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

Designing Beyond the Binary to Foster Belonging

By: Melissa Falkenstien, University of California-Irvine | Elizabeth MacPherson Hearn, Mithun | K Kaczmarek, Mithun | Jennifer Nelson Martinez, University of California-Irvine

Today’s students are coming to school with diverse gender identities.

Abstract: Today’s students are coming to school with diverse gender identities. Designing facilities with gender equity in mind helps to support marginalized communities and future proof the campus. This session will present case studies and inclusive best practices for ‘designing beyond the binary’ to foster belonging in campus housing, restrooms, and gathering spaces. You’ll discover strategies to foster belonging and wellbeing for a spectrum of gender identities through programming and operations as well as learn about design tools and tips to create belonging in spatial environments.

Planning Types: Campus Planning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Informal Learning Environments, LGBTQIA, Student Demographics, Student Housing

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 19, 2024

Creating a Student Success District Through Transformative Renovations

By: Nina Bates, University of Arizona | Taaon Fraser, University of Arizona | Robyn Huff-Eibl, University of Arizona | Catharine Killien, The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP

First generation and marginalized students often have difficulty accessing campus services. Holistically supporting students through integrated services so that they feel valued, respected, and included is critical to graduation and retention rates.

Abstract: First generation and marginalized students often have difficulty accessing campus services. Holistically supporting students through integrated services so that they feel valued, respected, and included is critical to graduation and retention rates. The University of Arizona (UA) radically transformed access to student services, bringing together previously disparate services into the co-located Student Success District that renews existing campus assets into accessible, flexible, human-centric spaces. This session will share a model for bridging strategic and facilities planning with universal principles and qualitative and quantitative metrics for leveraging existing programs and building resources to improve student outcomes.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Planning, Interdisciplinary, Renovation, Student Retention, Student Services, Student Success, Student Support Services, Underserved Students

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 18, 2024

Expanding Community: How to Create a Thriving Off-campus Environment

By: John D’amico, University of California-Los Angeles | Zach Prowda, BAR Architects & Interiors | Adam Shalleck, The Shalleck Collaborative Inc.

Transforming vacant off-campus buildings into vibrant centers of learning and experience extends an institution’s presence and mission and helps dismantle town and gown barriers.

Abstract: Transforming vacant off-campus buildings into vibrant centers of learning and experience extends an institution’s presence and mission and helps dismantle town and gown barriers. Using the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Nimoy Theater as a case study, this session will discuss the reasons, benefits, and unique aspects of building off campus to expand community engagement opportunities for students, faculty, and alumni. We’ll share real time lessons in navigating a purchase, adapting a historic building, meeting building standards, coordinating with local agencies, and applying university standards for safety, access, sustainability and contracting.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Community Engagement, Economic Development, External Collaboration / Partnerships, Renovation, Town and Gown

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 5, 2024

Residential Life and Safety at the Intersection of Town and Gown

By: Patrick Killilee, University of Pennsylvania | Michael Schade, Atkin Olshin Schade Architects

Colleges and universities must adapt to changing issues around student safety and determine how to address these concerns while maintaining connections with the local community.

Abstract: Colleges and universities must adapt to changing issues around student safety and determine how to address these concerns while maintaining connections with the local community. This session will discuss the University of Pennsylvania’s (Penn) Stouffer Hall, a recently renovated residence hall that exemplifies the evolution of attitudes towards community, security, and student life on campus. Come learn how to create programs for increasing community engagement, address housing security concerns, and align residential life and building goals with current attitudes around safety.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Community Engagement, Facilities Planning, Security, Student Housing, Student Services, Town and Gown

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 5, 2024

Finding Your Swan: Reimagining Unloved Buildings at JMU

By: Jeffrey Hyder, Moseley Architects | Kelly Miller Martin, James Madison University | Kirk Morris, James Madison University | Kevin Smith, Robert A.M. Stern Architects

There are distinct advantages to both renovation and new construction; an optimal blend of these approaches can enable opportunities for physical growth, evolving programs, and a minimally disruptive reimagining of campus buildings.

Abstract: There are distinct advantages to both renovation and new construction; an optimal blend of these approaches can enable opportunities for physical growth, evolving programs, and a minimally disruptive reimagining of campus buildings. We’ll explore two case studies from James Madison University (JMU) ?the College of Business and the Carrier Library?that illustrate how to affordably transform outdated and stylistically unloved buildings into vibrant academic and student life hubs. Join us to gain a greater understanding of the hidden value of aging buildings, considering aspects such as functionality, cost, operations, sustainability, and stylistic potential.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Adaptive Reuse, Business School Facility, Flexible Learning Spaces, Informal Learning Environments, Library, Renovation

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Book Review: “Whatever It Is, I’m Against It”

Resistance to Change in Higher Education

By: John Kilmarx, PhD

From Volume 52 Number 2 | January–March 2024

Abstract: Brian Rosenberg, the author of “Whatever It Is, I’m Against It”: Resistance to Change in Higher Education, argues that improvements in higher education are needed—which is certainly not a controversial or surprising outlook. However, he also says many institutions are on an unsustainable financial path, which makes the imperatives for change more urgent. What exactly needs to be addressed and how dramatically, though, is a matter of one’s perspective. The reviewer observes that in most cases, sustainable changes have been ongoing but incremental, not transformational. Some stakeholders might celebrate that fact. In other corners, this is not enough, and so frustrations abound.

Tags: Change Management, Disruptive Change, Organizational Change

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Responsive Design

Planning Living Spaces for Neurodiverse Students

By: James A. Baumann, ACUHO-I | Shannon Dowling, AIA, Ayers Saint Gross | Mary Elliott, EdD, Colorado School of Mines

We invite you to join a discussion on how schools can thrive by taking this inclusive approach to planning and development.

Abstract: With increasing numbers of neurodivergent students on college campuses, intentional design and planning of spaces can better accommodate their needs and improve the experience for all students. We invite you to join a discussion on how schools can thrive by taking this inclusive approach to planning and development.

Institutions Mentioned: Colorado School of Mines
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Student Housing

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Example Plans

Published
January 5, 2024

Strategic Plan, Strategic Planning Website

Public Doctoral/Research University (Georgia, United States)

Strategic plan for the university, which is beginning its second decade after consolidation.

Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Resource Types: Strategic Plan, Strategic Planning Website
Tags: Enrollment Management, External Collaboration / Partnerships, Funding, Goals, Hybrid Learning, Laboratory Facility, Learning Environments, Medical / Allied Health Education, Online Learning, Recreational Facility, Resource Management, Student Retention, Student Services, Student Success, Student Support Services, Teaching and Learning

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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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Challenges