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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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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
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
October 23, 2024

Campus Library Planning to Meet Evolving Student Needs

By: Aaron Shrimplin, Associate Dean, University Libraries, Miami University-Oxford | Nicholas Sillies, Associate, GBBN Architects | Mike Smith, Manager of Operations and Planning, Miami University-Oxford | Zachary Zettler, Principal | Director of Higher Education, GBBN Architects

Libraries impact every student on campus, and as neutral third spaces, libraries are positioned to provide services equitably. Today's library services have expanded from the traditional book stacks to include a range of diverse resources.
Abstract: Libraries impact every student on campus, and as neutral third spaces, libraries are positioned to provide services equitably. Today's library services have expanded from the traditional book stacks to include a range of diverse resources. The master planning process for Miami University's King Library identified renovation projects that transform the ground floors into a dynamic marketplace and active hub that provides access to resources campuswide. Come learn how your institution's library can adapt to stay relevant and useful for students through careful master planning, designing for flexibility, and forming strategic partnerships for student resources.

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Conference Presentations

Published
October 23, 2024

Using the Student Success Trifecta to Boost Enrollment and Retention

By: Catherine Campbell, Dean, School of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Saint Edward's University | DOROTHY Harpool, Executive Director of Engagement and Prominence, Wichita State University | Janette Scott, Senior Associate, Gensler | Christopher Shook, Professor and Dean, University of Alabama at Birmingham

As higher education faces the demographic cliff, institutions must find ways to boost enrollment, improve retention, and promote student success with a focus on first-generation students, DEI, and students with learning differences.
Abstract: As higher education faces the demographic cliff, institutions must find ways to boost enrollment, improve retention, and promote student success with a focus on first-generation students, DEI, and students with learning differences. This session will define the student success trifecta: boosting student learning in their field of study; encouraging the development of strong interpersonal relationships; and embracing the life skills that come with the college experience. We'll combine research with unique, firsthand experience to demonstrate how promoting engagement and designing for a sense of belonging for students on campus looks different for each individual student, institution, and field of study.

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 23, 2024

Collaboration in Strategic Resource Alignment

By: Brittany Cipollone, Director of Integrated Planning and Effectiveness | Tara Montroy, Ms.

A codified planning and resource alignment process can elevate institutional planning culture and help ensure the alignment of resources to the strategic plan. We'll show how planning and resource alignment are part of a systematic, data-informed, and integrated approach to achieving an institution's mission and vision.
Abstract: A codified planning and resource alignment process can elevate institutional planning culture and help ensure the alignment of resources to the strategic plan. We'll show how planning and resource alignment are part of a systematic, data-informed, and integrated approach to achieving an institution's mission and vision. You'll walk away from this session with templates and logistical knowledge for effective implementation of annual planning and resource alignment as a part of an institutional integrated planning process.

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 22, 2024

By Students, For Students: The Michigan State University Multicultural Center

By: Tricia Beck, Vice President, Higher Education Studio Leader | Monteil Crawley, Principal | Sharron Dynasty Reed-Davis, Program Coordinator, W*SS: Advancing Women | Genyne Royal, Assistant Vice President of Student Life and Engagement for DEIB

Institutions are struggling to increase retention and success for students from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds. Michigan State University's (MSU) Multicultural Center offers safe spaces for education, healing, community, and building solidarity with one other.
Abstract: Institutions are struggling to increase retention and success for students from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds. Michigan State University's (MSU) Multicultural Center offers safe spaces for education, healing, community, and building solidarity with one other. From advocacy to implementation, the student-driven process behind multicultural center was authentic and inclusive, resulting in a multi-functional facility that serves a highly diverse set of cultural activities and promotes a sense of belonging and wellbeing. Involving students at the highest levels of project decision-making during planning and the design process can reinforce an institution's mission around education and commitment to creating authentic, inclusive campus environments.

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 22, 2024

Navigating Academic Success: Dashboards for Data-informed Decision Making

By: Nasrin Fatima, Associate Provost for Assessment and Analytics, SUNY at Binghamton

The role of data-informed decision-making can't be overstated.
Abstract: The role of data-informed decision-making can't be overstated. By leveraging advanced data visualization techniques, these dynamic dashboards provide real-time insights into key performance indicators, enabling informed and strategic decision making. We'll embark on a visual journey into the heart of data-informed decision making with a focus on exceptional dashboards, delving into visual analytics to illuminate the transformative impact they have on leadership and student success. Come learn about the transformative impact that Binghamton University's dashboard creation and visual analytics has on academic leadership, departmental efficiency, student success initiatives, and institutional excellence.

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 22, 2024

Live, Dine, Thrive: Fueling Futures with a Nexus of Transformative Resources

By: Douglas Gwynn, Director, The Office of Residence Life & Housing | Jennifer Rittler, Associate Principal | Casey Smith, Principal

Championing excellence through campus initiatives, Morgan State University's Thurgood Marshall Hall centralizes diverse student services at the student's doorstep for a holistic focus on sustainability, wellness, and living-learning.
Abstract: Championing excellence through campus initiatives, Morgan State University's Thurgood Marshall Hall centralizes diverse student services at the student's doorstep for a holistic focus on sustainability, wellness, and living-learning. We'll detail this facility's multi-phase, multi-story approach to densifying campus housing as enrollment soars, which preserves open space while integrating premier dining experiences. Join us to explore the financial, operational, experiential, and wellness outcomes of a hybrid housing and dining facility that encompasses multiple student services at one thriving HBCU, including planning and design aspects with scalable techniques for elevating campus life.

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 22, 2024

Challenges to Integrated Approaches for Institutional Effectiveness

By: Robert (Joel) Farrell, Vice Provost of Institutional Effectiveness

Institutions can no longer be effective when resources, data, ideas, and people are siloed.
Abstract: Institutions can no longer be effective when resources, data, ideas, and people are siloed. A complete picture of institutional health requires planning leaders to break down silos and confront challenges using a shared language and an integrated and wholistic view across institutional functions. In this session, we'll discuss the integrated institutional effectiveness model, a rubric for the model, and approaches that allow planners to lead across silos.

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