Learning Resources

What Constitutes Tribal College and University Sustainability?

Research Develops a Framework to Begin the Conversation

By: David Sanders, PhD

Historical successes and challenges join missions, visions, and strategic plans for a glimpse of what TCU institutions are emphasizing, today and in the future.

From Volume 52 Number 2 | January – March 2024

Abstract: This article uses available Tribal College and University (TCU) missions, visions, and strategic plans as well as dissertations focused on TCU research to develop a framework to begin the conversation about what constitutes sustainability for the institutions. The dissertations offer an opportunity to look at historical successes and challenges, while TCU missions, visions, and strategic plans provide a glimpse of what the institutions are emphasizing currently and in the future. Both present elements to consider as part of a larger TCU sustainability framework.

Institutions Mentioned: Institute of American Indian Arts, Diné College, Oglala Lakota College, Sinte Gleska University, Chief Dull Knife College
Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Tags: Alignment, Community College, Community Engagement, Funding, Higher Ed in Society, Mission / Vision / Identity, Original Research, Resiliency, Tribal College or University

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Trends Inside Higher Education | Spring 2024

By: Apryl Motley, CAE

What are key movements and trends within higher education? From addressing pandemic learning loss to grappling with generative AI in the classroom, learn the forces and changes directly impacting higher education, now and in the future.

Abstract: Integrated planning prepares your institution for change by ensuring its decisions are informed by realities in the external environment.

What are key movements and trends within higher education? From addressing pandemic learning loss to grappling with generative AI in the classroom, learn the forces and changes directly impacting higher education, now and in the future.

This issue curates and summarizes 40-50 trends happening outside the world of higher education that could impact colleges and universities. Each trend includes a brief summary, a footnoted source, and discussion questions to help you analyze and act on the trend.

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 19, 2024

Designing Beyond the Binary to Foster Belonging

By: Melissa Falkenstien, University of California-Irvine | Elizabeth MacPherson Hearn, Mithun | K Kaczmarek, Mithun | Jennifer Nelson Martinez, University of California-Irvine

Today’s students are coming to school with diverse gender identities.

Abstract: Today’s students are coming to school with diverse gender identities. Designing facilities with gender equity in mind helps to support marginalized communities and future proof the campus. This session will present case studies and inclusive best practices for ‘designing beyond the binary’ to foster belonging in campus housing, restrooms, and gathering spaces. You’ll discover strategies to foster belonging and wellbeing for a spectrum of gender identities through programming and operations as well as learn about design tools and tips to create belonging in spatial environments.

Planning Types: Campus Planning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Informal Learning Environments, LGBTQIA, Student Demographics, Student Housing

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 18, 2024

Expanding Community: How to Create a Thriving Off-campus Environment

By: John D’amico, University of California-Los Angeles | Zach Prowda, BAR Architects & Interiors | Adam Shalleck, The Shalleck Collaborative Inc.

Transforming vacant off-campus buildings into vibrant centers of learning and experience extends an institution’s presence and mission and helps dismantle town and gown barriers.

Abstract: Transforming vacant off-campus buildings into vibrant centers of learning and experience extends an institution’s presence and mission and helps dismantle town and gown barriers. Using the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Nimoy Theater as a case study, this session will discuss the reasons, benefits, and unique aspects of building off campus to expand community engagement opportunities for students, faculty, and alumni. We’ll share real time lessons in navigating a purchase, adapting a historic building, meeting building standards, coordinating with local agencies, and applying university standards for safety, access, sustainability and contracting.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Community Engagement, Economic Development, External Collaboration / Partnerships, Renovation, Town and Gown

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 5, 2024

Residential Life and Safety at the Intersection of Town and Gown

By: Patrick Killilee, University of Pennsylvania | Michael Schade, Atkin Olshin Schade Architects

Colleges and universities must adapt to changing issues around student safety and determine how to address these concerns while maintaining connections with the local community.

Abstract: Colleges and universities must adapt to changing issues around student safety and determine how to address these concerns while maintaining connections with the local community. This session will discuss the University of Pennsylvania’s (Penn) Stouffer Hall, a recently renovated residence hall that exemplifies the evolution of attitudes towards community, security, and student life on campus. Come learn how to create programs for increasing community engagement, address housing security concerns, and align residential life and building goals with current attitudes around safety.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Community Engagement, Facilities Planning, Security, Student Housing, Student Services, Town and Gown

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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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Responsive Design

Planning Living Spaces for Neurodiverse Students

By: James A. Baumann, ACUHO-I | Shannon Dowling, AIA, Ayers Saint Gross | Mary Elliott, EdD, Colorado School of Mines

We invite you to join a discussion on how schools can thrive by taking this inclusive approach to planning and development.

Abstract: With increasing numbers of neurodivergent students on college campuses, intentional design and planning of spaces can better accommodate their needs and improve the experience for all students. We invite you to join a discussion on how schools can thrive by taking this inclusive approach to planning and development.

Institutions Mentioned: Colorado School of Mines
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Student Housing

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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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Responsive Design

Purposeful Planning Can Be Inclusive for Neurodiverse Students and Support the Well-Being of All

By: Shannon Dowling, MArch, AIA, LEEDAP, and James A. Baumann, MA

By incorporating student choice and voice into the planning and allowing autonomy in scale and adaptability, campuses can provide the environment where all students are most comfortable participating in any given activity.

From Volume 52 Number 1 | October–December 2023

Abstract: Research has shown that neurodivergent students report a lower sense of belonging and are less likely to feel welcomed, accepted, and like they belong on campus than their neurotypical peers. Considering this, a host of barriers to participation and belonging can be in effect across a college or university. While there are a few campus offices and departments that might address different aspects of these concerns independently, the most successful results occur when these groups—along with outside contractors such as design partners—work in strategic symphony.

This article is co-presented by the Association of College & University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I) and the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) and is being published in publications for both organizations.

Institutions Mentioned: Colorado School of Mines, Denison University, Lewis & Clark College, Montana State University, Ohio State University-Main Campus, The State University of New York at Albany, University of Georgia, University of Oregon
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Health and Wellness, Informal Learning Environments, Learning Environments, Placemaking, 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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Planning Types

Challenges