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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
May 6, 2026

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Book Review: Peak Higher Ed

How to Survive the Looming Academic Crisis

From Volume 54 Number 3 | April–June 2026

Abstract: In Peak Higher Ed, Bryan Alexander takes us through a scenario that draws together the main drivers of academic change. Demographics, economics, politics, technology, and more are reshaping colleges and universities.

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Webinar Recordings

Published
April 30, 2026

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LEEDv5

An Introduction

This session explores how the newest rating system reframes sustainability around climate action, ecological restoration, and quality of life while raising the bar on decarbonization, electrification, resilience, embodied carbon, and transparency.
Abstract: This webinar is part of SCUP’s Sponsored Series and is presented in partnership with Ayers Saint Gross. Join us for an engaging introduction to LEEDv5 and what it means for the future of sustainable design. This session explores how the newest rating system reframes sustainability around climate action, ecological restoration, and quality of life while raising the bar on decarbonization, electrification, resilience, embodied carbon, and transparency. You’ll gain a clear overview of what’s changed across major credit categories, how performance metrics are shifting from cost-based to carbon- and outcomes-based measures, and what new expectations, like operational carbon neutrality for LEED Platinum, mean for your projects. Through real examples and practical discussion, we’ll unpack how LEEDv5 may impact scope, owner engagement, and team coordination so you can prepare your projects and partners with confidence.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
February 12, 2026

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It’s Important to Follow Through on Your Plan

Successful Implementation Involves Coordination and Metrics

Integrated planning doesn’t stop at the planning. We should identify and reward institutions that have made meaningful progress in achieving strategic goals.

From Volume 54 Number 2 | January–March 2026

Abstract: Higher education institutions have been preparing strategic plans for at least 50 years, yet critics still find their implementation to be weak. Most universities treat strategic planning as an ad hoc activity without a stable structure for follow-through. Implementing strategic plans involves change management in a risk-averse culture. An integrated planning function would include conducting regular environmental scanning, coordinating plan implementation, and measuring progress in achieving strategic goals.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
January 20, 2026

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Beyond Compliance

Building a Sustainable Assessment Framework for Continuous Improvement at Scale

A case study of a public university’s college of business administration contributes empirical evidence of scaling challenges and offers a transferable framework for institutions seeking to enhance assessment capabilities while maintaining faculty engagement.

From Volume 54 Number 2 | January–March 2026

Abstract: Using a longitudinal case study spanning two decades (2003–2022), the authors analyzed how a large public university’s college of business administration designed a system that balanced institutional assessment needs with faculty workload considerations. Their findings revealed that successful large-scale assessment systems require: (1) multilevel organizational structures with clear staff roles, (2) embedded assessment measures leveraging existing coursework, (3) technological infrastructure to streamline data collection, and (4) robust feedback mechanisms ensuring interventions are implemented and evaluated. The study contributes empirical evidence of scaling challenges and offers a transferable framework for large institutions seeking to enhance assessment capabilities while maintaining faculty engagement.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
December 10, 2025

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A Day-in-the-Life of a College Planner . . . in 2030

AI Reimagines Higher Education Planning

The authors invite readers to join them on a journey into the future, five years ahead. Step into the shoes of a higher education planner in the year 2030 and see firsthand how transformative ideas might reshape your day and decisions.

From Volume 54 Number 1 | October–December 2025

Abstract: To put their thinking about AI into practice, the article authors asked ChatGPT to help craft day-in-the-life scenarios for an invented higher education planner in the year 2030. Using a series of prompts, they requested an applied breakdown of that planner’s day. Initial ideas and about two-thirds of the scenarios were conceived by ChatGPT in response to those prompts.

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Webinar Recordings

Published
October 15, 2025

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Approaches to Emissions Reduction

Sustainability Planning Across Institutions

In this panel, campus leaders will share how they are advancing sustainability through integrated planning—aligning facilities, finance, academics, and operations to move faster and smarter.
Abstract: Colleges and universities are under growing pressure to cut carbon emissions while balancing tight budgets, aging infrastructure, and rising community expectations. From community colleges to flagship research institutions, the challenge is the same: how do you accelerate climate action without compromising financial or operational stability? In this one-hour panel, campus leaders will share how they are advancing sustainability through integrated planning—aligning facilities, finance, academics, and operations to move faster and smarter. You’ll hear how institutions are confronting legacy systems like boilers, cogeneration plants, and generators, while also exploring innovative solutions such as microgrids and renewable energy integration. Whether your institution is just beginning its sustainability journey or pushing toward aggressive carbon-neutrality targets, you’ll walk away with fresh strategies and practical insights to make meaningful progress on your own campus.

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Webinar Recordings

Published
October 2, 2025

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Learning to Plan

Building a Practical Skillset

If you’re stepping into a role that involves planning—or trying to sharpen your skills—you’re not alone. This session is a conversation with higher education professionals who will share candid stories about how they got started, what supported their growth, and what they’re still figuring out.
Abstract: If you’re stepping into a role that involves planning—or trying to sharpen your skills—you’re not alone. This session is a conversation with higher education professionals who will share candid stories about how they got started, what supported their growth, and what they’re still figuring out. You’ll walk away with practical ideas on how to approach planning as a skillset—where to focus, how to build confidence, and how to make progress even when the path isn’t clear. Whether you're new to planning or simply looking to grow, this conversation will show that building capacity is a process—and it’s one you don’t have to navigate alone.

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Webinar Recordings

Published
September 23, 2025

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Beyond Budget Cuts

How to Drive Savings and Efficiency through Space Optimization

This webinar will demonstrate–with real-world data and examples–how real-time occupancy data is transforming higher ed space management, HVAC, and custodial cleaning strategies.
Abstract: Part of SCUP’s Sponsored Series, presented in partnership with Occuspace. This webinar will provide higher education real estate planners, facility managers, and financial administrators with a proven roadmap for navigating these challenges. We’ll demonstrate–with real-world data and examples–how real-time occupancy data is transforming higher ed space management, HVAC, and custodial cleaning strategies.

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Conference Presentations,Conference Recordings

Published
June 16, 2025

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Designing a Flexible and Resilient Research Building Through Integrated Planning

This session will highlight how a collaborative team promoted innovation to enable decision making throughout the Plant Sciences Initiative design process at North Carolina State University (NCSU).
Abstract: This session will highlight how a collaborative team promoted innovation to enable decision making throughout the Plant Sciences Initiative design process at North Carolina State University (NCSU). Built pre-pandemic, this future-proofed building continues to successfully serve as an energizing hub for innovation. NCSU's integrated planning and data-driven process for designing a flexible academic research building has inspired cross-functional collaboration, leading to increased industry partnerships and innovations. Come learn how leveraging benchmarking, analytics, and an integrated planning process can produce a successfully designed, forward-thinking research building.

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Conference Presentations,Conference Recordings

Published
June 4, 2025

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Achieving Net-zero Emissions With No Capital and No Debt

The reduction of campus carbon emissions requires large investments in infrastructure, which is challenged by the realities of budgetary pressures.
Abstract: The reduction of campus carbon emissions requires large investments in infrastructure, which is challenged by the realities of budgetary pressures. However, climate action doesn't have to come at the expense of an institution's core mission. Thompson Rivers University is transforming their campus infrastructure for net-zero emissions and a healthier environment without expending capital or taking on debt. This session will cover a novel procurement model along with a pathway to net-zero emissions that you can replicate on your own campus, providing you with the tools you need to take climate action now.

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