Learning Resources

Abstract: By right-sizing course offerings, classrooms, and buildings, planners can drive incremental improvements that help to advance campus culture. We’ll demonstrate how to leverage data on course enrollment, classroom utilization, and learning trends to inform strategic investments in capital improvement, curriculum development, and recruitment. This session will uncover ways of making progress on campus by addressing issues related to enrollment changes and student activity while navigating lean capital funding conditions.

Abstract: Engaging donors at the planning stage of a capital project is a critical step in the campaign’s success. This article describes the use of storytelling techniques in donor outreach at three universities. We outline how cross-functional teams, involving campus planners and architects, university development and marketing and communications staff, and consultant firms, collaboratively planned and implemented donor engagement techniques. A story-oriented integrated project team enhanced philanthropy and stewardship by focusing on student and research outcomes, donor anecdotes, and sketches or conceptual renderings while positioning the donors themselves within the narrative of the university’s mission and strategic plan.

Abstract: Build Capacity for Integrated Planning

Whether you’re preparing a committee for an upcoming planning process or simply looking for directions for your own professional development, the Integrated Planning Competencies can help you determine the knowledge, skills, and dispositions your institution needs to advance integrated planning.

Integrated planning requires building capacity in the people who do planning so they have the necessary knowledge and skills for success. But higher education institutions that focus only on developing planning-related expertise often face hurdles when they attempt integrated planning. Why? Because colleges and universities are complex environments and using an integrated planning approach in those environments requires a wide range of knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Some of the required expertise might seem obvious (like writing goals or analyzing information). But some of it may be less so—particularly expertise related to “soft” skills or human skills, like communication or collaboration.

To provide more clear and specific guidance, SCUP identified competencies—knowledge, skills, and dispositions—that individuals need for successful integrated planning. We analyzed the experiences and viewpoints of around 300 planners and higher education administrators in order to surface the competencies—both obvious and inconspicuous—that underpin integrated planning success.

Abstract: The death of George Floyd in 2020 and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement have renewed the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), particularly in higher education planning. As a result of this attention, higher education has reexamined its commitment to DEI. A student voice survey found that college students were underwhelmed by actions taken by their institutions to address DEI on campus (Inside Higher Education 2021). Institutional units across higher education require coordinated, integrated planning to meet student expectations. This article highlights the results of a study that examined professional development strategies for higher education professionals in the context of the post-George Floyd–era.

Abstract: Shared Leadership in Higher Education: A Framework and Models for Responding to a Changing World
Edited by Elizabeth M. Holcombe, Adrianna J. Kezar, Susan L. Elrod, and Judith A. Ramaley
Stylus Publishing: Sterling, Virginia: 2021
256 pages
ISBN: 978-1642672251

Abstract: Institutions will need to restructure at an unprecedented pace to achieve results vital for student success and institutional sustainability. Join us for an intimate discussion with Jamienne Studley, president of WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), former college president, and deputy undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Education (2013–2016). Synergy between strategic integrated planning and accreditation review can drive meaningful and efficient analysis in our institutions and become a catalyst for quality, continuous improvement for change, and pursuit of the results we want.

Abstract: What is the relationship between accreditation and integrated planning? This research delves into this question, examining the perspectives from both the accreditor side (in particular, Middle States Commission on Higher Education) and the institutional side. It goes beyond what’s written about planning in the MSCHE Standards, using interviews with Commission vice presidents and institutional accreditation officers, along with analyses of institutional self-study documents, to compare the intent of the Commission with the lived experience of institutions. Learn about the discrepancies between planning ideals and reality . . . and potential ways those discrepancies can be resolved.

Abstract: This session will showcase best practices for successfully planning and funding higher education facilities to train future workforces, serve the community, leverage curriculum flexibility, and ensure student success, accessibility, and equity. Wake Technical Community College made a bold decision to reorganize its capital improvement plan to address inequality in an underserved population by creating a new future-forward campus. Come find out how you can apply lessons learned and strategies from Wake Tech's inclusive master planning process to successfully respond to opportunities and challenges of diverse enrollment on your campus.

Abstract: In the midst of post-COVID enrollment and financial troubles the University of Arkansas at Little Rock learned to leverage planning and accreditation to build community and resilience. This session will address the university's setbacks, challenges, opportunities, and solutions in launching a shoestring integrated planning process amidst multiple crises: retrenchment, restructuring, leadership changes, an accreditation visit, COVID, and new enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Find out how your institution can apply out concrete, low-cost, real-life strategies for initial integrated planning initiatives as well as respond to common setbacks and pitfalls in a VUCA context.

Abstract: The external environment confronting colleges and universities continues to rapidly evolve, driven by lingering effects of the pandemic, changing demographics and student preferences, a complex governmental funding environment, and exposure to a broad array of macroeconomic conditions. Moody's will discuss the financial outlook for the higher education sector over the next two years and beyond. Within that context, they will review how they assess the financial health of individual institutions, which are better situated to thrive and which may struggle, and trends in capital funding strategies.