Learning Resources

Abstract: First generation and marginalized students often have difficulty accessing campus services. Holistically supporting students through integrated services so that they feel valued, respected, and included is critical to graduation and retention rates. The University of Arizona (UA) radically transformed access to student services, bringing together previously disparate services into the co-located Student Success District that renews existing campus assets into accessible, flexible, human-centric spaces. This session will share a model for bridging strategic and facilities planning with universal principles and qualitative and quantitative metrics for leveraging existing programs and building resources to improve student outcomes.

Abstract: Higher education planners require a proven methodology for supporting their leaders as they seek to transform their institutions in the face of existential threats and challenges in the coming decade. This session will explore how Mount St. Mary's University applied a new, highly-participative process for leading, navigating, and orchestrating institutional transformation. Come learn how this methodology provides institutional leaders with an approach for developing consensus on a promising, transformative vision for the future as well as executing major initiatives that assure its success.

Abstract: In order to meet students’ evolving needs and ensure an institution’s ongoing vitality, competitive proposals for campus programming require astute evaluation and vigorous assessment of ongoing institutional benefit. This session will detail strategies from three separate regional university initiatives to solicit, evaluate, adopt, and fund forward-thinking campus enhancements under significant budgetary constraints. Come and explore the successes and failures involved in these planning initiatives that focus on long-term student success, financial viability, programmatic quality, and institutional stability over two decades.

Abstract: Working professionals have unique demands on their time, effort, and energy that challenges individual academic pursuit. By engaging working professionals with precise strategies adapted from business, the University of Kansas Edwards Campus (KUEC) has transformed student engagement and increased enrollment 21.5% in two years. Come learn how KUEC is recruiting well-qualified, motivated students by adopting industry sales techniques focused on vetting qualifications and pre-requisites, bridging adviser communications, and reengaging prospects to materialize student outcomes.

Abstract: A collaborative approach allows building projects to open faster, reduces redesign, increases staff satisfaction, and produces a higher utilization rate than the traditional design process. This session details the collaborative Lean process involving over 100 people that allowed the Lauritzen Outpatient Center on the Nebraska Medical Campus to be completed 1.5 years early with few design changes. Come learn from our unique approach in which actual users participate in designing the facility, allowing implementation of new processes and efficiencies known only to medical center staff.

Abstract: In April of 2017 the University System of Georgia (USG) launched a system wide initiative, known as the Comprehensive Administrative Review (CAR). The charge was to identify and implement administrative service improvement, efficiencies, and administrative cost savings that can be redirected to student success efforts and core academic programs. As Chair of the CAR Steering Committee, Dr. Marrero will outline the objectives of the CAR, the process, implementation and reporting structures, and the results to date. Furthermore, as a President of two USG comprehensive universities during the process of and initial implementation of CAR (University of West Georgia and Georgia Southern University), Dr. Marrero will provide an institutional perspective and insight into building a culture of high performance with a focus on evidence-based leadership, accountability, and continuous improvement. The session will highlight why investing in and engaging your people is critical in building a culture of continuous improvement.

Abstract: The Okanagan Charter: An International Charter for Health Promoting University and Colleges provides a common language, principles, and framework for integrating complex issues of health, wellbeing, and sustainability on campuses. This session will show how planners can use the Okanagan Charter as a framework to promote health and wellbeing in the built environment, along with policies and culture. We'll also talk specifically about how the quality and design of the physical environment plays a critical role in the promotion of health and wellbeing.

Abstract: Institutions usually spend more on providing courses for some academic programs than others. Stakeholders need to decide where and how to allocate resources to support instruction. This session introduces recent best practices using the Delaware Cost Study data to facilitate 1) the identification of under-resourced academic programs and 2) decision making in faculty budgeting and staffing. You will leave this session ready to re-evaluate the metrics you use to support instructional budgeting decisions so you can identify under-resourced programs and accurately understand faculty hiring needs.

Abstract: FLEXSpace—The Flexible Learning Environments eXchange—and the Learning Space Rating System (LSRS) are tools that can help you plan, design, assess, and improve learning spaces on your campus. In this session, you will learn about the newly released FLEXspace 2.0 along with the LSRS. We'll cover the features and benefits of both tools and how they can be incorporated into the planning process. Come learn how to use these tools to inform designs and support end users from planning through post occupancy.

Abstract: The University of Massachusetts Boston was an insular, car-centric campus built on a former landfill. Now, it is becoming an inviting and pedestrian friendly campus, updated for the 21st century. We'll describe the massive Utility Corridor and Roadway Relocation project that transformed the campus and share lessons learned from implementing a master plan—with focus on landscape design, multi-modal access and circulation, sustainability, and new utilities—while maintaining an occupied campus on an environmentally unique oceanside site.