Learning Resources

Responsive Design

Purposeful Planning Can Be Inclusive for Neurodiverse Students and Support the Well-Being of All

By: Shannon Dowling, MArch, AIA, LEEDAP, and James A. Baumann, MA

By incorporating student choice and voice into the planning and allowing autonomy in scale and adaptability, campuses can provide the environment where all students are most comfortable participating in any given activity.

From Volume 52 Number 1 | October–December 2023

Abstract: Research has shown that neurodivergent students report a lower sense of belonging and are less likely to feel welcomed, accepted, and like they belong on campus than their neurotypical peers. Considering this, a host of barriers to participation and belonging can be in effect across a college or university. While there are a few campus offices and departments that might address different aspects of these concerns independently, the most successful results occur when these groups—along with outside contractors such as design partners—work in strategic symphony.

This article is co-presented by the Association of College & University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I) and the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) and is being published in publications for both organizations.

Institutions Mentioned: Colorado School of Mines, Denison University, Lewis & Clark College, Montana State University, Ohio State University-Main Campus, The State University of New York at Albany, University of Georgia, University of Oregon
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Health and Wellness, Informal Learning Environments, Learning Environments, Placemaking, Student Housing

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

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

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Walking for Wellness

“Feeling Maps” Can Help Planners to Create Campus Routes that Improve Student Well-Being

By: David Spooner, ASLA, PLA

Planners at the University of Georgia used “feeling maps” to help identify and create healthier connections for faculty, students, and staff traversing between campus destinations.

From Volume 51 Number 2 | January–March 2023

Abstract: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, an effort to address physical and mental well-being on campuses has become a focus. One overlooked opportunity to improve student welfare lies beneath their feet: enhancing campus walkability. Planners at the University of Georgia used “feeling maps” to help identify and create healthier connections for faculty, students, and staff traversing between campus destinations.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Georgia
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Health and Wellness, Landscape / Open Space, Original Research, Placemaking, Student Experience

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Conference Presentations

Published
October 4, 2021

2021 Southern Regional Conference | October 2021

Rejuvenation

Investing in Existing Residence Halls for Bright Futures

By: Lynne Deninger, CannonDesign | Linda Kasper, University of Georgia | Marisa Nemcik, CannonDesign

In this session, we'll provide you with practical strategies that you can apply at your institution as you explore the possibilities of renovating existing student housing facilities.

Abstract: Almost every institution has existing residence halls that they could upgrade for a fraction of the cost of building new. As institutions seek to meet student housing needs, they should consider renovating existing buildings as a viable strategy for creating state-of-the-art facilities. Taking this path can extend building life, attract students, and save capital. In this session, we'll provide you with practical strategies that you can apply at your institution as you explore the possibilities of renovating existing student housing facilities.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Georgia
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Renovation, SCUP 2021 Southern Regional Conference, Student Housing

Member Price:
$35 | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Recordings

Published
March 11, 2021

2021 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2021

Reaping the Benefits of a New Building? Without Building New

By: Jennifer Amster, EYP | Laura Berman, Rutgers University | Justin Shultz, EYP Architecture & Engineering

In this session, we'll demonstrate how to renovate your campus spaces to maximize programming and performance, using a planning approach that addresses the unique challenges of modernizing existing buildings, accommodating future-focused programming needs, and minimizing operational costs.

Abstract: Owing to the pandemic's economic impact, campus budgets are facing greater challenges to recruit students and meet expectations for state-of-the-art spaces. In this session, we'll demonstrate how to renovate your campus spaces to maximize programming and performance. We've integrated key aspects of high-performance design into a planning approach that addresses the unique challenges of modernizing existing buildings, accommodating future-focused programming needs, and minimizing operational costs. Come learn about a process that will help you consider the highest use of all resources through a variety of lenses and work with stakeholders on your campus to develop a common vision.

Institutions Mentioned: Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: COVID-19, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Learning Environments, Renovation, SCUP 2021 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, Space Assessment, Space Management

Member Price:
$35 | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

The Connected Campus

Building Long-Term Value and Agility by Connecting Offerings, Organizations and Operations

By: Elliot Felix, MArch

Campus environments play a vital role in student success. By making changes to their combination of spaces, institutions can respond to the shifts transforming higher education. Elliot Felix shares how colleges and universities can prepare for a more blended world by bringing together the digital and physical, enabling greater diversity and inclusion, and implementing flexible structures, staffing, space, and services. Sponsored Content: Knoll and brightspot strategy.

