Learning Resources

Financial Planning for Central Utility Plant Decarbonization

Divide and Conquer the Lift Across Different Funding Options

By: Andrew Honeyman, BSME, and Paul Graves, BSME

Vital stakeholder feedback and consensus from various university departments reveal the proper approach to building issues. Institutions such as the University of North Dakota used technical planning to produce well-informed financial modeling and right-sized financial plans.

From Volume 52 Number 2 | January–March 2024

Abstract: Implementing central utility plant (CUP) decarbonization projects requires strategic financial planning, collaboration, and consensus-building from the entire university community. This article describes gathering support from facilities management, executive staff, and lawmakers through technical and financial charrettes. Learn how technical planning produces well-informed financial modeling and right-sized financial plans, and how shared planning between design teams and facility planners creates tailored funding options, including IRA incentives, to fund decarbonization.

Institutions Mentioned: University of North Dakota, Kentucky State University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Alignment, Carbon Neutral, Energy Infrastructure, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Funding, Facilities Planning, Public-Private Partnerships (P3), Sustainability (Environmental)

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The Stories in These Walls

Integrated Planning Throughout Capital Projects Can Fuel Donor Engagement and Enhance Stewardship

By: John Roberson, MBA, and Toby Marlatt, BA

Cross-functional teams at the University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and University of North Dakota effectively used storytelling techniques to position donors within the narrative of the universities’ missions and strategic plans.

From Volume 52 Number 2 | January–March 2024

Abstract: Engaging donors at the planning stage of a capital project is a critical step in the campaign’s success. This article describes the use of storytelling techniques in donor outreach at three universities. We outline how cross-functional teams, involving campus planners and architects, university development and marketing and communications staff, and consultant firms, collaboratively planned and implemented donor engagement techniques. A story-oriented integrated project team enhanced philanthropy and stewardship by focusing on student and research outcomes, donor anecdotes, and sketches or conceptual renderings while positioning the donors themselves within the narrative of the university’s mission and strategic plan.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of North Dakota
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Advancement Planning, Business School Facility, Capital Funding, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Design, Facilities Funding, Facilities Planning

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Overcoming a $90M Budget Overage in Vanderbilt University’s Residential Colleges

A Multifaceted Team Worked Collaboratively to Stem Overruns

By: David Bailey, BA, AIA, LEED AP, and Walt Massey, BA

The University, architects, engineers, strategic planning consultants, and contractor teams worked hand in hand to peel back the onion to stem the overruns.

From Volume 52 Number 1 | October–December 2023

Abstract: When Vanderbilt University began seeing signs that cost escalation, scope additions, campus requirements, and authentic Collegiate Gothic architecture for their proposed new residence halls were all pressuring the budget, a multifaceted team worked collaboratively and arduously to stem the overruns.

Institutions Mentioned: Vanderbilt University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Implementation, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Mixed-Use, Modifying the Plan, Project Management, Project Management / Delivery, Student Housing

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Engaging Stakeholders Locally and Globally

A Multinational Business School Collaborates Across Disciplines, Time Zones, and Cultural Backgrounds

By: Sanjeev Khagram, PhD, and Buzz Yudell, MArch, FAIA

The Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University treated its stakeholders and partners as critical sources of information and inspiration in planning for a dynamic and flexible new world headquarters.

From Volume 51 Number 4 | July–September 2023

Abstract: An inclusive approach to planning and design for the new headquarters for Thunderbird School of Global Management offers important lessons about the value of investing in stakeholder engagement. The Thunderbird leadership team worked with their architects and planners to connect with Arizona State University stakeholders, the City of Phoenix, regional constituents, and alumni in the area and around the globe. This article includes real-world insights into how global entrepreneurs and business leaders collaborated and innovated to create a business-and-industry-savvy academic environment. The integrated process shows how teamwork and the understandings it yields set the stage for the institution to be a good citizen in the community and the world.

Institutions Mentioned: Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Business School Facility, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Planning, Hybrid Learning, Learning Environments, Online Learning, Town and Gown

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Getting in the eGame

Esports Streaming Gives the University of Kentucky a New Way to Grow Revenue and Recruit Students

By: Michael Stewart, BS, and Heath Price, MS

The University of Kentucky understood the importance of technology in preparing students for the digital world. With public-private partnerships, it sought opportunities to be an industry leader in leveraging that capacity for its students, faculty, staff, and the community.

