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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You Belong Here

Plan for and Design Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Campus Spaces

By: Shannon Dowling, MArch, AIA, LEEDAP

Many marginalized student populations don’t see themselves as higher education material. Creating places on campus that reaffirm to them that they belong is vital.

From Volume 51 Number 1 | October–December 2022

Abstract: When carefully considered and thoughtfully planned, physical campus space has the power to reinforce an institution’s values around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Institutions Mentioned: Virginia Commonwealth University, North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Ryerson University, Chapman University, Bennett College
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Active Learning Environments, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Health and Wellness, Informal Learning Environments, Landscape / Open Space, Learning Environments, Original Research, Placemaking, Student Experience, Underserved Students

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Use Evidence to Plan Facilities That Drive Student Success

By: Elliot Felix

In this article, the author draws upon research from his book How to Get the Most Out of College to highlight the evidence that campus planners and designers can use to help drive student success.

Abstract: Colleges and universities are in the midst of a transition from an access mindset to a success mindset, and campus facilities can play a role in this shift. Institutions don’t have to guess at how—a large body of research can and should inform how we plan, design, and operate our campuses. In this article, the author draws upon research from his book How to Get the Most Out of College to highlight the evidence that campus planners and designers can use to help drive student success.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Rochester, Arizona State University-Tempe
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Learning Commons, Learning Environments, Student Experience, Student Housing, Student Retention, Student Support Services

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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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Conference Recordings

Published
July 16, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

Achieving a Sustainable Campus Master Plan through Integrative Design

By: Daniel O'Shaughnessy, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP | Natalie Shivers, Princeton University | Shana Weber, Princeton University | Sheena Zhang, Atelier Ten

This session will explore Princeton University’s campus master plan, which engages an ethos of sustainability through the lens of carbon emissions, landscape design, energy, and water efficiency, from design through construction.

Abstract: The building sector contributes forty percent of carbon emissions globally. Given the climate crisis, it is imperative that campus facilities and planning departments address sustainability in a rigorous and fiscally responsible way. This session will explore Princeton University’s campus master plan, which engages an ethos of sustainability through the lens of carbon emissions, landscape design, energy, and water efficiency, from design through construction. Find out how you can apply Princeton's ambitious sustainability goals and lessons learned to your master plan and sustainably develop your projects for the benefit of your campus environment and community.

Institutions Mentioned: Princeton University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Campus Master Planning, Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Energy Infrastructure, Facilities Planning, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference, Sustainability (Environmental)

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 15, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

Leveraging On-Campus Childcare as Part of the ‘New Normal’

By: Mohammed Abdelaal, University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Kristin Gruber-Gunert, Boston University | Kelly Jamison, University of Florida | Michael Lindstrom, studioMLA Architects | Walt Meissner, Boston University

This session will focus on leveraging on-campus childcare, an overlooked but integral piece of a successful integrated strategy for returning to a robust in-person campus experience.

Abstract: On-campus childcare will be crucial not only in allowing faculty and staff to return to campus post-COVID but also in recruiting and retaining the next generation of campus leaders. This session will focus on leveraging on-campus childcare, an overlooked but integral piece of a successful integrated strategy for returning to a robust in-person campus experience. Join our subject matter experts to find out how you can lead and participate in strategic planning around this critical work/life issue at your institution.

Institutions Mentioned: Boston University, University of Florida, University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Planning, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference

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Building Reuse Is Climate Action

By: Lori Ferriss, AIA, PE, LEED AP BD+C

Read about two renovations that substantially reduced emissions while preserving campus character.

Abstract: Existing buildings are a tremendous untapped resource in climate action—reusing an existing building offers substantial carbon savings in the critical near term, which is the timeframe that matters as we look to stay within the Paris Agreement’s critical carbon budget. Read about two renovations that substantially reduced emissions while preserving campus character.

Institutions Mentioned: Boston University, Mount Holyoke College
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Adaptive Reuse, Facilities Planning, Other Facility, Student Housing, Sustainability (Environmental)

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Conference Recordings

Published
March 18, 2021

2021 North Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2021

Better Value and Outcomes through Integrative Design

By: Patricia Devine, Princeton University | Nadav Malin | Michael Pulaski, Thornton Tomasetti | Natalie Shivers, Princeton University

In this session, we'll share our results and challenges with the Integrative Design Process (IDP) at Princeton, and show how you can use an IDP to realize better value and outcomes for your campus project.

Abstract: The Integrative Design Process (IDP) is a powerful collaborative framework that aligns with an institution's culture to cost-effectively achieve any project's desired outcomes. After adopting IDP incrementally since 2003, Princeton University has created a full program, including a roadmap and in-depth training. A well-designed IDP supports participation and buy-in from users and effective collaboration in project teams-that means fewer changes during the construction documents phase and construction, smoother turnover, and better performance. In this session, we'll share our results and challenges and show how you can use an IDP to realize better value and outcomes for your campus project.

Institutions Mentioned: Princeton University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Collaborative Design, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Planning Processes, Project Management / Delivery, SCUP 2021 North Atlantic Regional Conference, Sustainability (Environmental)

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Conference Recordings

Published
March 18, 2021

2021 North Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2021

The Future Campus

A Dialogue with Three Institutions and Learning Technologist

A panel of three institutions and a learning technologist will offer their diverse perspectives on these issues and how they're influencing the physical and virtual campus environment: an unprecedented pandemic; rapidly-accelerating climate change; a mobile technology-enabled society; and critical issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Abstract: Higher education will shape its future through its response to this critical moment: an unprecedented pandemic; rapidly-accelerating climate change; a mobile technology-enabled society; and critical issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As new values, core issues, and questions continue to emerge, institutions must face these challenges by weighing different impacts and shifting priorities. A panel of three institutions and a learning technologist will offer their diverse perspectives on these issues and how they're influencing the physical and virtual campus environment. Come join the dialogue and adopt an inquiry-based mindset to proactively plan for a more agile and resilient future campus.

Institutions Mentioned: Cornell University, Princeton University, Wellesley College
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Environmental Scanning, Facilities Planning, Higher Ed Trends, Learning Environments, Learning Technology, Online Learning, SCUP 2021 North Atlantic Regional Conference

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