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Webinar Recordings

Published
May 5, 2026

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A 21st Century Learning Environment

Recycling a Victorian Hospital

By: Eleanor Magennis, Glasgow School of Art | Damien Toner, The University of Edinburgh | James Nelmes, Bennetts Associates | Trevor Wills, University Design Forum

Join to hear about the aims of the University Design Forum and how to redesign a historical building into a modern learning environment.
Abstract: This event is a collaboration between SCUP and the University Design Forum.

Please join to hear about the aims of the University Design Forum which are similar to SCUP but also how to redesign a historical building into a modern learning environment.

The Edinburgh Futures Institute at the University of Edinburgh is a major investment for one of the world’s leading academic institutions. Having purchased the City’s Old Royal Infirmary, the University embarked on a nine-year project to bring the dilapidated, but much loved, Grade A Listed building back to life as a centre for interdisciplinary teaching and research. After a short introduction to the building, this session will explore the project vision, realisation and lessons learnt along the way.

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
October 23, 2025

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A New Campus Planning Paradigm Emerges . . .

. . . Addressing Declining Enrollment, Evolving Academic Technology, Online Learning, and Facilities Maintenance Costs

By: Mohammed Abdelaal, PhD, and Robert L. Ryan, PhD, FASLA

By reviewing campus plans and interviewing senior planners and administrators, the authors examined how 11 public universities in the Northeast and Midwest are responding to growing financial, pedagogical, and facilities risks.

From Volume 54 Number 1 | October–December 2025

Abstract: After decades of significant investment in campus development, US universities are now confronted with enormous challenges, including declining enrollment, evolving academic technology, online learning, and rising facilities maintenance costs. The authors of this research examined how 11 public R1 universities in the Northeast and Midwest are addressing these challenges through a review of campus plans and interviews with senior planners and administrators. This study argues that a new campus planning paradigm is gradually emerging in response to these risks, which highlights innovative strategies for place-based institutions to rapidly reexamine their prevailing capital planning priorities with a focus on adaptability and right-sizing campus facilities.

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Tool

Published
May 13, 2025

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Campus Contingency Planner

By: Elliot Felix, Buro Happold | Nicholas Santilli, PhD, SCUP

This tool is a template for lightweight, rapid contingency planning. It guides you through a process that identifies the impacts of change, how decisions during contingency planning will be made, and the operational components of programs and offerings that will need to be adapted in response.
Abstract: Times of rapid change can interrupt operations and implementation efforts. Preventing this requires an ability to quickly adapt our programs and offerings to the changing landscape. Unfortunately, operational complexity and the disorienting nature of uncertainty become a hurdle to rapid response. Either we get overwhelmed trying to identify all that needs to change, or we respond haphazardly, missing crucial details. Contingency planning can help. It is a method for preparing for potential changes that identifies how operations and action plans need to shift in response. It can also be used to respond to changes after they happen. The Campus Contingency Planner is a template for lightweight, rapid contingency planning. It guides you through a process that identifies the impacts of change, how decisions during contingency planning will be made, and the operational components of programs and offerings that will need to be adapted in response. Whether you manage student-facing programs (like academic programs or student affairs activities), or direct services that are internally supportive (like space management or IT), the Campus Contingency Planner can help you respond to change with flexibility, minimizing disruption and moving your institution forward.

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
August 16, 2024

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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.

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Blog Post

Published
August 9, 2024

Slight Differences and Lots of Similarities

Two Conference Presenters Both Advocate for Developing and Improving Planning Culture

By: Melodie Greer, MEd, Bryn Athyn College

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Free

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Free

Conference Presentations

Published
July 23, 2024

Diversify the STEM Experience Through Integrated Planning

By: Jason Franklin, AVP for Planning, Construction and Real Estate| Athena Rilatos, Architectural Designer | Todd Rosenstiel, Dean | Amy Running, Associate Principal

Portland State University's (PSU) integrated planning process involved multiple departments, coalesced institutional and strategic goals, bolstered educational and industry ties, and focused on diversity to dismantle barriers within STEM disciplines.
Abstract: Portland State University's (PSU) integrated planning process involved multiple departments, coalesced institutional and strategic goals, bolstered educational and industry ties, and focused on diversity to dismantle barriers within STEM disciplines. PSU pioneered a planning and design process for its new science building that amplified underrepresented voices to diversify the STEM workforce, dramatically shifting design outcomes and student pathways. This session will address how institutions can prioritize broad engagement in planning, and how foregrounding input from underrepresented groups can alter preconceptions and reveal the challenges that exist in institutional operational norms that inhibit student success.

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Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Presentations

Published
July 23, 2024

The Architecture of Belonging: Informing Planning Through Social Research

By: Christopher Gluesing, Senior Director, Planning & Project Delivery | Loren Rullman, Principal & Director, Higher Education| Brian Schermer, Principal & Director, Design Research | Lora Strigens, VP Planning & Facilities

A sense of belonging is critical for student wellbeing, engagement, and academic success.
Abstract: A sense of belonging is critical for student wellbeing, engagement, and academic success. Social research at Marquette University illuminates how students from different identity groups perceive campus places and informs campus planning priorities. Guided by social research and inclusive placemaking, this session highlights strategies, frameworks, and implications for fostering belonging in diverse campus environments. We'll explore participatory mapping and other tactics for assessing campus belonging from a physical place perspective as well as proposing research-informed changes for future policy, operational, and design interventions.

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 23, 2024

One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Planning for Neurodiverse Campus Communities

By: Winston Bao, Associate | William Franklin, Vice President, Student Affairs | Debra Hammond, Executive Director | Kimari Phillips, Research Manager

No two individuals are 'wired' to process information or stimuli in their environment in the same way, yet the design of campus environments often focuses on the 'norm'.
Abstract: No two individuals are 'wired' to process information or stimuli in their environment in the same way, yet the design of campus environments often focuses on the 'norm'. Meeting diverse needs on a spectrum of neurodiversity is an emerging concern for educational planning and design. We'll explore how physical environments can impact the educational experience by planning for neurodiversity and identify planning considerations that support equitable, inclusive campus environments to meet diverse social, emotional, and cognitive needs. This session aims to increase awareness, fluency, and sensitivity to assist planning efforts addressing neurodiversity that positively impact the built environment and the holistic experience and wellbeing of the campus community.

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$50

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