Learning Resources

Abstract: When change in higher education isn’t managed in a human-centered manner, institutional leaders are unlikely to see the outcomes they intended to achieve. That’s because they didn’t invest enough in involving and supporting the individuals expected to operationalize a new strategy. Nobody wins in these situations: Executives, employees, and students all lose out on the benefits a change initiative could have produced. In this book excerpt, the author shares why strong change leadership must be at the helm of cultivating an environment where innovation is embraced and managed with compassion for the humans who are being asked to think and work differently.

Abstract: Higher education is infamously change-resistant. What’s needed is a new methodology: human-centered change. Informed by research and honed by practice, human-centered change is a flexible, pragmatic approach that works within higher education’s unique structures, practices, and culture. This book guides change leaders and practitioners through the application of human-centered change. A practical manual, it provides mid- and senior-level administrators the essential practices, examples, recommendations, and tools they need to lead change in their colleges or universities.

Abstract: Students and campus staff face increasing isolation and mental health challenges. To plan and design meaningful spaces of belonging, we must ask the right questions, use specific observation methods, and apply relevant research. We'll share an update on the current state of mental health and wellbeing, institutional perspectives, challenges to student success, and methods for applying human-centered research in the creation of campus spaces for community and engagement. Join us for practical tools that will help you plan, program, and design learning environments that address today's pressing challenges with mental health and social connection.

Abstract: Despite growing interest among campuses in mass timber construction, there is a sea of conflicting information about the potential benefits and downsides of building with wood. For the first time, University of California (UC), Berkeley is using mass timber to construct a new undergraduate academic building. This session will explore the process for determining whether this project was a cost-effective strategy for achieving carbon reduction and resilience. Decision making has become incredibly nuanced, and while the understanding of global carbon emissions continues to evolve, we'll share the key opportunities a project team must consider in regards mass timber on campus.

Abstract: Affordable and accessible higher education is key to upward mobility and community transformation, especially for many rural and remote suburban communities that have limited access to resources. In this session, we'll explore the potential synergies between existing community colleges and their satellite locations. How can institutions drive community-engaged development in places that really need it? Is it better to build on existing assets or to build new? Discover how a community charted its own path toward a new college campus by organizing, passing a bond, and ultimately developing a tech-enabled, high flex learning environment with community space.

Abstract: Traditional strategic planning can lead to a static plan that does little to inspire implementation or true change. This session will detail a process that promotes buy-in and engagement while providing structured frameworks to support implementation and assessment. Our framework provides support for a campus community to 'live' its institutional strategic plan through the strategic planning cycle (SPC) at the unit level, informing the realization of institutional goals and outcomes. We'll provide our tools and approaches for you to access and review, as well as the rationale for developing support for your own campus communities to 'live' their strategic plan.

Abstract: California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) has modeled social, environmental, and economic resilience planning by forging creative partnerships, expanding student offerings, and cultivating multi-source funding. We'll demonstrate how CSUMB leverages local resources?Äîsuch as the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary?Äîto offer world-class opportunities to students who wouldn't typically have access. Join us to gain actionable strategies for creating student-centered, locally-relevant learning environments that support the regional ecosystem, attract industry partnerships, drive local innovation, and boost academic and career outcomes.

Abstract: The reduction of campus carbon emissions requires large investments in infrastructure, which is challenged by the realities of budgetary pressures. However, climate action doesn't have to come at the expense of an institution's core mission. Thompson Rivers University is transforming their campus infrastructure for net-zero emissions and a healthier environment without expending capital or taking on debt. This session will cover a novel procurement model along with a pathway to net-zero emissions that you can replicate on your own campus, providing you with the tools you need to take climate action now.

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 demonstrate how to adapt a large existing campus to decarbonized central systems, including cost considerations, performance evaluation, resilience concerns, and equity factors. To achieve the University of California, Santa Barbara's (UCSB) climate goals, we developed a clean energy master plan that goes beyond a conventional utility plan to prioritize equity and environmental justice to sustain campus ecosystems and ensure student wellbeing. Implementing decarbonization plans can be disruptive, but we'll share how you can achieve successful buy-in and engagement, including uplifting students as interns on the project team and key contributors in the process.