Learning Resources

‘Agile’ Design for the Future-Ready Campus

Optimize the HyFlex Learning Experience to Enhance Engagement

By: Craig Park, BS Arch

‘Agile’ project management is an iterative methodology emphasizing collaboration, user feedback, and small, rapid initiatives to adapt quickly and efficiently to change.

From Volume 52 Number 3 | April–June 2024

Abstract: The Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) classroom allows students to choose between in-person and online participation, leveraging technology and ensuring digital equity. This article underscores the HyFlex model’s role in enhancing educational accessibility, engagement, and resilience; expanding institutional reach; and adapting to demographic shifts and technological advancements. By embracing “Agile” project management principles and a continuous improvement mindset, institutions can create effective, inclusive learning environments that cater to a wide range of student needs, improving learning outcomes and institutional competitiveness in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Planning Types: Campus Planning, Information Technology Planning
Tags: Continuous Improvement, Facilities Planning, Hybrid Learning, Learning Environments, Learning Technology, Online Learning, Project Management

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 19, 2024

The Community Vibrancy Playbook: Enriching the Student Experience on Campus

By: Gerald Gongos, Simon Fraser University | Mark McLaughlin, Simon Fraser University-Vancouver

Post-pandemic, Simon Fraser University (SFU) developed the Community Vibrancy Playbook to welcome students, staff, and faculty back to campus.

Abstract: Post-pandemic, Simon Fraser University (SFU) developed the Community Vibrancy Playbook to welcome students, staff, and faculty back to campus. We’ll discuss how the campus community can participate in a wide array of initiatives that lead to collaboration, programs, and projects that transform the campus into a welcoming place that prioritizes wellbeing. Positive student experiences are vital and institutions can benefit from including new activities that enrich student life and participation. Come learn how to employ facilitation and listening as tools in project management and embrace adaptability to change, leading to successful outcomes for campus life and the student experience.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Health and Wellness, Project Management, Student Experience

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Collaborating, ‘Speed Dating,’ Celebrating, and More

Augusta University Equipped a Core Team to Engage Stakeholders in Strategic Planning

By: Mickey Williford, MPA and Brittany Cipollone, MBA, MAT

University colleagues share techniques and tools they find effective in their strategic planning process—and in fostering participation and intentional conversations.

From Volume 52 Number 1 | October–December 2023

Institutions Mentioned: Augusta University
Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Tags: Alignment, Building (or Writing) the Plan, Engaging Stakeholders, Environmental Scanning, Institutional Effectiveness, Planning Processes, Project Management, Team Building, Unit Planning

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Overcoming a $90M Budget Overage in Vanderbilt University’s Residential Colleges

A Multifaceted Team Worked Collaboratively to Stem Overruns

By: David Bailey, BA, AIA, LEED AP, and Walt Massey, BA

The University, architects, engineers, strategic planning consultants, and contractor teams worked hand in hand to peel back the onion to stem the overruns.

From Volume 52 Number 1 | October–December 2023

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.

Institutions Mentioned: Vanderbilt University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Implementation, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Mixed-Use, Modifying the Plan, Project Management, Project Management / Delivery, Student Housing

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What Is Your Crisis ‘What If’?

Create a Sustainable Approach to Emergency Response Planning

By: Jessica A. Luedtke, PhD, and Mary M. Reinke, MBA, MS

The Medical College of Wisconsin planned strategically, engaged executive leadership, and operationalized an Administrative Response Team to navigate critical incidents impacting the university.

From Volume 51 Number 3 | April–June 2023

Institutions Mentioned: Medical College of Wisconsin
Planning Types: Continuity Planning
Tags: Building (or Writing) the Plan, Communication, Crisis and Disaster Management, External Collaboration / Partnerships, Leadership, Medical / Allied Health Education, Modifying the Plan, Recovery Planning, Response Planning, Risk Management, Scenario Planning, Security

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A Practical Guide to Strategic Planning in Higher Education

Second Edition, with New and Updated Content

By: Karen E. Hinton, PhD

A resource for anyone engaged in college or university strategic planning, and an excellent primer for planning committees. This second edition also contains new strategies for using an institution’s strategic plan during times of institutional upheaval, and additional techniques for jump-starting various parts of the planning process.

