Learning Resources

Abstract: Office space makes up about a third of all non-residential space on campuses. Post-COVID, many institutional offices struggle with providing enough office space while simultaneously creating a sense of workplace vibrancy due to the rise in remote and hybrid employees. Promoting change in higher education is tough—is it possible to fulfill the needs of all institutional offices through one style of workplace or is it necessary to consider unique needs of offices and individual employees? Join us to explore two institutional workplace case studies and apply the lessons learned on your campus.

Abstract: Flexible classroom space is at a premium, making it necessary to link design with utilization to facilitate projected academic program growth. Including faculty in classroom planning and design processes is a vital part of supporting pedagogical innovation in campus learning spaces. This session will highlight recent strategic planning efforts with faculty and staff at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) focused on Central Pool classrooms and support for teaching and learning. We'll share ideas about how to facilitate collaboration between faculty, staff, and experts in the industry to maintain and advance flexible classrooms that support pedagogy and program development.

Abstract: Traditional, siloed faculty offices are no longer the best option for serving student and staff needs. Open-concept faculty neighborhoods benefit staff by creating a collaborative working environment, and they benefit students by providing space for them to speak openly with professors. This session will demonstrate how innovative faculty neighborhoods increase collaboration and dialogue, supporting the working and learning experience for faculty, students, and the whole institution. We'll demonstrate how you can get the most out of your campus working environments by implementing creative layouts that are designed to boost collaboration and connection while retaining space for personal reflection and rejuvenation.

Abstract: Academic office spaces have historically followed established norms. These patterns are changing to maximize and condense real estate, minimize operating costs, and adjust to remote and hybrid work. This session will examine fundamentals of faculty and administrative offices and review student adjacencies, hot-desking and co-sharing space trends, and the future of hybrid work environments. We'll spotlight three unique academic office solutions that cover both new construction and existing renovation construction types. Join us to benefit from lessons learned, identifying potential pitfalls and new opportunities.

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Interpreting diverse perspectives and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative information are key to making impactful and informed long-term decisions that drive successful student, institutional, and facility development. In order to meet mounting demand, the historical center for administration at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania needed to reflect the university's forward-thinking ethos and offer flexible work settings to meet current and future occupant needs. We'll explore how the Wharton School used a performance measurement tool to examine space effectiveness and leverage lessons learned to create a more agile, resilient, and equitable future.

Abstract: The increasing cost and scarcity of real estate are causing universities to think strategically about workplace needs. Adapting new trends in workplace design can position institutions to future-proof space and meet stakeholder expectations. These trends include the use of evidence-based tools that collect data on work modes in order to tailor space that enables maximum productivity and effectiveness. Learn current methodologies for effective, function-based workplace planning that eliminate redundancies, break down silos, allow dynamic modes of working, and increase collaboration.

Abstract: The global challenge of climate change demands new paradigms of leadership that prioritize interdisciplinary solutions and the voices of marginalized communities. Universities are uniquely situated to lead the way. We will explore ways that a design thinking process can build a visible culture of sustainability at the hyper-local campus scale and drive climate action across academics, governance, and operations. Aligning climate action with existing priorities creates synergies, especially where stakeholders may already be stretched thin. Learn how a design thinking approach facilitates this type of cross-disciplinary work.

Abstract: As industry vacates suburbia, universities can leverage vacated office and work buildings into usable, revenue-generating educational facilities. We will discuss how Sacred Heart University acquired the GE world headquarters facility, transforming it to create a modern, nationally branded campus. You will learn what to look for in capital investments, and the opportunities and challenges of converting office space to learning and social environments that will recruit and retain students.

Abstract: Environmental sustainability is more than a buzz word; it is a responsibility. Energy master planning is essential for campuses that wish to be leaders in sustainability and global citizenship. Smith College's plan features unique elements focused on electrification of the campus thermal infrastructure. This session will provide you with tools to engage in meaningful campus discussion about implementing a transition away from fossil fuels for heating and cooling and achieving net zero carbon emissions.

Abstract: In this period of declining enrollment, decreasing resources, increasing competition, changing demands, and changing technologies, colleges must be both entrepreneurial and careful in their strategic planning. This session will explore how two community colleges are making both similar and different strategic choices in order to thrive during a very uncertain period in higher education. We will explore how planning processes have produced divergent strategies for navigating the very uncertain waters facing all of higher education, particularly in this region.