Learning Resources

Abstract: Science and engineering programs continue to grow and attract funding. Strategic planning can maximize new and repurposed space for STEM programs to address aging infrastructure, changing research, evolving student needs, and an uncertain future. To build stakeholder consensus and develop an achievable plan, we'll define key metrics behind the best use of existing space and showcase how specific data-driven tools and analytics transform traditional planning into a living masterplan. By applying a living masterplan and embracing data-driven tools, you'll be able to reach stakeholder consensus sooner and develop more efficient plans that are both implementable and adaptable to future changes.

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 constraints that universities face in terms of capital, declining enrollment, and surplus capacity in campus facilities causes escalation of deferred maintenance costs. The University of Kansas (KU) master plan focuses on the value and impact of right-sizing the campus through change management and the implementation of a data dashboard. This session will share a sustainable path to establish a culture of transparency in decision making, stakeholder engagement, and environmental stewardship. We'll outline a data-driven process and lessons learned for leveraging resources, enacting policies that enable change management, and meeting the challenges of implementing a bold cultural shift.

Abstract: In the face of unprecedented changes, Middlesex College is tackling pressing issues to stay relevant by conducting community outreach, developing partnerships to address workforce changes, supporting non-traditional students, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We'll share how Middlesex went beyond enrollment metrics and traditional master planning strategies with an innovative plan that involves the county and community in supporting a variety of campus and regional initiatives. Come learn how you can apply innovative approaches at your institution to transform long-term academic and master planning while leading cultural changes?internally and externally?and prepare your campus for a post-pandemic world.

Abstract: Universities are complex organizations that must align many different types of plans to maximize success. Integrated planning is vital to the master planning process because it requires support of all university constituencies. This session will describe how integrated planning and the development and implementation process of the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) master plan enabled ETSU to receive external support of more than $400 million for new and renovated capital projects over the past decade. We'll share how to plan across units, gain constituency support, take steps for project proposals that gain state support through competitive approval processes, and ensure the master plan is the foundation for university growth.

Abstract: Water-related disasters pose a serious risk to an institution's mission, physical assets, and reputation. While the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Galveston is largely resilient to its harsh weather conditions, some critical threats remain. Its challenging path to water resilience serves as roadmap for other institutions seeking to mitigate risk and increase safety. This session will discuss UTMB's in-place campus climate resilience, its remaining challenges, how its revised master plan sets the course to mitigate flood and water service risks. Join us to discover how this ambitious but practical journey is applicable to all institutions subject to water-related events.

Abstract: Timely stakeholder input is vital to a master plan's integrity—in particular, input about the needs of academic programs. In this session, we will share how the Mid-Plains Community College engaged in a collaborative process across the campus and community to integrate the facility and academic master plans. Come learn how an integrated approach to stakeholder input can lead to success on your campus.

Abstract: Designing libraries based on student experience rather than book storage provides the potential to cater to a wider variety of students and learning styles, transforming libraries from an afterthought for prospective students to an asset for recruitment. This session will use recent library projects to study the effect of major program shifts on student behavior and discourse. We will look at both larger capital improvement projects and “small wins” that can be readily executed.

Abstract: Effectively integrating growth is an ongoing challenge that needs vision and attention. To preserve its best qualities, the University of Oregon seeks to grow via innovative ways, building upon its open space system and the creation of a campus physical framework vision, informed by a discourse with the campus community, leadership, and thought leaders. We will provide examples of multiple ways to structure campus growth, receive input from leadership, and effectively engage the campus community.

Abstract: Cross-cultural collaboration is critical training for tomorrow’s leaders. This session is about the challenges and opportunities associated with designing the Beijing home for a newly established international fellowship program—Schwarzman Scholars—at Tsinghua University. The design and construction process exemplified methods for harmonizing Eastern and Western principles, customs, and cultures. The project team was, in many ways, the first class of Schwarzman Scholars. You will leave the session with a strong sense of the challenges and opportunities of planning an academic facility and program simultaneously.