From Volume 50 Number 2 | January–March 2022

Abstract: The University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Kentucky Esports Club worked together to establish the University of Kentucky Esports Lounge. Students were surveyed on their gaming needs, and the resulting wish list (i.e., equipment selection, space configuration, furniture, etc.) fed into the decision-making process by all constituents. The project budget was derived by a larger construction project at the University that focused on student recruitment, community, and connection to the non-student demographic. The UK team ultimately planned and launched the custom facility to meet users’ particular needs—while finding a way for the University to produce an additional revenue stream.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Kentucky
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Funding, Facilities Planning, Mixed-Use, New Program or Department, Planning Processes, Public-Private Partnerships (P3), Recreational Facility, Shared Facilities, Student Life / Student Affairs, Technology

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Book Review: Entrepreneuring the Future of Higher Education

Radical Transformation in Times of Profound Change

By: Lynn Priddy, PhD

From Volume 49 Number 3 | April–June 2021

Abstract: Entrepreneuring the Future of Higher Education: Radical Transformation in Times of Profound Change
by Mary Landon Darden
Rowman & Littlefield: Lanham, MD: 2021
202 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4758-5494-7

Planning Types: Strategic Planning, Resource Planning
Tags: Entrepreneurship, Funding, Innovation, Organizational Change, Recovery Planning, Resiliency

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
July 1, 2018

Designing and Building Your Capital Project

Choosing the Method That’s Right for You

By: Robert Mention

The first step in building your capital project is choosing the delivery method that best meets your institution’s needs and the project’s unique goals.

From Volume 46 Number 4 | July–September 2018

Abstract: Capital projects are designed and built in a number of ways. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and each prescribes different roles for the owner, architect, and builder. The question is, which way or method best fits your institution’s criteria and project? This article presents a brief outline of the most popular methods by which projects are designed and built.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Capital Planning, Facilities Funding, Facilities Planning, Project Management / Delivery

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
July 1, 2018

Enhancing the Student Experience Through Placemaking

Georgia Tech’s West Village Dining Commons

By: Lesley Braxton

Students thrive in authentic, multifunctional spaces that foster both individual reflection and social interaction and further the connection between place and the human experience.

From Volume 46 Number 4 | July–September 2018

Institutions Mentioned: Georgia Institute of Technology
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Dining Facility, Facilities Design, Mixed-Use, Placemaking

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
January 1, 2018

Design-Build Delivers Added Value to the University of North Georgia

By: Samuel L. Smith

Design-build delivery helps higher education institutions control costs, streamline processes and communications, and more efficiently and effectively meet project objectives.

From Volume 46 Number 2 | January–March 2018

Abstract: The design-build delivery approach, in which design and construction services are contracted through a single entity, has the potential to help higher education institutions control costs, streamline processes and communications, and more efficiently and effectively meet project objectives. This article examines the relationship between the University of North Georgia and design-build firm Pond, describing the process of design-build and highlighting two projects, the replacement of a dining hall floor and the renovation of a science classroom. The success of these projects demonstrates the benefits of integration and collaboration inherent in the design-build model.

Institutions Mentioned: University of North Georgia
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Design-Build, Dining Facility, Project Management / Delivery, Renovation, Science / Engineering Facility

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
January 1, 2018

Student Centers

Building Community with New Dining Experiences

By: Theresa Genovese

Carefully integrating campus dining strategies into student centers, particularly given today’s ubiquitous digital technologies, has the potential to create and enhance student face-to-face interactions and informal learning.

From Volume 46 Number 2 | January–March 2018

Abstract: The history and best practices of campus dining planning and design are considered in the light of student centers and their overall effectiveness in boosting socialization and positive educational experiences, exploring new campus trends, accommodating increased diversity, and reinforcing institutional mission. Approaches for integrating flexible dining experiences with student centers to improve informal learning, inclusivity, transparency, and convenience are reviewed, with consideration of the increasing use of personal digital devices. The article demonstrates the value and importance of leveraging carefully integrated campus dining strategies in student centers and elsewhere for memorable learning and campus-life experiences.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Dining Facility, Facilities Design, Student Center / Union

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