Learning Resources

From Institutional Advancement to Termination

Leading the Memphis College of Art Closure

By: R. Eric Platt, PhD

The college’s closure demonstrates that integrated planning is not limited to growth and expansion. It also offers a practical framework for aligning people, resources, and obligations when an institution must contract and ultimately close.

From Volume 54 Number 3 | April–June 2026

Abstract: This article examines the leadership decisions and processes implemented by the Memphis College of Art (MCA), following the 2017 decision to close due to financial debt and declining enrollment. Rather than ceasing operations immediately, MCA leaders executed a three-year teach-out plan while liquidating assets, repaying debts, and laying off employees, all while ensuring a legally compliant dissolution. As many colleges face longevity pressures, this case offers a rare look at how closure can be managed transparently, strategically, and with commitment to student success through an integrated planning approach that aligns academic, financial, and facilities decisions during the institution’s final years.

Institutions Mentioned: Memphis College of Art
Planning Types: Academic Planning, Student Affairs Planning, Strategic Planning, Resource Planning, Continuity Planning
Tags: Accountability, Accreditation, Change Management, Continuity Planning, Disruptive Change, Fine and Performing Arts Education, Institutional Planning, Modifying the Plan, Operational Planning, Real Estate, Shrinking Pool of Potential Students, Student Success

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Conference Presentations

Published
April 7, 2025

Small College, Big Ambition: Delivering STEM Environments for Tomorrow

Abstract: Campus science and tech buildings are crucial for research, hands-on learning, and development of a skilled STEM workforce. Institutions, and small colleges in particular, must leverage these campus resources to stay competitive while facing the impact of birth rate drops. This session will explore creative solutions for bringing state-of-the-art science and technology environments to your college campus in the race to recruit and prepare students for careers in a technology-driven society. Join us to learn how other mid-sized, regional colleges have solved the problem of creating consensus, space programming, and the institution's role in delivering successful, modern STEM learning environments.

Member Price:
$35 | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Bridging Research Silos

Improve Collaboration with a Planning Framework

By: Donald Merritt, PhD, and Craig Park, BSArch, Assoc. AIA

The authors emphasize practical applications and the integration of diverse expertise as a transformative approach to educational facility design.

From Volume 52 Number 4 | July–September 2024

Abstract: This article explores the application of interdisciplinary translational design (ITD) as a method to overcome disciplinary silos, enhance collaboration and integration across various fields, and promote a culture of respect and cooperation. ITD facilitates the creation of adaptable, technology-rich environments supportive of future-oriented research. Emphasizing practical applications and the integration of diverse expertise, ITD is presented as a transformative approach to educational facility design, fostering more effective interdisciplinary interactions and optimized research outcomes.

Institutions Mentioned: Colorado State University, University of Central Florida
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Analyzing Stakeholders, Collaborative Design, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Planning, Interdisciplinary, Interdisciplinary Learning Environments, Laboratory Facility, Learning Environments, Medical / Allied Health Facility, Science / Engineering Facility

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Conference Presentations

Published
July 22, 2024

Reimagining OSU’s Campus Gateway District Through P3 Integrated Planning

By: Matt Hansen, President | Keith Myers, Associate Vice President, Physical Planning and Real Estate | Kevin Smith, Partner | Graham Wyatt, Partner

In order to reimagine and capitalize on the potential of its campus gateway, The Ohio State University (OSU) employed specific planning and development processes to achieve successful outcomes.

Abstract: In order to reimagine and capitalize on the potential of its campus gateway, The Ohio State University (OSU) employed specific planning and development processes to achieve successful outcomes. A decade of public-private planning, land acquisition, rezoning, infrastructure upgrades, preservation, and academic and mixed-use development has transformed OSU's High Street entrance into an active and economically-viable campus gateway district. In this session we'll show you how to think beyond campus boundaries and traditional planning methods to transform town and gown interfaces.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Capital Funding, Capital Planning, Facilities Funding, Mixed-Use, Public-Private Partnerships (P3), Renovation, SCUP 2024 Annual Conference, Town and Gown

Member Price:
$35 | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Presentations

Published
July 22, 2024

HBCUs and the Fourth Wave: Opportunities and Lessons Learned

By: Troy Glover, Senior Educational Planner | Logan Hampton, President | Yogesh Saoji, Planning and Urban Design Leader

In a time of racial segregation and limited opportunity, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) became pillars of the African American community, fostering academic excellence and a sense of cultural identity.

