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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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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Trends Inside Higher Education | Spring 2022

By: Apryl Motley, CAE, SASM

Within the world of higher education, what are some of today’s key trends—and what are some implications for institutions of higher learning?

Abstract: We’ve organized Trends using STEEP: Social, Technology, Economic, Environmental, and Political. Each trend includes a brief trend summary, a footnoted source, and discussion questions to help you analyze and act on the trend.

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Trends Outside Higher Education | Fall 2021

From the ongoing COVID–19 pandemic to the impacts of climate change, colleges and universities continue to face an environment that is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous—VUCA. Learn the key trends and movements that might become our “new normal.” This issue broadly explores trends outside of higher education.

Abstract: We’ve organized Trends using STEEP: Social, Technology, Economic, Environmental, and Political. Each trend includes a brief trend summary, a footnoted source, and discussion questions to help you analyze and act on the trend.

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 13, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

A Future Pathway

Leading in a Global Public Health Crisis and Social and Racial Injustice

By: Larisa Genin, Wichita State University | Eileen Strempel, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Elizabeth Tutelman, Temple University | Joseph Youngblood II, Thomas Edison State University

This presentation will demonstrate how leaders can surmount 2021’s obstacles by aligning strategic priorities for the future.

Abstract: Higher education experienced extraordinary challenges in 2020 and tackled them head on with agility and creativity. Transformative leadership can help our institutions thrive even in the face of a world health disaster, its attendant fiscal challenges, and systemic racial and social injustice. This presentation will demonstrate how leaders can surmount these obstacles by aligning strategic priorities for the future. Come learn how to work across boundaries, differences, and beliefs while intentionally developing the essential skills and abilities you need to strengthen your institution and community.

Institutions Mentioned: Temple University, Thomas Edison State University, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, Wichita State University
Planning Types: Academic Planning, Continuity Planning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning, Institutional Effectiveness Planning, Resource Planning, Strategic Planning
Tags: Community Engagement, COVID-19, Engaging Stakeholders, Leadership, Professional Development, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 12, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

Building a Path Forward

Overcoming Pandemic Impacts on HBCUs

By: Anthony Brown, United Negro College Fund Inc | Troy Glover, DLR Group | Logan Hampton, Lane College | Yogesh Saoji, DLR Group | Leroy Staggers, Morris College

United Negro College Fund and HBCU college leaders will examine enrollment, instruction, student success, historic preservation, and fundraising in a post-pandemic world and explore how we can transform these challenges into successes.

Abstract: HBCUs have a tradition of providing affordable, culturally accessible higher education to minority and first-generation students as they support disadvantaged communities. The evolution of planning, partnerships, and pedagogy at HBCUs provides lessons for any stressed institution. United Negro College Fund and HBCU college leaders will examine enrollment, instruction, student success, historic preservation, and fundraising in a post-pandemic world and explore how we can transform these challenges into successes. Join the panel for an engaging discussion about physical, academic, financial, and operational strategies for reshaping and strengthening HBCUs and apply lessons learned to address diversity, equity, and inclusion at your institution.

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Conference Recordings

Published
March 19, 2021

2021 North Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2021

President’s Panel

Transforming and Reimagining Higher Education for the Future

By: Frances Bronet, Pratt Institute | Kerstin Mey, University of Limerick | Vianne Timmons, Memorial University

In this session, three college and university presidents from the United States, Canada, and Europe will reflect on how we can transform and reimagine higher education for the future.

Abstract: SCUP defines integrated planning as a sustainable approach to planning that builds relationships, aligns the organization, and emphasizes preparedness for change. Over the past several years—and particularly in 2020—the world has experienced significant shifts in its sociocultural, economic, and political landscapes. How can higher education institutions use integrated planning to respond nimbly and flexibly to these changes? In this session, three college and university presidents from the United States, Canada, and Europe will reflect on how we can transform and reimagine higher education for the future.

Institutions Mentioned: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Pratt Institute-Main, University of Limerick
Planning Types: Academic Planning, Campus Planning, Resource Planning, Strategic Planning, Student Affairs Planning
Tags: Adaptable Plans, Alignment, COVID-19, Environmental Scanning, Higher Ed Trends, Response Planning, SCUP 2021 North Atlantic Regional Conference

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Conference Recordings

Published
March 19, 2021

2021 North Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2021

Designing the Money

Resilient Long-term Planning for CSCU's Sixteen Campuses

By: Keith Epstein, Connecticut State Colleges & Universities | William MacIntosh, G3 Architecture | Scott Page, Scott Blackwell Page

In this session, we'll share how Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) applies a standard process to address its unique capital needs and withstand the test of time. CSCU maintains its 10-year capital plan in a dynamic environment to remain relevant and resilient for allocating resources equitably between its sixteen campuses with optimal effect.

Abstract: Establishing capital projects is typically a long-term effort with changes occurring over months. In this session, we'll share how Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) applies a standard process to address its unique capital needs and withstand the test of time. CSCU maintains its 10-year capital plan in a dynamic environment to remain relevant and resilient for allocating resources equitably between its sixteen campuses with optimal effect. Come learn how a mission-driven, evidence-based capital planning approach responds to changing demographics and financial conditions while addressing specific facility and infrastructure needs in a wide variety of campus settings.

Planning Types: Campus Planning, Resource Planning
Tags: Capital Planning, Facilities Funding, Facilities Planning, SCUP 2021 North Atlantic Regional Conference, Space Assessment, System of Colleges or Universities

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Trends Inside Higher Education | Spring 2021

Within the world of higher education, what are some of today’s key trends—and what are some implications for institutions of higher learning? While the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn much of our focus for a year now, we continue to keep our eyes on other trends and forces. This issue broadly explores trends inside higher education.

Abstract: We’ve organized Trends using STEEP: Social, Technology, Economic, Environmental, and Political. Each trend includes a brief trend summary, a footnoted source, and discussion questions to help you analyze and act on the trend.

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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

By: Megha Sinha, Principal, Urban Design and Planning, NBBJ (Moderator) | Jana Albrecht, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, Illinois State University | Arthur Lidsky, President, Dober Lidsky Mathey | Richard Michal, Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer, Purdue Research Foundation | Douglas Laditka, Associate Vice President for Facilities Management & Development, Albion College

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.

Institutions Mentioned: Illinois State University, Albion College, Purdue University-Main Campus
Planning Types: Academic Planning, Campus Planning, Resource Planning
Tags: Alignment, COVID-19, Higher Ed Trends, Recovery Planning, Scenario Planning, SCUP 2020 North Central Regional Conference, Trends External to Higher Ed

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