Learning Resources

Conference Presentations

Published
March 5, 2024

Launching the Duquesne College of Osteopathic Medicine From the Ground Up

By: Rodney Dobish, Duquesne University | Neil Martin, The S/L/A/M Collaborative | Karen Parzych, The S/L/A/M Collaborative

Establishing a new college within a university requires coordination with the accrediting body, other university disciplines, the city, donors, and neighboring landowners. We’ll outline and discuss how we navigated the process, challenges, and opportunities related to Duquesne University’s new College of Osteopathic Medicine, including the collaboration with the City of Pittsburgh’s Forbes Avenue Improvement Initiative.

Abstract: Establishing a new college within a university requires coordination with the accrediting body, other university disciplines, the city, donors, and neighboring landowners. We’ll outline and discuss how we navigated the process, challenges, and opportunities related to Duquesne University’s new College of Osteopathic Medicine, including the collaboration with the City of Pittsburgh’s Forbes Avenue Improvement Initiative. Through practical, implementable approaches to growth-focused programming in a new urban facility, this session will offer lessons learned, priorities, and planning tools for flexibility and improvement.

Tags: Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Planning, Governmental Policies and Regulations, Medical / Allied Health Facility, Town and Gown

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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: The State Must Provide

Why America’s Colleges Have Always Been Unequal—and How to Set Them Right

By: Sigrid M. Davison, MS

From Volume 50 Number 3 | April–June 2022

Abstract: The State Must Provide: Why America’s Colleges Have Always Been Unequal—and How to Set Them Right
by Adam Harris
Ecco, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers: New York: 2021
259 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-297648-2

Planning Types: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Funding, Governmental Policies and Regulations, Higher Ed in Society, Racial Equity

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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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Teetering on the Demographic Cliff, Part 2

Turning Away from the Challenge Is the Riskiest Strategy of All

By: Bryan C. Harvey, EdD

Higher education has faced major changes for some time—COVID-19 accelerated that volatility—and now we’re anticipating the demographic downslope in student enrollment. How and when should institutions mobilize for the difficult work of planning in the face of wrenching change?

From Volume 50 Number 1 | October–December 2021

Abstract: Part 1 of this series described a major contraction in the pool of college-going 18-year-olds that will reverse decades of growth and stability for higher education. Drawing on the path-breaking analysis of Carleton College economist Nathan Grawe, it outlined how widespread but variable the change will be, and discussed some of the effects—on enrollment, revenue, facilities, staffing, and more—for which colleges and universities should be preparing. This Part 2 explores these implications: How can we shape a planning context that supports success in the coming 10 or 20 years? What attitudes and skillsets will remain useful, and what may need to change?

Planning Types: Strategic Enrollment Management Planning
Tags: Cost of Higher Ed, COVID-19, Demographics, Enrollment Management, Funding, Resiliency, Shrinking Pool of Potential Students, Student Demographics, Trends External to Higher Ed, US

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Book Review: Broke

The Racial Consequences of Underfunding Public Universities

By: Karen Merritt, PhD

From Volume 50 Number 1 | October–December 2021

Abstract: by Laura T. Hamilton and Kelly Nielsen
The University of Chicago Press
294 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0-226-60540-1 (cloth)
ISBN-13:978-0-226-74745-3 (paper)
ISBN-13: 978-0-226-74759 (e-book)

Institutions Mentioned: University of California-Merced, University of California-Riverside
Planning Types: Strategic Enrollment Management Planning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning
Tags: Attracting and Retaining Underrepresented Students, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Enrollment Management, Funding, Governmental Policies and Regulations, Public Institution, Racial Equity, Underserved Students

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Teetering on the Demographic Cliff, Part 1

Prepare Now for the Challenging Times Ahead

By: Bryan C. Harvey, EdD

A long-term decline in birth rates raises fundamental planning questions for higher education as the pool of 18-year-olds contracts after 2025. How can planners and leaders use the time we have to prepare for some of the most wrenching changes in a generation?

From Volume 49 Number 4 | July–September 2021

Abstract: A long-term decline in birth rates raises fundamental planning questions for higher education as the pool of 18-year-olds contracts after 2025. This Planning for Higher Education series explores how planners and leaders can use the time we have to prepare for some of the most wrenching changes in a generation. This article, Part 1, surveys the planning horizon as we emerge from COVID-19 and describes the challenges ahead. Part 2 considers specific planning strategies institutions can adopt to meet the challenge. Part 3 tackles perhaps the most daunting challenge: how to mobilize institutions to actually do what needs to be done, however inconvenient (or worse) that may be.

Planning Types: Strategic Enrollment Management Planning
Tags: Cost of Higher Ed, COVID-19, Demographics, Enrollment Management, Funding, Resiliency, Shrinking Pool of Potential Students, Student Demographics, Trends External to Higher Ed, US

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 16, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

Universities on Fire

Higher Education in the Age of Climate Crisis

By: Bryan Alexander, Bryan Alexander Consulting, LLC

This session explores the impact of climate change on higher education and how academia may respond.

Abstract: This session explores the impact of climate change on higher education and how academia may respond. We begin by examining potential changes to physical campuses, from transportation and food service to grounds and the built environment. Next we consider implications for university research, curriculum, and teaching, then envision how relationships between campuses, their local communities, and the world. We conclude by outlining ways academic institutions can strategize and plan for medium- and long-term transformation, starting now.

Planning Types: Academic Planning
Tags: Campus Master Planning, Energy Infrastructure, External Collaboration / Partnerships, Facilities Planning, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference, Sustainability (Environmental), Teaching and Learning

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 16, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

Achieving a Sustainable Campus Master Plan through Integrative Design

By: Daniel O'Shaughnessy, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP | Natalie Shivers, Princeton University | Shana Weber, Princeton University | Sheena Zhang, Atelier Ten

This session will explore Princeton University’s campus master plan, which engages an ethos of sustainability through the lens of carbon emissions, landscape design, energy, and water efficiency, from design through construction.

Abstract: The building sector contributes forty percent of carbon emissions globally. Given the climate crisis, it is imperative that campus facilities and planning departments address sustainability in a rigorous and fiscally responsible way. This session will explore Princeton University’s campus master plan, which engages an ethos of sustainability through the lens of carbon emissions, landscape design, energy, and water efficiency, from design through construction. Find out how you can apply Princeton's ambitious sustainability goals and lessons learned to your master plan and sustainably develop your projects for the benefit of your campus environment and community.

Institutions Mentioned: Princeton University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Campus Master Planning, Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Energy Infrastructure, Facilities Planning, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference, Sustainability (Environmental)

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 16, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

A University’s Successful Campus Relocation Using Integrated Planning

By: Sara Mathov, University of Western States | Rosalia Messina, University of Western States

This session will discuss how the University of Western States used integrated planning and data-informed decision making to design, build, and relocate to a new campus over a two-year period.

Abstract: In this age of rapid change, many institutions must consider reevaluating their campus facilities in major ways. This session will discuss how the University of Western States used integrated planning and data-informed decision making to design, build, and relocate to a new campus over a two-year period. Join us to discover how you can use data collection and analysis strategies combined with constituent engagement to effectively facilitate planning and implementation of adaptable student-centered learning spaces.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Western States
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Alignment, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Planning, Learning Environments, New Campus, Project Management, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference

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