SCUP
 

Learning Resources

Your Higher Education Planning Library

Combine search terms, filters, institution names, and tags to find the vital resources to help you and your team tackle today’s challenges and plan for the future. Get started below, or learn how the library works.

FOUND 25 RESOURCES

REFINED BY:

  • Tags: Learning CommonsxSCUP 2020 Mid-Atlantic Regional ConferencexSCUP 2020 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conferencex

Clear All
ABSTRACT:  | 
SORT BY:  | 
Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
July 17, 2025

Featured Image

Co-Locate and Consolidate to Create Connected Campuses

Grow in Place Rather Than Add More Space Where Students Will Succeed

By: Elliot Felix, MArch

You can share spaces, support services, staffing, and technology systems within your institution and with external partners. This reduces costs while improving outcomes such as retention, graduation, and career placement rates.

From Volume 53 Number 3 | April–June 2025

Abstract: Colleges and universities have a traditional way to meet new needs. When there is a new research initiative, degree program, or student support function, institutions add space. Despite good intentions, their siloed structures, poor strategic planning, and history of continuous expansion mean that institutions adapt by adding. The result: Campuses are overbuilt and underutilized. Instead of shared spaces and seamless, supportive experiences, we’re left with sprawling campuses and spiraling costs. With enrollments, research funding, and our climate all changing, it’s time for a new model and a new mantra: Grow in place rather than add more space.

Member Price:
Free  | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Conference Presentations

Published
May 20, 2025

Delivering a Renovated Learning Commons for an Engaged Academic Community

Abstract: Integrated planning is essential for delivering campus facilities that support institutional vision and create a strong student academic experience. Juniata College was at a crossroads related to vision and curriculum direction while it was launching a comprehensive campaign that prioritized a library renovation. This session will focus on one provost's vision for planning and designing a learning commons around a new curriculum and share post-occupancy data to define what worked. Come learn how the planning, funding, and design process behind this inclusive facility has dramatically increased library use by students, faculty, and outside groups.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Partner Content

Published
October 1, 2022

Featured Image

Use Evidence to Plan Facilities That Drive Student Success

By: Elliot Felix

In this article, the author draws upon research from his book How to Get the Most Out of College to highlight the evidence that campus planners and designers can use to help drive student success.
Abstract: Colleges and universities are in the midst of a transition from an access mindset to a success mindset, and campus facilities can play a role in this shift. Institutions don’t have to guess at how—a large body of research can and should inform how we plan, design, and operate our campuses. In this article, the author draws upon research from his book How to Get the Most Out of College to highlight the evidence that campus planners and designers can use to help drive student success.

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

Webinar Recordings

Published
September 21, 2021

Featured Image

Libraries in Shaping the Future of Higher Education

Part Three: Libraries as Place in Institutional Transformation

By: Nicholas Santilli (Host), Society for College and University Planning | Lynn Priddy (Moderator), Claremont Lincoln University | Adriene I. Lim, University of Maryland College Park | Brian Smith, Boston College | Elliot Felix, brightspot strategy

In what ways will libraries continue to be the intellectual hubs where users interact with ideas in both physical and virtual environments to expand learning and facilitate the creation of new knowledge?
Abstract: In what ways will libraries continue to be the intellectual hubs where users interact with ideas in both physical and virtual environments to expand learning and facilitate the creation of new knowledge? The pandemic has illustrated the power of place and the need for the post-pandemic campus to integrate academic activities for lifelong learning and research.

This conversation will explore the place of the library to convene people for impactful connections, and the new emerging and transformational role of libraries as learning commons that shape the overall campus as a network for collaboration.

This is part three of a three-part webinar series.

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

Conference Recordings

Published
July 16, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

Supporting the Whole Student

New Models for Integrated Learning Centers

By: Jonathan Eldridge, College of Marin | Kelly Sanford, brightspot strategy | David Schnee, Group 4 Architecture Research | Stacey Thompson, Chabot College

In this session, we’ll share how the College of Marin and Chabot College's integrated learning centers are serving changing student populations using an inclusive library design approach.
Abstract: Even as 'non-traditional' students become the norm at community colleges, too many campus spaces and services fail to meet their needs. Inclusive engagement strategies can help ensure that we design for today's students. We'll share how the College of Marin and Chabot College's integrated learning centers are serving changing student populations using an inclusive library design approach. You'll learn how incorporating inclusive engagement and outreach in your planning process can result in facilities that allow students to better navigate the 'hidden curriculum' of college life and strengthen campus cohesion.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Recordings

