Learning Resources

Survival of the Financially Fittest

Leverage Strategic Decision-Making and Key Financial Metrics to Achieve Financial Stability

By: Aaron Meis, EdD, and Julee Gard, EdD

Leaders must look closely at financial trends that may reveal signs of trouble—in the short or immediate term—and have the courage to act to address them.

From Volume 52 Number 1 | October–December 2023

Abstract: This article explores a methodology for assessing and managing the financial viability of private, tuition-dependent institutions as well as institutional tactics and strategies used to improve their financial strength. The resulting model will help institutions understand the trends and predictive value of key financial metrics directly impacting their liquidity and operations and how senior leadership can drive change. Institutional examples illustrate how to engage senior leadership in strategic decision-making that includes assessment of revenue growth and/or expense management.

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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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Planning Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Campus Environments

By: Shannon Dowling

Student-centered insights on the design of formal learning environments and informal study and lounge spaces can help campuses increase the sense of belonging and improve learning outcomes for underrepresented students. The author is a SCUP Fellow for the 2020–2021 program. Read her full research project final report which infuses student-centered research into a playbook that can guide universities and design teams through key DEI strategies for planning, designing, and assessing physical campus space.

Institutions Mentioned: Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Union University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Accessibility, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Health and Wellness, Informal Learning Environments, Learning Environments, Original Research, Space Assessment, Student Experience, Underserved Students

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The Planning and Design of Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive Campus Environments

By: Shannon Dowling, MArch, AIA, LEEDAP

This is a SCUP Fellow Research Project Final Report for the 2020–2021 program. Space is not neutral; we perceive physical environments differently based on our backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. This new, research-based playbook can guide universities and design teams through key strategies and possible metrics relative to DEI to use when planning, designing, and assessing physical campus space.

Abstract: Space is not neutral; we perceive physical environments differently based on our backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. Every student brings a unique perspective to campus, and therefore every campus will have individual needs.

This research project collected a body of evidence around student preferences for welcoming and inclusive physical campus environments, sourced from engagements with more than two dozen institutions and more than 200 students. The author used these findings to develop a playbook to guide institutions and design teams through key strategies and possible metrics relative to DEI to use when planning, designing, and assessing physical campus space. The playbook serves as a conversation starter—a way to get planners, designers, and institutional stakeholders to the table and move the needle toward a more supportive physical environment that embodies the strategic values of DEI.

Institutions Mentioned: Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Union University, University of Richmond
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Planning, Health and Wellness, Informal Learning Environments, Landscape / Open Space, Learning Environments, Original Research, Placemaking, Space Assessment, Student Experience, Student Housing, Underserved Students

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Book Review: Higher Education Business Models Under Stress

Achieving Graceful Transitions in the Academy

By: Susan C. Allen, MBA

From Volume 50 Number 2 | Jan–Mar 2022

Abstract: Higher Education Business Models Under Stress: Achieving Graceful Transitions in the Academy
by Melody Rose and Larry D. Large
AGP: Washington, DC: 2021
140 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-951635-12-1

Institutions Mentioned: Marylhurst University
Planning Types: Resource Planning
Tags: Assessment / Analytics, Cost of Higher Ed, COVID-19, Disruptive Change, Higher Ed in Society, Higher Ed Trends, Student Demographics

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 15, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

Planning for the Virtual Learning Campus Landscape

By: Rebecca Celis, HGA | Angela Foss, Southern New Hampshire University | Noah Holm, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Adaheid Mestad, HGA

This session will share stories and lessons learned from two institutions regarding their campus adaptations in an effort to improve student retention.

Abstract: Understanding the human experience is essential to successfully adapting campuses for virtual learning. This session will share stories and lessons learned from two institutions regarding their campus adaptations in an effort to improve student retention. We'll showcase research findings and applications on how the switch to virtual learning during the pandemic may result in long-term adaptations to campus spaces. Come learn how you can apply the latest research to your plans for short and long-term campus adaptations to accommodate virtual learning outcomes.

