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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
August 18, 2025

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Strategic Alignment for Degree Completion

Leverage an Integrated Planning Approach to Improve Credit Momentum and Student Success

By: Nicole DeCapua, EdD, Mildred Mihlon, PhD, and Tracy Louisse S. Chacon, MEd

By coordinating cross-functional teams, employing real-time data, and strengthening communication systems, a university bolstered student retention and completion without requiring new funding or staff.

From Volume 53 Number 4 | July–September 2025

Abstract: This article presents how a small, resource-constrained university leveraged integrated institutional planning to launch a 30-credit completion strategy that significantly improved student momentum, graduation rates, and institutional planning culture. By coordinating cross-functional teams, employing real-time data, and strengthening communication systems, the university built a scalable and sustainable framework that bolstered student retention and completion without requiring new funding or staff. This case offers a roadmap for similarly situated institutions aiming to align credit accumulation initiatives with broader strategic goals to drive measurable student success outcomes.

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Blog Post

Published
August 4, 2025

The Campus Planner in a Time of Turmoil

Your Role Is as Adviser, Not the Ultimate Decision-Maker

By: Frederick W. Mayer, Campus Planner Emeritus, University of Michigan

A founding member of SCUP shares some of his experiences and thoughts on how to deal with the challenges and turmoil facing higher education.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
July 16, 2025

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Keeping the Focus Month by Month

Improve Stakeholder Engagement and Outcomes with a Goal Communications Calendar

By: Tina Dee, MS

By strategically aligning monthly communications with its institutional goals, Muskegon Community College increased its connection with students, employees, and the community while reinforcing a shared sense of ownership.

From Volume 53 Number 3 | April–June 2025

Abstract: Muskegon Community College’s (MCC) Goal in Focus communications program reshaped stakeholder engagement and strengthened institutional alignment, driving more effective strategic outcomes. Grounded in the Society for College and University Planning’s Integrated Planning Competencies, our approach fostered a planning culture that is transparent, adaptable, and collaborative. By strategically aligning monthly communications with its institutional goals, MCC increased engagement with students, employees, and the community while reinforcing a shared sense of ownership. A goal-focused communications calendar enriches sustainability, builds relationships, strengthens alignment, and improves preparedness for change.

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Conference Presentations

Published
April 2, 2025

A Data-driven Approach to Revolutionize Campus Planning

Abstract: Many campuses face real estate pressures, reduced funding, and aging assets, but often lack complete data sets or tools for visualizing the connection between campus priorities. Bold strategies and tools can help us find commonalities and opportunities in a time of limitless needs and constrained resources. We will detail an approach that considers cost, campus vision, and asset management goals to enable flexible solutions with a data-driven analysis of capital planning alternatives. Come learn how to determine which data matters and how to approach your campus's challenges in a way that better supports the institutional mission and adaptation to change.

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Trends for Higher Education

Published
March 19, 2025

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Trends Inside Higher Education | Spring 2025

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 inside 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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Blog Post

Published
January 15, 2025

We’re All in Labor

A Different Perspective on Higher Education Institutions Working with Unions

By: Apryl Motley, CAE, SASM

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Webinar Recordings

Published
November 4, 2024

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Trends that Impact Higher Education Planning: Insights from SCUP’s Fall Trends in Higher Education Report

Join Dr. Lynn Akey and Salvador Aceves, Ed. D. for a conversation highlighting insights from SCUP’s Fall Trends in Higher Education Report.
Abstract: Join Dr. Lynn Akey and Salvador Aceves, Ed. D. for a conversation highlighting insights from SCUP’s Fall Trends in Higher Education Report. This document provides an overview of the important external forces that impact institutional operations—it’s an essential tool for strategic planning, scenario planning, and contingency planning.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
October 31, 2024

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Leveraging Data to Engage Our Community

Data Play Dual Roles in Facilitating Inclusive and Evidence-Based Strategic Planning

By: Su Swarat, PhD, and Gina Park, PhD

Success in strategic planning requires decision-making that reflects the collective vision of diverse constituents.

From Volume 52 Number 4 | July–September 2024

Abstract: Success in strategic planning requires decision-making that reflects the collective vision of diverse constituents. At California State University, Fullerton we leveraged data as the essential thread in engaging our community in an inclusive strategic planning process. Data played dual roles, serving as input and output, to provide a common framework through which the ideas and wisdom of our community are reflected and shared, anchoring the strategic plan firmly in the campus voices. Our engagement through data embodied our commitment to evidence-based decision-making and contributed to the success of our strategic planning process.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
October 29, 2024

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The Devil and the Detail

Using Headcount and FTE in the Planning Process

By: Karen E. Hinton, PhD

Often, student, faculty, and staff headcount and FTE can be misunderstood and misused. Understanding crucial factors about these data sets can strengthen the planning process.

From Volume 52 Number 4 | July–September 2024

Abstract: Everyone involved in planning activities will be aware of the use of data in the process. Data-driven planning is ubiquitous in all planning processes but can be a weak spot for many planners. The difficulty for most people is that the very mention of “data” can make eyes glaze over. Some of the least understood and most misused data are student, faculty, and staff headcount and FTE (full-time equivalent). Understanding some critical factors about these data sets can help demystify them and strengthen the planning process.

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Trends for Higher Education

Published
September 20, 2024

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Trends Outside Higher Education | Fall 2024

How is the world outside your institution changing? From the growth of microschools to the decline of digital platforms and services, colleges and universities continue to face an environment that is uncertain and rapidly changing. Learn the key trends and movements that might impact your institution.
Abstract: Integrated planning prepares your institution for change by ensuring its decisions are informed by realities in the external environment.

How is the world outside your institution changing? From the growth of microschools to the decline of digital platforms and services, colleges and universities continue to face an environment that is uncertain and rapidly changing. Learn the key trends and movements that might impact your institution.

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.

Learn more about SCUP’s Trends for Higher Education report.

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