Published
March 16, 2020

2020 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2020

Mid-century Make-over

Creating a 21st Century Learning Center and Student Hub

By: Richard Gluckman, FAIA, Founding Partner, Gluckman Tang | Nancy Trainer, FAIA, University Architect and Associate Vice President for Facilities, Drexel University | Thomas Amoroso, PLA, ASLA, Principal, Andropogon

As part of repositioning for the 21st century, Drexel University renovated the Korman Center, a 1950s library, and the academic quad to serve as a 24/7 student hub and interdisciplinary academic study center that encourages student collaboration.
Abstract: Addressing current student expectations on campuses with mid-century buildings and a tight budget requires collaboration between the client and design team as well as creative placemaking solutions. As part of repositioning for the 21st century, Drexel University renovated the Korman Center, a 1950s library, and the academic quad to serve as a 24/7 student hub and interdisciplinary academic study center that encourages student collaboration. You will learn how to develop practical, sustainable, and design-forward solutions for updating mid-century buildings and spaces that will attract and retain a diverse student population.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Recordings

Published
March 16, 2020

2020 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2020

Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Collaborative Campus

Transformation through Ecological Planning

By: Tavis Dockwiller, Principal, Viridian Landscape Studio | Heidi Fichtenbaum, Senior Project Manager, Fairleigh Dickinson University

This session will deliver a methodology for rethinking campus culture and infrastructure to meet climate change challenges. We will share techniques for shifting traditional campuses to educational institutions that safeguard the planet and its people.
Abstract: This session will deliver a methodology for rethinking campus culture and infrastructure to meet climate change challenges. We will share techniques for shifting traditional campuses to educational institutions that safeguard the planet and its people. The largest private New Jersey university is transforming its campus into a river eco-park that improves human and planetary health, delivers resiliency, fuels admissions, and drives student, faculty, and staff retention. You will learn how to build an eco-friendly community by identifying champions across your campus to incrementally build on small successes to achieve big visions.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Recordings

Published
March 16, 2020

2020 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2020

How a Substation Project Enabled a New Academic Research Building at Penn

By: Catherine Broh, Partner, MGA Partners | Mark Kocent, University Architect, University of Pennsylvania | Maria O'Callaghan-Cassidy, Senior Director, Operations, The Wharton School

This session will explore how the University of Pennsylvania is achieving new student learning and research spaces within an infrastructure project.
Abstract: With limited financial resources and space constraints, effective use of valuable campus real estate is imperative. Building projects serve more than academic missions on tight urban campuses and campus infrastructure needs must synthesize with academic needs. This session will explore how the University of Pennsylvania is achieving new student learning and research spaces within an infrastructure project. We will share successful innovative business school student learning spaces, operational technologies, and phasing approaches that you can apply to your campus projects.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Recordings

Published
March 16, 2020

2020 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2020

Make No Little Plans

Multi-Scale Transformative Planning Implementation

By: Cooper Melton, Associate Principal, Ayers Saint Gross | Terence McCann, Director of Planning, Energy & Sustainability, Towson University | Eric Zahn, Senior Associate, Ayers Saint Gross

Master plans are more than a campus-wide tool, and with thoughtful planning and execution, institutions can craft a vision tailored to student needs related to housing, dining, and the co-curricular student experience.
Abstract: An institution's success is intrinsically linked to that of its students. High-quality living/learning spaces play a critical role in supporting student achievement, building campus community, and bolstering recruitment and retention. Master plans are more than a campus-wide tool, and with thoughtful planning and execution, institutions can craft a vision tailored to student needs related to housing, dining, and the co-curricular student experience. Using concrete examples, this session will illustrate how student experience-driven planning and creative implementation strategies can bolster student success while using institutional resources more effectively.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Recordings

Published
March 16, 2020

2020 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2020

Master Planning Engagement Strategies for Underserved and Underrepresented Students

By: James Kolker, University Architect/Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Washington University in St. Louis | Christiana Moss, Principal, Studio Ma

Learn about new master planning engagement and assessment tools that can reveal and remedy disparities that underserved and underrepresented students encounter.
Abstract: Underserved and underrepresented students form a large and rapidly growing portion of student bodies, but current planning practices do not address their needs. This session will help you create meaningful change at your institution to accommodate these students by exploring new practices for social equity in campus planning and building design. Come learn about new engagement and assessment tools that can reveal and remedy disparities that students encounter and use them on your campus to deliver a better experience for marginalized students.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50