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Your Higher Education Planning Library

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
March 13, 2026

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Can the ‘Iron Triangle’ Be Bent?

Institutions Attempt to Maintain Quality and Access While Freezing Tuition

By: Rich Michal, EdD

This article explores the implementation and sustainability of long-term (10+ years) tuition freezes at two large public flagship research universities: Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

From Volume 52 Number 2 | Jan–Mar 2026 2026

Abstract: Amid declining public trust, demographic challenges, and mounting concerns about affordability, many institutions are asking whether the long-held “iron triangle” of higher
education—where reducing cost inevitably diminishes quality and underrepresented student access—still holds true. This article draws on case studies of Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which sustained decade-long tuition freezes. Their experiences reveal lessons in leadership, culture, process reengineering, financial positioning, and trade-offs that suggest the iron triangle can, in some cases, be bent.

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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

By: Linda C. Dalton, PhD, FAICP

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 Number |

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
December 10, 2025

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

AI Reimagines Higher Education Planning

By: Linda Baer, PhD, Colleen Carmean, PhD, Joseph (Tim) Gilmour, PhD, and Donald Norris, PhD

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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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
December 1, 2025

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Coordinating Complexity

Streamline Institutional Change Through Integrated Planning

By: Will Miller, PhD, Danielle Farris, MS, Katelyn Nelson, BS, and Nicole Wallace, BS

The authors replaced a costly, time-intensive model with a SharePoint-based system to transform sprawling processes into responsive systems for growth.

From Volume 54 Number 1 | October–December 2025

Abstract: With over 100 programs and 113 sites across 28 states and multiple countries, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University faced mounting complexity in managing institutional changes.

Previously, each change we made required meetings with up to 30 participants from more than 20 offices, including Financial Aid, Facilities, Academic Affairs, IT, and Site Management.

Through integrated planning, we replaced that costly, time-intensive model with a SharePoint- based system for asynchronous collaboration. The shift fostered transparency, reduced delays, and empowered cross-functional alignment. The project exemplifies how intentional design and relationship-building can transform sprawling processes into coordinated, responsive systems prepared for institutional growth and change.

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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,Conference Recordings

Published
June 2, 2025

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Planning for Access, Equity, and Belonging at Buffalo State University

By: Arlita McNamee, Practice Strategy | Planner, Architectural Resources | Peter Murad, Principal, Architectural Resources | Sarah Reid, Facilities Planner, Buffalo State SUNY

As an urban-engaged university, Buffalo State University's strategic commitment to diversity, inclusion, and access has strengthened and diversified student recruitment, raised retention rates, and built community within and beyond the campus. Buffalo State's reputation of providing quality education, access, equity, and engagement requires inclusive, multi-functional spaces that foster a sense of community and develop a welcoming and equity-minded culture for all students.
Abstract: As an urban-engaged university, Buffalo State University's strategic commitment to diversity, inclusion, and access has strengthened and diversified student recruitment, raised retention rates, and built community within and beyond the campus. Buffalo State's reputation of providing quality education, access, equity, and engagement requires inclusive, multi-functional spaces that foster a sense of community and develop a welcoming and equity-minded culture for all students. This session will provide actionable design strategies for reimagining existing campus spaces as learning environments that can build community, foster a sense of belonging, and drive student success.

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Conference Presentations

Published
May 20, 2025

The Benefits of Designing for Neuro-inclusion on Campus

Abstract: Accessible design for the future campus must expand to meet a greater set of needs for the wellbeing of neurodiverse individuals. Autism can profoundly impact an individual's ability to tolerate and thrive in a physical space. In this session, a diverse panel of experts will present case studies and survey tools for methodologies that center neurodivergence in campus planning and design. We'll equip you to advocate for neuro-inclusive design strategies that empower neurodivergent individuals to academically engage and succeed on your campus.

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Conference Presentations

Published
April 7, 2025

Planning for Access, Equity, and Belonging at Buffalo State University

Abstract: As an urban-engaged university, Buffalo State University's strategic commitment to diversity, inclusion, and access has strengthened and diversified student recruitment, raised retention rates, and built community within and beyond the campus. Buffalo State's reputation of providing quality education, access, equity, and engagement requires inclusive, multi-functional spaces that foster a sense of community and develop a welcoming and equity-minded culture for all students. This session will provide actionable design strategies for reimagining existing campus spaces as learning environments that can build community, foster a sense of belonging, and drive student success.

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Conference Presentations

Published
April 3, 2025

Live Your Strategic Plan: A Framework for Facilitating Campus Engagement

Abstract: Traditional strategic planning can lead to a static plan that does little to inspire implementation or true change. This session will detail a process that promotes buy-in and engagement while providing structured frameworks to support implementation and assessment. Our framework provides support for a campus community to 'live' its institutional strategic plan through the strategic planning cycle (SPC) at the unit level, informing the realization of institutional goals and outcomes. We'll provide our tools and approaches for you to access and review, as well as the rationale for developing support for your own campus communities to 'live' their strategic plan.

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Conference Presentations

Published
October 23, 2024

Culture-infused Master Plans: Transforming UTTC Through Regenerative Design

By: Leander McDonald, President, United Tribes Technical College | Melvin Miner, Campus Planner, United Tribes Technical College | Heidi Neumueller, Principal, Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc. | Emily White Hat, Vice President, Programs, American Indian College Fund

This session will share lessons learned from United Tribes Technical College's (UTTC) master plan that serves as a living document and adapts to changing needs. We'll explore how this culture-infused master plan applied an integrated approach to campus development over five years, addressing five primary needs with a focus on culture, regenerative design, and phasing to support strategic alignment.
Abstract: This session will share lessons learned from United Tribes Technical College's (UTTC) master plan that serves as a living document and adapts to changing needs. We'll explore how this culture-infused master plan applied an integrated approach to campus development over five years, addressing five primary needs with a focus on culture, regenerative design, and phasing to support strategic alignment. Join us to discover how you can implement campuswide resiliency strategies to safeguard the campus environment and gain insights into the phased implementation approach for ensuring the plan's success and sustainability over time.

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