Abstract: A Practical Guide to Strategic Planning in Higher Education is a resource for anyone engaged in college or university strategic planning; it is also an excellent primer for planning committees. Using clear definitions, practical tips, and examples drawn from actual situations, this short book acts as a manual for both experienced planners and those who are new to the process. This second edition also contains new strategies for using an institution’s strategic plan during times of institutional upheaval, and additional techniques for jump-starting various parts of the planning process.

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Blog Post

Published
July 6, 2022

What Is a Bridge Plan?

(And Does Your Institution Need One?)

By: Sadie Wutka, Director of Content Strategy, SCUP

A bridge plan allows a college or university to continue to pursue defined strategic pathways during times of uncertainty or rapid, unpredictable change. It’s also a good solution for when faculty and staff are overwhelmed due to a highly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) environment.

Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Tags: Adaptable Plans, Bridge Planning, Change Management, COVID-19, Disruptive Change, Modifying the Plan, Organizational Change

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Teetering on the Demographic Cliff, Part 3

Different Conditions Require a Different Kind of Planning

By: Bryan C. Harvey, EdD

Higher education has faced major changes for some time—COVID-19 accelerated that volatility—and now we’re anticipating the demographic downslope in student enrollment. How and when should institutions mobilize for the difficult work of planning in the face of wrenching change?

From Volume 50 Number 2 | January–March 2022

Abstract: Part 1 of this series described a major contraction in the pool of college-going 18-year-olds that will reverse decades of growth and stability for higher education. Part 2 explored how we can shape a planning context that supports success in the coming 10 or 20 years. Part 3 suggests how our approach to planning must shift to prepare for abrupt change.

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Getting in the eGame

Esports Streaming Gives the University of Kentucky a New Way to Grow Revenue and Recruit Students

By: Michael Stewart, BS, and Heath Price, MS

The University of Kentucky understood the importance of technology in preparing students for the digital world. With public-private partnerships, it sought opportunities to be an industry leader in leveraging that capacity for its students, faculty, staff, and the community.

From Volume 50 Number 2 | January–March 2022

Abstract: The University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Kentucky Esports Club worked together to establish the University of Kentucky Esports Lounge. Students were surveyed on their gaming needs, and the resulting wish list (i.e., equipment selection, space configuration, furniture, etc.) fed into the decision-making process by all constituents. The project budget was derived by a larger construction project at the University that focused on student recruitment, community, and connection to the non-student demographic. The UK team ultimately planned and launched the custom facility to meet users’ particular needs—while finding a way for the University to produce an additional revenue stream.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Kentucky
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Funding, Facilities Planning, Mixed-Use, New Program or Department, Planning Processes, Public-Private Partnerships (P3), Recreational Facility, Shared Facilities, Student Life / Student Affairs, Technology

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Teetering on the Demographic Cliff, Part 2

Turning Away from the Challenge Is the Riskiest Strategy of All

By: Bryan C. Harvey, EdD

Higher education has faced major changes for some time—COVID-19 accelerated that volatility—and now we’re anticipating the demographic downslope in student enrollment. How and when should institutions mobilize for the difficult work of planning in the face of wrenching change?

From Volume 50 Number 1 | October–December 2021

Abstract: Part 1 of this series described a major contraction in the pool of college-going 18-year-olds that will reverse decades of growth and stability for higher education. Drawing on the path-breaking analysis of Carleton College economist Nathan Grawe, it outlined how widespread but variable the change will be, and discussed some of the effects—on enrollment, revenue, facilities, staffing, and more—for which colleges and universities should be preparing. This Part 2 explores these implications: How can we shape a planning context that supports success in the coming 10 or 20 years? What attitudes and skillsets will remain useful, and what may need to change?

Planning Types: Strategic Enrollment Management Planning
Tags: Cost of Higher Ed, COVID-19, Demographics, Enrollment Management, Funding, Resiliency, Shrinking Pool of Potential Students, Student Demographics, Trends External to Higher Ed, US

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