Abstract: Historic separations that defined higher education are dissolving: research is more interdisciplinary, online and on-campus learning are converging, wet and dry labs are blending, teaching and research overlap, and academia forges relationships with corporate partners. Institutions, by improving how they connect what they offer, how they are organized, and how they operate, can build value and agility to better assist their people on campus. Real-world examples in this white paper from Knoll and brightspot strategy discuss how campus spaces support student success, including how to fully use the campus; creating spaces that sustain diverse and flexible ways of working; thinking phygitally; and creating environments where today’s purpose-driven and entrepreneurial students (Gen Z) will thrive as they prepare to enter the workforce.

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

Conference Recordings

Published
March 16, 2020

2020 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2020

Emerging Credentials

A Framework to Define and Measure the Quality of Non-degree Credentials

By: Michelle Van Noy, Associate Director, Rutgers, Education and Employment Research Center | Heather McKay, Director, Rutgers, Education and Employment Research Center

This session will discuss a conceptual framework for defining and measuring non-degree credential quality as well as policy and practice.

Abstract: Non-degree credentials are becoming increasingly common, emerging in response to the need for ongoing skills development as part of the rapidly changing economy. This session will discuss a conceptual framework for defining and measuring non-degree credential quality as well as policy and practice. Come and explore how you might integrate non-degree credentials‚ certificates, certifications, licensure, apprenticeship, and badges‚ into traditional degree programs at your institution and award academic credit for these credentials.

Institutions Mentioned: Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Planning Types: Academic Planning
Tags: SCUP 2020 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference

Member Price:
$35 | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Presentations

Published
March 8, 2020

2020 North Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2020

Institutional Strategies in Project Delivery

Brown University Strategic Sourcing Program

By: Ron Simoneau, Vice President, Shawmut Design and Construction | Joubin Hassanein, Director of IPD & Lean Practice, Shawmut Design and Construction | Michael Guglielmo, Vice President for Facilities Management, Brown University

Brown University's Strategic Sourcing program, a strategic partnership that streamlines planning, design, and construction for the university, delivers higher quality project outcomes with long-term financial savings.

Abstract: Brown University's Strategic Sourcing program, a strategic partnership that streamlines planning, design, and construction for the university, delivers higher quality project outcomes with long-term financial savings. We'll discuss this highly collaborative partnership model that brings together Brown stakeholders with designers, engineers, and subcontractors to develop optimal project solutions. We'll also cover the spectrum of project delivery models used for recent projects.

Institutions Mentioned: Brown University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Planning, Project Management / Delivery, SCUP 2020 North Atlantic Regional Conference

Member Price:
$35 | Login

Non-Member Price:
Free

Permeability by Design

Fostering flow, creating connectivity, promoting creative solutions.

By: Jeanne L. Narum, Thomas Hickerson, Barbara J Speziale, and Jorge A Vanegas

Permeable spaces invite people in, encourage use, are flexible and memorable, and allow coming and going. You can infuse permeability into almost any learning space. Read how three campuses (Texas A&M University Campus, Clemson University, and University of Calgary) are using permeability in their emerging design elements.

Institutions Mentioned: Texas A & M University-College Station, Clemson University, University of Calgary
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Learning Environments

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
January 1, 2019

Land-Grant Campuses for the 21st Century

Moving Beyond Rural and Semi-Rural Sites

By: Greg Havens

To address new population groups and respond to today’s challenges, these institutions plan spaces that also welcome urban, suburban, and remote students.

From Volume 47 Number 2 | January–March 2019

Abstract: Over their 150-year history, land-grant universities have played a tremendous and vital role in the development of the United States and the education of its people. Most of these institutions were established as the result of the Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1862. How has this mission, drafted in a much different time, held up over the years? As we move toward the third decade of the twenty-first century, many universities are evolving to better embrace changing student demographics; build industry partnerships; and reframe campus legacies to ensure that the land-grant mission still supports the needs of our times.

Institutions Mentioned: Auburn University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Clemson University, University of Kentucky, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, University of Maine at Orono
Planning Types: Campus Planning

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Planning Types

Challenges