Institutions Mentioned: Southern New Hampshire University, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: COVID-19, Facilities Planning, Higher Ed Trends, Learning Environments, Online Learning, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference

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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

By: Alice Kimm, John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects (JFAK) | Collette Creppell, Chapman University | Heidi Creighton, BuroHappold Engineering | Mia Lehrer, Studio-MLA | Julie Hendricks, University of California-Santa Barbara | Jennifer Milliron, LMN Architects | Helen Chu, Stanford University | Leesa Beck, University of California-Santa Barbara | David Gier, University of Michigan | Royce Smith, Montana State University – Bozeman | Timothy Waters, Sextant Group / NV5 Engineering & Technology

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.

Institutions Mentioned: Chapman University, Montana State University – Bozeman, Stanford University, University of California-Santa Barbara, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Planning Types: Academic Planning, Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Flexible Learning Spaces, Learning Environments, Online Learning, SCUP 2021 Pacific Regional Conference, Teaching and Learning

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Conference Recordings

Published
March 18, 2021

2021 North Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2021

Reinvigorating a Campus Landmark

Transforming Stirling’s Museum

By: Ben Youtz, designLAB architects | Nazneen Cooper, Harvard University | David Roxburgh, Harvard University

Beginning with the project's conception and taking you through its planning, design, and construction, we will outline our investigation, historic research, and analysis of Harvard University's Stirling-designed postmodern museum to inform its transformation into a vibrant academic building housing a variety of programs.

Abstract: All colleges and universities have existing building stock that they need to repurpose in order to fit contemporary campus paradigms. Beginning with the project's conception and taking you through its planning, design, and construction, we will outline our investigation, historic research, and analysis of Harvard University's Stirling-designed postmodern museum to inform its transformation into a vibrant academic building housing a variety of programs. In this session, we'll establish a strategic and creative framework for adaptive reuse that you can use to reposition historic and architecturally-significant buildings on your campus.

Institutions Mentioned: Harvard University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Adaptive Reuse, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Historic Preservation, Museum Facility, Renovation, SCUP 2021 North Atlantic Regional Conference

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Conference Recordings

Published
March 18, 2021

2021 North Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2021

In Search of Hybrid

Somewhere Between Analog and Digital

By: Todd Symonds, Goody Clancy | Stephen Erwin, Harvard Business School

This session will explore the evolution of Harvard Business School's space and technology planning process through two completed distance learning projects—one envisioned before COVID and one created after.

Abstract: Ensuring that COVID-accelerated changes align with the institutional mission and brand is essential to a successful future on your campus. This session will explore the evolution of Harvard Business School's space and technology planning process through two completed distance learning projects—one envisioned before COVID and one created after. We'll provide insights from our planning and design toolbox, which will help you assess, plan, implement, and solve physical and digital challenges at your institution.

Institutions Mentioned: Harvard University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: COVID-19, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Planning, Online Learning, SCUP 2021 North Atlantic Regional Conference

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Conference Recordings

Published
March 10, 2021

2021 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2021

Keynote | VCU | Social Unrest in the Midst of a Pandemic . . . Now What?

By: Jeffrey Eastman, Virginia Commonwealth University | Jessica Hurley Smith, Virginia Commonwealth University | Keith Van Inwegen, Virginia Commonwealth University

Join us to discuss how VCU changed its planning strategies and built campus environment to simultaneously address a public health crisis and calls for social reform.

Abstract: When the pandemic forced students, faculty, and staff off campus in March 2020, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) had just begun initial investments to implement the first phases of its recently completed master plan. What impacts would the pandemic have on the master plan, space planning, and the delivery of VCU's core mission? While VCU adapted and planned for a return to campus, Richmond became a center of social unrest with protests throughout VCU's campuses. Join us to discuss how VCU changed its planning strategies and built campus environment to simultaneously address a public health crisis and calls for social reform.

Institutions Mentioned: Virginia Commonwealth University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Campus Master Planning, COVID-19, Modifying the Plan, SCUP 2021 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference

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