Learning Resources

Abstract: Students and campus staff face increasing isolation and mental health challenges. To plan and design meaningful spaces of belonging, we must ask the right questions, use specific observation methods, and apply relevant research. We'll share an update on the current state of mental health and wellbeing, institutional perspectives, challenges to student success, and methods for applying human-centered research in the creation of campus spaces for community and engagement. Join us for practical tools that will help you plan, program, and design learning environments that address today's pressing challenges with mental health and social connection.

Abstract: Affordable and accessible higher education is key to upward mobility and community transformation, especially for many rural and remote suburban communities that have limited access to resources. In this session, we'll explore the potential synergies between existing community colleges and their satellite locations. How can institutions drive community-engaged development in places that really need it? Is it better to build on existing assets or to build new? Discover how a community charted its own path toward a new college campus by organizing, passing a bond, and ultimately developing a tech-enabled, high flex learning environment with community space.

Abstract: The University of California system recently incorporated wellbeing and diversity goals in its sustainability practices policy. Campuses must start planning how they will proactively move these goals forward. This session will provide a successful example of piloting new metrics?Äîbased upon the WELL Building Standard?Äîin university capital projects to ensure and maintain occupants' good health and wellbeing through cross-campus integration. Join us to explore opportunities for applying the WELL rating system's ten concepts that elevate wellbeing and physical environment health impacts on your campus.

Abstract: California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) has modeled social, environmental, and economic resilience planning by forging creative partnerships, expanding student offerings, and cultivating multi-source funding. We'll demonstrate how CSUMB leverages local resources?Äîsuch as the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary?Äîto offer world-class opportunities to students who wouldn't typically have access. Join us to gain actionable strategies for creating student-centered, locally-relevant learning environments that support the regional ecosystem, attract industry partnerships, drive local innovation, and boost academic and career outcomes.

Abstract: This student panel will exchange ideas on the impacts of capital planning in three phases: on campus today, at graduation, and ten years in the future. An educator and design expert will join students from Philadelphia-based institutions to share their perspectives on how short and long-term visioning for campus planning can create more engaging, inclusive, and impactful student experiences. Planners are considering the experiences students seek while on campus, and how perceived impressions differ from the reality of renovations. This interactive discussion will offer live feedback on trends and issues around recruitment, retention, campus culture, and sense of belonging.

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: 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: Institutional effectiveness (IE) is growing rapidly within higher education as a beneficial tool for promoting data-informed decision making and continuous quality improvement in campuswide integrated planning and evaluation. This session will help you apply IE as a tool for integrated planning and evaluation, addressing aspects of organizational change, project management, and inclusive collaboration. Learn how the application of IE principles can serve as a catalyst for successful everyday integrated planning and evaluation on your campus.

Abstract: As institutions vie for enrollment, states divest in funding for higher education, and student needs are growing, it is imperative that senior leadership, especially the chief academic officer (CAO) and chief business officer (CBO), work in tandem and build the culture together. Join this interactive session to hear what CAO and CBOs need to focus on together, how to support each other, tools to use, tips for success, and how you can help.

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.