Learning Resources

Supporting Neurodiversity in Higher Education

When Every Space Counts

By: Kathleen Kelly, MBA, AIA, LEED A+P

By integrating several unique campus voices, we can realize that unassignable space is highly valuable to the neurodivergent campus occupant.

From Volume 51 Number 4 | July–September 2023

Abstract: While universities have long been bastions of intellectual diversity, they are now embracing a broader understanding of diversity that extends beyond race, gender, and socioeconomic background. Neurodiversity, a concept celebrating the natural variations in human neurological functioning, is gaining prominence as an essential aspect of fostering a truly inclusive educational environment.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, University of Southern Denmark, Syracuse University, University of California-Berkeley, University of Washington-Seattle Campus, University of Toronto-Downtown Toronto (St. George), Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Accessibility, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Health and Wellness, Informal Learning Environments, Space Assessment

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Campus Historic Preservation and Adaptive Reuse

Leverage These Tools to Achieve Your Planning and Sustainability Goals

By: Meaghan Finney, MS, and Michael Patrick, M.Arch, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

By integrating historic buildings into your campus planning, their continued reuse can help solve some of the specific challenges facing university planners today.

From Volume 50 Number 4 | July–September 2022

Abstract: Historic campus buildings are often perceived as a burden, but by integrating them into your campus planning, their continued reuse can help solve some of the specific challenges facing university planners today, specifically in the context of sustainability. There are numerous case studies that demonstrate the successful adaptive reuse of varied campus buildings as well as an undeniable body of evidence showing the benefits of such an approach in working toward carbon neutrality. As long-term stewards of their built environments, colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to realize enduring savings from investing in the energy performance of existing buildings.

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Fully Engaged

Integrated Planning Was Leveraged to Optimize Community Participation in the University of California, Berkeley’s Campus Master Plan

By: Caitlyn Clauson, MUP, and Marissa Cheng, MArch, AICP

The most effective master plans are those that reflect the myriad voices of the institution. Engagement should be informative, inclusive, meaningful, and fun—and should be the product of an integrated process.

From Volume 50 Number 2 | January–March 2022

Abstract: The most effective master plans are those that reflect the myriad voices of the institution. We’re finding the engagement process is fast becoming as important a product of the plan as the plan itself. Engagement should be informative, inclusive, meaningful, and fun—and should be the product of an integrated process. Leveraging the University of California, Berkeley’s Campus Master Plan as a case study, this article provides a framework for developing custom engagement strategies, and highlights examples, lessons learned, and tips for optimizing meaningful participation.

Institutions Mentioned: University of California-Berkeley
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Campus Master Planning, Communication, Community Engagement, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Planning, Master Plan, Planning Processes, Student Engagement, Town and Gown

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Webinar Recordings

Published
August 20, 2020

Creating a More Adaptive Institution in the Wake of COVID-19

By: Moderators: Elliot Felix, Founder & CEO, brightspot; Adam Griff, Managing Director, brightspot | Presenters: Shawna Dark, Chief Academic Technology Officer & Executive Director, Research, Teaching, and Learning, University of California, Berkeley; Cedric Howard, Vice President for Enrollment & Student Services, SUNY Fredonia; Marla Love, Senior Associate Dean of Students, Diversity and Equity, Cornell University; Rick Straka, Vice President of Finance and Administration, Minnesota State University, Mankato; Lora Strigens, Vice-President for Planning and Facilities Management, Marquette University

This interactive panel discussion will bring together different institutions’ perspectives from facilities, technology, student services, and finance to understand the impact of COVID-19 on institutions and their student experience. The discussion will be organized in three parts, each with a prompt to inform the discussion, a poll to take the pulse of the audience, and an open discussion among panelists.

Abstract: How can colleges and universities become more adaptive in the wake of COVID-19? This interactive panel discussion will bring together different institutions’ perspectives from facilities, technology, student services, and finance to understand the impact of COVID-19 on institutions and their student experience.

