Learning Resources

Abstract: Post-pandemic, Simon Fraser University (SFU) developed the Community Vibrancy Playbook to welcome students, staff, and faculty back to campus. We’ll discuss how the campus community can participate in a wide array of initiatives that lead to collaboration, programs, and projects that transform the campus into a welcoming place that prioritizes wellbeing. Positive student experiences are vital and institutions can benefit from including new activities that enrich student life and participation. Come learn how to employ facilitation and listening as tools in project management and embrace adaptability to change, leading to successful outcomes for campus life and the student experience.

Abstract: In 2020, California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly), Humboldt’s transformation to the system’s third polytechnic required a new intersectional approach to campus physical planning that addresses a spectrum of needs for ambitious growth, future ready resilience, and student persistence. Rapid disruptions affected academic access, achievement, and workforce readiness of Generation Z. The polytechnic implementation inspired a planning process that prioritizes people first to address social, environmental, health, and economic challenges. This session will share lessons learned from the Cal Poly Humboldt physical planning process and provide tactical tools for effective stakeholder engagement, data collection, and establishing metrics of gauging success.

Abstract: The growth of the University of Calgary’s Veterinary Medicine program has been a catalyst for several initiatives on campus, including the development of a long range plan, creation of an inclusive program, and development of micro degrees. The process of engagement, programming, and design at Vet Med was critical for understanding the urgent needs of the profession and students while being mindful and respectful of the history of place and the indigenous community. This session show how connecting the history of place at a campus master planning and programming level fosters opportunities, success, health, and wellbeing for each student.

Abstract: Effective partnering, internally and externally, and addressing enrollment growth, vitality, and safety during the planning process can make all the difference in plan implementation. The 2017 University of Washington (UW) Bothell and Cascadia College campus master plan demonstrates how clear design principles and a flexible development framework drove rapid progress in realizing a campus vision in under six years. This session will help you identify how strong partnerships forged during a planning process can positively impact capital development, inform innovative capital funding strategies, and rapidly catapult your campus vision into reality.

Abstract: Lane Community College’s (LCC) unique commitment to uphold principles articulated in their Community Benefits Agreement allowed for an innovative planning and design process that centered on the core needs of its most marginalized community members. We’ll detail how LCC’s active dedication to providing community benefit via bond dollars transformed its Health Professions Building into a vital campus centerpiece, enhancing safety, accessibility, and workforce and career training. This session will raise awareness around creating a community-centered process to discover design solutions that not only solve campus programmatic and functional issues but achieve design excellence.

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.

Abstract: In our hybrid environment, it’s more important than ever to pull people away from their devices to build community and connection on campus. Food has the power to bring students and faculty from different backgrounds together and provide a fundamental academic experience. Through campus and workplace examples, we’ll show how food venue design can set a positive tone for interaction and support meaningful connections and wellbeing. Come learn how to plan campus food venues that serve an academic purpose, refine venue goals, and inform venue design through operations to make it more impactful and sustainable.

Abstract: Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) has transformed its college model to address crucial issues such as demographic changes, meeting the needs of non-traditional students, and empowering underserved populations. To support and provide better access to a wider range of constituents, PGCC is reimagining their campus to elevate the community college experience while exploring the creation of two new full-service campuses. Come learn how the new PGCC campus model is meeting short and long-term needs that will serve broader populations, support evolving academic programs and workforce needs, and reduce educational inequities in the college system.

Abstract: The jobs that power our economy are evolving daily and educational facilities must keep ahead of workforce demands in order to stay relevant to the students they serve. This is especially true for community colleges with vocational curricula, which have historically helped to lead communities out of recessions. Come learn how you can modify your educational facilities in response to emerging vocations and work with local laws, grants, and industry partners to build for changing curricula.

Abstract: Higher education must be observant to remain relevant. Institutional leadership and faculty can help close the workforce capacity gap by making meaningful connections with prospective students, the workforce, and industry partners. Metropolitan Community College (MCC) is changing their pipeline to increase workforce capacity by engaging nontraditional students in addition to re-evaluating academic and physical availability on their campus. In this session, you'll learn how you can enhance awareness of untapped populations to meet industry goals, evaluate opportunities to improve growth outcomes, and grow industry sponsorship investment through academic and equipment planning at your institution.