Learning Resources

Abstract: Nationwide rising crashes involving pedestrians impact the safety of your campus community. This session will cover applicable and scalable strategies Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is using to create a safer campus for pedestrians while exploring the unique challenges of pedestrian and driver safety on urban university and medical campuses. We'll share best practices from peers, a data-driven approach for cost-effective solutions, and a town and gown collaboration framework to help foster a culture of safety. Join us to begin developing a list of pedestrian safety measures and identify the necessary stakeholders for implementing these safety measures.

Abstract: The University of California system recently incorporated wellbeing and diversity goals in its sustainability practices policy. Campuses must start planning how they will proactively move these goals forward. This session will provide a successful example of piloting new metrics?Äîbased upon the WELL Building Standard?Äîin university capital projects to ensure and maintain occupants' good health and wellbeing through cross-campus integration. Join us to explore opportunities for applying the WELL rating system's ten concepts that elevate wellbeing and physical environment health impacts on your campus.

Abstract: This session will show how to implement a unified approach to inclusive design within high-performing sustainable buildings by incorporating intentional design solutions that account for diverse human conditions and experiences. Using real-world examples and best practices, we'll explore how to improve wellbeing and accessibility for those with disabilities through inclusive principles of providing generous space, equitable experiences, clear path, and individual empowerment. Come learn how you can design inclusive spaces for all by evaluating and integrating many of our guidebook's 37 strategies in your future projects prior to the programming and conceptual phases.

Abstract: Recent years have seen mobility pattern shifts, new micromobility devices, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, and surging traffic deaths. Higher education campuses are uniquely placed to implement best-practice pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, but they face different opportunities and constraints. This session will discuss how Northwestern University and Illinois Medical District approach transportation challenges and strategies for campus mobility planning and policy development around adapting and improving safety. Come delve into these two campuses' mobility planning efforts to discover best practices for planning processes, policy language, infrastructure design, and integrated implementation and operations strategies.

Abstract: Many campuses face challenges integrating with their surrounding urban contexts. Gateway buildings along campus edges can reinvigorate campus-city connectivity while a contextual design can contribute to an institution’s sense of place. The Catholic University of America’s newly completed School of Nursing and gateway plaza serves as a threshold between the urban fabric and pastoral landscape with a collegiate gothic exterior and an educationally advanced, innovative interior. This session will illustrate a project case study that engages the surrounding urban context with sustainable, responsible design, combining a historically responsive exterior with technology-rich, contemporary interior spaces.

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.

Abstract: Historic campus buildings are often perceived as a burden, but by integrating them into your campus planning, their continued reuse can help solve some of the specific challenges facing university planners today, specifically in the context of sustainability. There are numerous case studies that demonstrate the successful adaptive reuse of varied campus buildings as well as an undeniable body of evidence showing the benefits of such an approach in working toward carbon neutrality. As long-term stewards of their built environments, colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to realize enduring savings from investing in the energy performance of existing buildings.

Abstract: “In 2013 TRU established ‘increasing sustainability’ as one of its five strategic priorities for 2014-2019. This Strategic Sustainability Plan (SSP) is aligned with the university’s strategic plan, and provides a focus for TRU’s efforts toward sustainability over the same period. The SSP is comprehensive in nature, and includes more than 130 recommended strategies across four key focus areas: Operations & Planning, Advocacy & Engagement, Learning, and Administration. The SSP is intended to provide a framework for each TRU department and operational unit to incorporate sustainability initiatives into their own planning processes (the structure of the plan is illustrated on the opposing page). . . . Unlike some strategic documents, the plan takes a comprehensive approach of documenting strategies over the next 5 years. These strategies are not all the responsibility of one department or office, but rather are shared among many. This comprehensive approach will allow each office or department to see where and how it can play a role in TRU’s sustainability journey.”