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: Office space makes up about a third of all non-residential space on campuses. Post-COVID, many institutional offices struggle with providing enough office space while simultaneously creating a sense of workplace vibrancy due to the rise in remote and hybrid employees. Promoting change in higher education is tough—is it possible to fulfill the needs of all institutional offices through one style of workplace or is it necessary to consider unique needs of offices and individual employees? Join us to explore two institutional workplace case studies and apply the lessons learned on your campus.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Implementing changes at institutions that operate under a distributive leadership model can be challenging because academic and support units are siloed. This article presents an example of one midsize, public, research institution’s successful strategy for “catching,” or identifying and managing, substantive changes using integrated planning. Through a centralized team of academic and support unit representatives, the academic units shared planned substantive changes, received feedback, and adjusted. The institution’s substantive change policy, infrastructure, and collaborative culture ensured the changes did not slip through the cracks or hit significant roadblocks. This article shares how the team operated, giving recommendations for institutions implementing the change practice.

Abstract: Flexible classroom space is at a premium, making it necessary to link design with utilization to facilitate projected academic program growth. Including faculty in classroom planning and design processes is a vital part of supporting pedagogical innovation in campus learning spaces. This session will highlight recent strategic planning efforts with faculty and staff at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) focused on Central Pool classrooms and support for teaching and learning. We'll share ideas about how to facilitate collaboration between faculty, staff, and experts in the industry to maintain and advance flexible classrooms that support pedagogy and program development.