Learning Resources

Why Strategic Plans Aren’t Working in Uncertain Times

Because Strategic Planning Should Be a Dynamic, Robust Process

By: Daniel Seymour, PhD

The author’s approach to his research-based Strategic Planning in Uncertain Times Fieldbook began with a sampling review of 50 strategic plans. What emerged was the development of an organizational learning cycle used as a template to assess the effectiveness of strategic plans on more than 250 college and university websites.

From Volume 52 Number 3 | April–June 2024

Abstract: A strategic plan is supposed to “bring the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” Almost every college or university has such a plan because accreditors and governing boards require one. The question is: Why do so many higher education institutions seem to be unprepared when they take drastic actions (e.g., eliminating programs, cutting faculty and staff members, etc.) in uncertain times? The author studied more than 250 colleges and universities and suggests the answer in this article.

Institutions Mentioned: Methodist University, Fontbonne University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, West Virginia University
Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Tags: Adaptable Plans, Alignment, Building (or Writing) the Plan, Change Management, Implementation, Institutional Planning, Leadership, Leadership Attitude Toward Planning, Mission / Vision / Identity, Organizational Change, Planning Processes, Preparing to Plan

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 5, 2024

Planning the AI Pipeline: Attracting Students With Three Future-focused Projects

By: Melissa Burns, Page Southerland Page, Inc. | Alex Iszard, George Mason University | Brian Tucker, Page Southerland Page, Inc. | Liza Wilson Durant, George Mason University

Rapidly changing users and technology paired with long project timelines requires institutions to think ahead and implement innovative strategies for creating new, high-end engineering facilities.

Abstract: Rapidly changing users and technology paired with long project timelines requires institutions to think ahead and implement innovative strategies for creating new, high-end engineering facilities. Campus facilities must be nimble and ready to support multiple types of students. At the forefront of the AI technology revolution, George Mason University is undertaking large construction projects to serve a spectrum of undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students and create ecosystems of academic, industry, government, and community users. We’ll share planning strategies for AI technology learning spaces, practical solutions for designing future-focused facilities, and ways of promoting collaboration and connection across multiple communities.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Artifical Intelligence (AI), Collaborative Learning, Learning Environments, Learning Technology, Science / Engineering Facility, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM)

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 5, 2024

Mapping Career Pathways from the Community College Campus to Regional Industry

By: Christopher Coutts, Laurel Ridge Community College | Anthony Lucarelli, Grimm + Parker Architects | Damon Sheppard, Regional Leader of Science and Technology, HOK.

Community colleges provide equitable access to higher education and pathways to sustainable careers. This session will show how Laurel Ridge Community College (LRCC) secured its role in the regional economy by aligning programs with community priorities and mapping students’ career pathways to inform facilities planning.

Abstract: Community colleges provide equitable access to higher education and pathways to sustainable careers. This session will show how Laurel Ridge Community College (LRCC) secured its role in the regional economy by aligning programs with community priorities and mapping students’ career pathways to inform facilities planning. Collaboration with industry and the community enabled LRCC to plan for expansion, relevant programs, and advanced facilities for science, technology, engineering, math, and health sciences (STEM-H). Join us to find out how an engaging, user-focused academic building can leverage both flexibility and specialization to support student success and attract partners.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Economic Development, Facilities Planning, Medical / Allied Health Facility, Science / Engineering, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM), Workforce Development

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 5, 2024

Planning and Leading Through Positive Turbulence: Kean’s Pursuit of R2 Status

By: Neva Lozada, Kean University | Carlos Rodriguez, Kean University | Michael Salvatore, Kean University | Joseph Youngblood, Kean University

In order to meet the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education's requirements for an R2 Research Institution designation, Kean University created the University Planning Council (UPC), an inclusive university-wide body with representatives from every constituency within the university community.

Abstract:

In order to meet the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education's requirements for an R2 Research Institution designation, Kean University created the University Planning Council (UPC), an inclusive university-wide body with representatives from every constituency within the university community. The UPC creates linkages between assessment and resource allocations to establish integrated university-wide planning, supporting a comprehensive restructuring of its planning processes, policies, and procedures. This session will emphasize the importance of the democratization of data, transparency, inclusivity, and capacity development in integrated planning processes.

Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Tags: Adaptable Plans, Alignment, Assessment / Analytics, Data, Resource Allocation, Resource Management

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Example Plans

Published
January 5, 2024

Strategic Plan, Strategic Planning Website

Public Doctoral/Research University (Georgia, United States)

Strategic plan for the university, which is beginning its second decade after consolidation.

Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Resource Types: Strategic Plan, Strategic Planning Website
Tags: Enrollment Management, External Collaboration / Partnerships, Funding, Goals, Hybrid Learning, Laboratory Facility, Learning Environments, Medical / Allied Health Education, Online Learning, Recreational Facility, Resource Management, Student Retention, Student Services, Student Success, Student Support Services, Teaching and Learning

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Overcoming a $90M Budget Overage in Vanderbilt University’s Residential Colleges

A Multifaceted Team Worked Collaboratively to Stem Overruns

By: David Bailey, BA, AIA, LEED AP, and Walt Massey, BA

The University, architects, engineers, strategic planning consultants, and contractor teams worked hand in hand to peel back the onion to stem the overruns.

From Volume 52 Number 1 | October–December 2023

Abstract: When Vanderbilt University began seeing signs that cost escalation, scope additions, campus requirements, and authentic Collegiate Gothic architecture for their proposed new residence halls were all pressuring the budget, a multifaceted team worked collaboratively and arduously to stem the overruns.

Institutions Mentioned: Vanderbilt University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Implementation, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Mixed-Use, Modifying the Plan, Project Management, Project Management / Delivery, Student Housing

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Example Plans

Published
November 13, 2023

Example Plan

Private Doctoral/Research University (Maryland, United States)

The research university’s 2023 strategic plan.

Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Tags: Academic Planning, Academic Program Review, Alignment, Community Engagement, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Faculty, Goals, Graduate Degree Program, Learning Environments, Strategies and Tactics, Sustainability (Environmental), Town and Gown

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Example Plans

Published
June 30, 2023

Strategic Plan, Strategic Planning Website

Multiple Locations

Strategic plan for the university system developed by the state’s board of higher education.

Planning Types: Strategic Planning, Academic Planning
Resource Types: Strategic Plan, Strategic Planning Website
Tags: Attracting and Retaining Underrepresented Students, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Faculty Productivity, Goals, Governance, Measuring the Plan, Metrics, Racial Equity, Strategies and Tactics, Student Success, Workforce Development

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What Is Your Crisis ‘What If’?

Create a Sustainable Approach to Emergency Response Planning

By: Jessica A. Luedtke, PhD, and Mary M. Reinke, MBA, MS

The Medical College of Wisconsin planned strategically, engaged executive leadership, and operationalized an Administrative Response Team to navigate critical incidents impacting the university.

From Volume 51 Number 3 | April–June 2023

Institutions Mentioned: Medical College of Wisconsin
Planning Types: Continuity Planning
Tags: Building (or Writing) the Plan, Communication, Crisis and Disaster Management, External Collaboration / Partnerships, Leadership, Medical / Allied Health Education, Modifying the Plan, Recovery Planning, Response Planning, Risk Management, Scenario Planning, Security

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Tell Us What You Think

Smith College Drafted Its Master Landscape Plan Through Robust Stakeholder Engagement

By: Signe Nielsen, BS, BA, RLA, FASLA

More than 1,600 students and alumnae provided input through online mapping tools and in-person workshops. Staff and faculty were interviewed in person and via phone. And Instagram was used to reach 6,400 members of the campus community.

From Volume 51 Number 3 | April–June 2023

Abstract: Smith College commissioned MNLA to develop its 20-year Landscape Master Plan to address climate change impacts, inclusiveness, and pedagogy. The process was grounded in robust campus engagement over 18 months. More than 1,600 students and alumnae provided input through online mapping tools and in-person workshops that used cutouts and puzzles to reimagine the open spaces on campus. Staff and faculty were interviewed in person or via phone on ways to incorporate scholarship in the landscape, and 6,400 members of the campus community were reached through Instagram. An online magazine published by MNLA kept the campus community updated on findings, alternative plans, and conclusions.

Institutions Mentioned: Smith College
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Adaptable Plans, Campus Master Planning, COVID-19, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Landscape / Open Space, Placemaking, Planning Processes, Student Engagement, Sustainability (Environmental)

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