Learning Resources

Abstract: After decades of significant investment in campus development, US universities are now confronted with enormous challenges, including declining enrollment, evolving academic technology, online learning, and rising facilities maintenance costs. The authors of this research examined how 11 public R1 universities in the Northeast and Midwest are addressing these challenges through a review of campus plans and interviews with senior planners and administrators. This study argues that a new campus planning paradigm is gradually emerging in response to these risks, which highlights innovative strategies for place-based institutions to rapidly reexamine their prevailing capital planning priorities with a focus on adaptability and right-sizing campus facilities.

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.

Abstract: Campus health and wellness programs have evolved over the years to promote physical health, nutrition, and mental health for students. The pandemic has made it more urgent for institutions to consider the multidimensional determinants of health and a holistic approach to wellness. How do we address elevated levels of stress on campus through design and programming? How do we design facilities and outdoor spaces for better health outcomes? What role does wellness play in fostering student success and belonging? Come learn from our panel of experts as they share their insights on creating healthier campus environments that support student wellbeing.

Abstract: This discussion focused on the various resources publicly available for higher education institutions to review as they begin to contemplate how and when to re-open their physical locations. At recording time, the presenters had recently completed the URMIA “Checklist of Checklists for Returning to Campus,” in conjunction with the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO).

Abstract: Challenges and trends within the healthcare industry pose critical growth challenges and unique opportunities for higher education. Institutions with medical and health programs now need learning environments that can support evolving curricula, immersive pedagogy, and advanced technology. Come learn how the campus built environment is changing in response to the healthcare industry's evolving challenges and opportunities.

Abstract: Come dive into the world of e-scooters and other micro-mobility options, which are on the rise nationwide. We will discuss current micro-mobility trends, benefits, challenges, and ways that planners can integrate micro-mobility safely, aesthetically, and strategically into their campus environments. With foresight and planning, micro-mobility can fill gaps in traditional campus transportation modes while mitigating challenges such as rider injury, pedestrian safety, and unsightliness. You will learn about micro-mobility trends, strategies, and policies you can apply and adapt to your campus infrastructure and reap their benefits.

Abstract: Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of learning space is now an essential tool for institutions to align capital decisions with student performance. We will explore exemplary active-learning environments and the evaluation methodology we used to measure how these environments have elicited learning behaviors that foster student engagement. You will learn which aspects of the learning environment are important to measure, how to measure them, and how the collected data connects to metrics that matter to institutions.

Abstract: Universities and colleges across the country are faced with growth in the campus population and the loss of surface parking lots for new buildings. The response of many institutions is to build new garages with the assumption that parking demand ratios will remain the same. Such an approach, however, can be extremely expensive—upwards of $2,000 per net new space annually. In many cases, a mix of parking and demand reduction programs—such as shuttles, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and financial incentives not to drive—can accommodate growth at a lower cost per trip. A balanced approach will also tend to support other goals, from improving town-gown relations to maintaining debt capacity. Demand management strategies have been employed by institutions for many years. However, it is less common for a cost-benefit analysis to be undertaken comparing them with new parking construction. Using examples from universities in California and Colorado, this article demonstrates a methodology to inform basic decisions on the amount of parking required to cater to campus growth, which can be incorporated into campus master planning.

Abstract: Today, the amount of space devoted to research at research universities exceeds that of classrooms and class laboratories. This research space portfolio presents important policy and management challenges. As stewards of this portfolio, universities must address issues of funding the construction of research facilities, equipping and maintaining them, allocating and accounting for space used for research, and managing, in broadest terms, the physical and administrative infrastructure in which research is conducted. As this article illustrates, managing the balance between the growing demand for and the supply of research space is complicated. To address the issues of research space, universities have developed a variety of space management methods to fit their unique research missions, priorities, and operational culture. This article provides important insights into this little studied aspect of higher education space planning. The article is an overview of research space management across the U. S. on general campuses and in health science centers. It is based on interviews with senior administrators in selected research universities conducted specifically for this study, information about research space management available on university documents on the Internet, and on the work of Ira Fink and Associates, Inc. in programming research facilities on a multitude of campuses nationwide.