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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
March 13, 2026

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Can the ‘Iron Triangle’ Be Bent?

Institutions Attempt to Maintain Quality and Access While Freezing Tuition

This article explores the implementation and sustainability of long-term (10+ years) tuition freezes at two large public flagship research universities: Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

From Volume 54 Number 2 | January–March 2026

Abstract: Amid declining public trust, demographic challenges, and mounting concerns about affordability, many institutions are asking whether the long-held “iron triangle” of higher education—where reducing cost inevitably diminishes quality and underrepresented student access—still holds true. This article draws on case studies of Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which sustained decade-long tuition freezes. Their experiences reveal lessons in leadership, culture, process reengineering, financial positioning, and trade-offs that suggest the iron triangle can, in some cases, be bent.

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Conference Recordings

Published
October 26, 2021

Rejuvenation

Investing in Existing Residence Halls for Bright Futures

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.

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Conference Presentations

Published
October 26, 2021

Transform Your Building Through Inclusive, Intentional Design

We'll take you through our process of transforming an iconic campus building that relates to today's students through environmental messaging while also celebrating the institution, its community, and its history.
Abstract: We have a responsibility to make our campus buildings as welcoming and inclusive as possible. This session will share how Purdue University transformed its campus from a transactional place to an inviting, welcoming, and inclusive one. Intentionality plays an important role in a building's redesign; planners must focus on both the building's original intent and how to use its assets to fulfill modern needs. We'll take you through our process of transforming an iconic campus building that relates to today's students through environmental messaging while also celebrating the institution, its community, and its history.

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 15, 2021

Go Outside! Learnscapes and Optimizing the Spaces In Between

In this session, we'll discuss how to connect structure, landscape, and sustainability to counter VUCA and establish stable and productive learning environments that enhance performance, creativity, and wellness through connections to nature and newly-expanded views and perspectives.
Abstract: Pandemics aren't going away, which is why institutions must invest in permanent outdoor learnscapes to optimize educational outcomes. In this session, we'll discuss how to connect structure, landscape, and sustainability to counter VUCA and establish stable and productive learning environments that enhance performance, creativity, and wellness through connections to nature and newly-expanded views and perspectives. Come discover new ways to transform your outdoor campus spaces with wellness-oriented designs to offset enrollment decline, maintain stable learning conditions, and stabilize class sizes.

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Conference Recordings

Published
April 30, 2021

2021 Pacific Regional Conference | April–June 2021

Mindful Redesign for New and Effective Learning Environments

Join us to discuss what our campuses are planning for the immediate and distant future of teaching and learning.
Abstract: This session will focus on how changes in academic planning—accelerated in large part due to COVID-19—are resulting in new physical and virtual frameworks for learning. These range from enhanced online platforms to flexible hybrid environments, including the reappropriation and redesign of ‘found spaces,’ such as valuable and underutilized exterior zones on our existing campuses. Join us to discuss what our campuses are planning for the immediate and distant future of teaching and learning.

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Partner Content

Published
April 1, 2021

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Resilience in the Great Outdoors

Exploring the Future of Outdoor Learning Environments on Campus

Before the Fall 2020 semester, the Siebel Center for Design at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign partnered with architects and engineers to lead a virtual design charrette focused on extending the life of outdoor campus spaces as learning environments. They also reached out to schools around the country to learn about their recent experiences with these spaces.
Abstract: While adopted as a safer near-term solution, outdoor learning environments now seem likely to play a larger role in long-term planning. Schools will now use lessons learned during the pandemic to think more critically about outdoor campus space as an integral component of classroom education and to support student wellbeing. Before the Fall 2020 semester, the Siebel Center for Design at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign partnered with architects and engineers to lead a virtual design charrette focused on extending the life of outdoor campus spaces as learning environments. They also reached out to schools around the country to learn about their recent experiences with these spaces.

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Conference Recordings

Published
October 20, 2020

2020 North Central Regional Conference | October 2020

Keynote: Amidst Converging Storms | Part Two

Planning and Strategy for Long-term Recovery and Resiliency

In the second of two keynotes focusing on higher education’s “perfect storm”—the confluence of a global pandemic, financial crisis, shifting demographics, and a changing culture—a cross-disciplinary panel will discuss their integrated planning strategies for moving from a state of triage to transformation.
Abstract: In the second of two keynotes focusing on higher education’s “perfect storm”—the confluence of a global pandemic, financial crisis, shifting demographics, and a changing culture—a cross-disciplinary panel will discuss their integrated planning strategies for moving from a state of triage to transformation. Integrated planning is the foundation upon which we confront higher education’s current turbulent landscape and make the changes necessary for bringing about the “new normal.” Come learn new planning methods and tools for creating future scenario models, achieving operational flexibility and long-term resiliency, and communicating the value of integrated planning at your institution.

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Conference Recordings

Published
October 19, 2020

2020 North Central Regional Conference | October 2020

The Planning Continuum

How Campus Plans Inform Purposeful Decision Making

We’ll discuss how Purdue University’s culture of continuous planning leverages data, facility information, and design to engage new stakeholders, implement a campus-wide vision, and fast-track decision making.
Abstract: Academic life is closely tied to space and conversations about space reveal much about our priorities and personalities. Having a plan can help facilitate these conversations around a shared vision. We’ll discuss how Purdue University’s culture of continuous planning leverages data, facility information, and design to engage new stakeholders, implement a campus-wide vision, and fast-track decision making. The world of planning is changing, so come learn how creating the right scope to achieve the desired outcomes and inform decision making is critical for establishing a planning continuum on your campus.

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Conference Recordings

Published
August 28, 2020

2020 Pacific Regional Conference | August–October 2020

Curriculum Redesign

Evolving Practices for Virtual and Physical Learning

This session will explore how institutions can move away from “crisis teaching” and towards a mindfully-redesigned and thoughtfully-delivered curriculum spanning a range of models, from virtual to hybrid to in-person learning.
Abstract: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, institutions have been making pedagogical changes that will impact the long-term future of higher education. This session will explore how institutions can move away from “crisis teaching” and towards a mindfully-redesigned and thoughtfully-delivered curriculum spanning a range of models, from virtual to hybrid to in-person learning. Institutions must quickly adapt their curricula in order to provide quality education in a post-COVID era. Come learn how you can prepare your institution to meet current needs and future challenges in learning through sharing ideas and experiences with your peers.

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 20, 2020

2020 Annual Conference | July 2020

Improve Implementation and Innovation With Project Management

We will share how University of Illinois has introduced project management tools and processes to help stakeholders implement plans and use resources more effectively.
Abstract: Often people leading the implementation of new initiatives or response plans have enthusiasm and dedication, but lack specific skills, tools, and methods necessary for success. We will share how University of Illinois has introduced project management tools and processes to help stakeholders implement plans and use resources more effectively. You'll learn how providing a defined path from idea to implementation ensures initiatives are evaluated and prioritized, resources are deployed effectively, and projects are supported correctly.

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