Institutions Mentioned: University of California-Berkeley, SUNY at Fredonia, Cornell University, Minnesota State University-Mankato, Marquette University
Planning Types: Campus Planning, Academic Planning, Resource Planning, Student Affairs Planning
Tags: Adaptable Plans, Budget / Finance, COVID-19, Learning Technology, Online Learning, Response Planning, Student Services

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Conference Recordings

Published
August 14, 2020

2020 Pacific Regional Conference | August–October 2020

Where are We? Where Do We Go?

Moving from Reactivity to Creativity During COVID

By: Bryan Alexander, Internationally-known Futurist, Researcher, Writer, Speaker, Consultant, and Teacher | Diane Stephens, California State University, Northridge | Elliot Felix, brightspot strategy | Wendy Hillis, University of California, Berkeley | Kim Patten (Moderator), Steinberg Hart

This session will explore the core issues, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping higher education and uncover the breadth of adaptation that institutions must undertake in this time of disruption.

Abstract: Institutions are adapting their strategic plans, layering the impacts of technology, and thinking towards the future during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to provide students with a quality education, institutions must learn, test, and implement changes quickly. This session will explore the core issues, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping higher education and uncover the breadth of adaptation that institutions must undertake in this time of disruption. Come learn how to better prepare to meet your institution’s current needs and future challenges by sharing implementable ideas and insights with your peers.

Institutions Mentioned: California State University-Northridge, University of California-Berkeley
Planning Types: Information Technology Planning, Strategic Planning
Tags: COVID-19, Disruptive Change, Learning Technology, Online Learning, Response Planning, SCUP 2020 Pacific Regional Conference, Technology

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 14, 2019

2019 Annual Conference | July 2019

Issues in Workplace Design (and How Innovative Universities Address Them)

By: Niraj Dangoria, Damon A. Sheppard, Evan Yassky

Abstract: On the average campus, office space accounts for more square footage than classrooms, instructional and research labs combined. Accordingly, its design and utilization can have significant campus impact. This panel discussion addresses the challenges that institutions face when rethinking their approach to workplace design. We will provide guidance on planning, programming, and design strategies to align workplaces with educational mission, respond to fiscal pressures, and compete for talent.

Institutions Mentioned: George Washington University, Stanford University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, SCUP 2019 Annual Conference

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 27, 2019

2019 Pacific Regional Conference | March 2019

Throw Out Your Books

Designing Libraries for Their New Roles

By: Shawn Calhoun, Karen A. Cribbins-Kuklin, Joey Favaloro

This session will use recent library projects to study the effect of major program shifts on student behavior and discourse.

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.

Institutions Mentioned: University of California-Berkeley, University of San Francisco
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Design, Learning Environments, Library, Library Planning, SCUP 2019 Pacific Regional Conference

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The University of California

Creating, Nurturing, and Maintaining Academic Quality in a Public University Setting

By: Karen Merritt

From Volume 47 Number 1 | October–December 2018

Institutions Mentioned: University of California, University of California-Berkeley, University of California Office of the President
Planning Types: Academic Planning
Tags: Governance

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An Exploration of Administrative Bloat in American Higher Education

By: Thomas Wesley Williamson, E. Shannon Hughes, Penny L. Head

Administrative bloat, the ballooning growth of administrative functions and personnel in U.S. higher education, is the unintended consequence of several factors and can be mitigated to some extent through deliberate strategies.

From Volume 46 Number 2 | January–March 2018

Abstract: This article evaluates administrative bloat, the ballooning growth of administrative functions and personnel, in American higher education. This evaluation was undertaken through a review of the available literature describing administrative bloat. Though unintentional, increased spending and government requirements for accountability may have contributed to overall growth and cost in higher education. Similarly, the changing composition of faculty—in terms of tenure-track faculty, annual contracts, and adjunct faculty—may have also played a role in the increased influence that administration has over campus policy and curricular decisions. Strategies to mitigate the cost of administrative bloat and to balance campus decisions between faculty and administration are suggested.

Institutions Mentioned: Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University, University of California-Berkeley, University of Georgia
Planning Types: Resource Planning
Tags: Governance

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Portraits in Leadership: Six Extraordinary University Presidents

By: Robin Dasher-Alston

From Volume 34 Number 3 | April–June 2006

Institutions Mentioned: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Notre Dame, University of Maryland-College Park, University of Chicago, Princeton University

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