial era despite the diverse and evolving needs of the modern student. As students seek opportunities for interaction and engagement, institutions have a responsibility to not only provide them with knowledge, but a welcoming environment in which to thrive. This session will explore the diverse experiences of students, faculty, and staff on campus and how they correlate with a sense of wellbeing and belonging. Join us for a workshop that will help you reimagine your own campus's academic environments through empathy, adopting different perspectives, and identifying elements of inclusion and exclusion.