Abstract: In a time of racial segregation and limited opportunity, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) became pillars of the African American community, fostering academic excellence and a sense of cultural identity. HBCU leaders will discuss their institutions' significant and dynamic journeys over the years, and how they have evolved through different historical contexts and social changes. Join us to hear critical stories of how HBCUs have leveraged physical, academic, financial, and operational strategies to enhance and strengthen their missions, from their early years, through the pandemic, and today.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: External Collaboration / Partnerships, Historically Black College or University (HBCU), Mission / Vision / Identity, Real Estate, SCUP 2024 Annual Conference

Member Price:
$35 | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Presentations

Published
July 22, 2024

Academic Workforce Housing: Five Tools for Creating Successful Programs

By: Tracy Mansour, Director of Housing Real Estate Services | Julie Skolnicki, Senior Managing Director | Victor Van Zandt, CEO & President

As populations grow and housing supply falls behind, campuses across North America must consider housing solutions as an important element of recruiting and retaining academic talent.

Abstract: As populations grow and housing supply falls behind, campuses across North America must consider housing solutions as an important element of recruiting and retaining academic talent. This is collectively known as academic workforce housing. In this session, we'll outline the five tools of academic workforce housing: assisting with the cost of housing, building housing, buying real estate, lending, and empowering employees to become educated about available options and programs. We will also review several examples of successful academic workforce housing programs, both large and small.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Planning, Faculty Housing, Real Estate, SCUP 2024 Annual Conference

Member Price:
$35 | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Financial Planning for Central Utility Plant Decarbonization

Divide and Conquer the Lift Across Different Funding Options

By: Andrew Honeyman, BSME, and Paul Graves, BSME

Vital stakeholder feedback and consensus from various university departments reveal the proper approach to building issues. Institutions such as the University of North Dakota used technical planning to produce well-informed financial modeling and right-sized financial plans.

From Volume 52 Number 2 | January–March 2024

Abstract: Implementing central utility plant (CUP) decarbonization projects requires strategic financial planning, collaboration, and consensus-building from the entire university community. This article describes gathering support from facilities management, executive staff, and lawmakers through technical and financial charrettes. Learn how technical planning produces well-informed financial modeling and right-sized financial plans, and how shared planning between design teams and facility planners creates tailored funding options, including IRA incentives, to fund decarbonization.

Institutions Mentioned: University of North Dakota, Kentucky State University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Alignment, Carbon Neutral, Energy Infrastructure, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Funding, Facilities Planning, Public-Private Partnerships (P3), Sustainability (Environmental)

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Conference Presentations

Published
March 5, 2024

Placemaking, Programming, and Plaza: An Innovative P3 Approach to Activation

By: Dan Biederman, Biederman Redevelopment Ventures | Brian Naumick, Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate | Cathy Pinskey, George Mason University | Melissa Thierry, George Mason University

For colleges and universities to achieve their goals with extremely limited resources, they must rely on constructive partnerships. This session will focus on building those connections for placemaking on campus, which is a critical aspect of activating a successful innovation ecosystem.

Abstract: For colleges and universities to achieve their goals with extremely limited resources, they must rely on constructive partnerships. This session will focus on building those connections for placemaking on campus, which is a critical aspect of activating a successful innovation ecosystem. Activation does not simply happen because a plaza exists; rather, it requires organizational structure, programming, funding models, and partnership. This session will explore cross-disciplinary planning?internally within the institution and with external partners?as well as provide resources for creating a framework for public space activation.