Learning Resources

Abstract: For colleges and universities to achieve their goals with extremely limited resources, they must rely on constructive partnerships. This session will focus on building those connections for placemaking on campus, which is a critical aspect of activating a successful innovation ecosystem. Activation does not simply happen because a plaza exists; rather, it requires organizational structure, programming, funding models, and partnership. This session will explore cross-disciplinary planning?internally within the institution and with external partners?as well as provide resources for creating a framework for public space activation.

Abstract: Community colleges provide equitable access to higher education and pathways to sustainable careers. This session will show how Laurel Ridge Community College (LRCC) secured its role in the regional economy by aligning programs with community priorities and mapping students’ career pathways to inform facilities planning. Collaboration with industry and the community enabled LRCC to plan for expansion, relevant programs, and advanced facilities for science, technology, engineering, math, and health sciences (STEM-H). Join us to find out how an engaging, user-focused academic building can leverage both flexibility and specialization to support student success and attract partners.

Abstract: Rapidly changing users and technology paired with long project timelines requires institutions to think ahead and implement innovative strategies for creating new, high-end engineering facilities. Campus facilities must be nimble and ready to support multiple types of students. At the forefront of the AI technology revolution, George Mason University is undertaking large construction projects to serve a spectrum of undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students and create ecosystems of academic, industry, government, and community users. We’ll share planning strategies for AI technology learning spaces, practical solutions for designing future-focused facilities, and ways of promoting collaboration and connection across multiple communities.

Abstract: Higher education must be observant to remain relevant. Institutional leadership and faculty can help close the workforce capacity gap by making meaningful connections with prospective students, the workforce, and industry partners. Metropolitan Community College (MCC) is changing their pipeline to increase workforce capacity by engaging nontraditional students in addition to re-evaluating academic and physical availability on their campus. In this session, you'll learn how you can enhance awareness of untapped populations to meet industry goals, evaluate opportunities to improve growth outcomes, and grow industry sponsorship investment through academic and equipment planning at your institution.

Abstract: STEM facilities are quickly catching up to unions as the heart of student life on campus. To better support student recruitment, retention, and success, STEM facilities must provide a mashup of social and academic space that students need for sparking connections, partnerships, and friendships. We'll explore this growing trend and introduce strategies for making STEM facilities hubs for campus life. Join us to gain a solid understanding of the trends shaping the future of STEM facilities, including a look inside the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's future-forward chemistry building.

Abstract: In three presentations, we'll explore sustainable solutions to help you rethink parking and mobility on your campus. Through data-driven decision making, building asset management plans, and internal and external partnerships, planners can effectively tackle issues such as parking structure service life, shortages, cost, growth, and changing demand. Come learn about practical tools and strategies that you can use to impactfully and sustainably improve parking and mobility at your institution.

Abstract: The Washkewicz College of Engineering added over 100,000 GSF (gross square feet) to the existing 200,000 GSF building, completed in 2018. The building has become an icon for the college with its modern lab and teaching spaces, and serves as campus entrance marker in downtown Cleveland.

Abstract: The global challenge of climate change demands new paradigms of leadership that prioritize interdisciplinary solutions and the voices of marginalized communities. Universities are uniquely situated to lead the way. We will explore ways that a design thinking process can build a visible culture of sustainability at the hyper-local campus scale and drive climate action across academics, governance, and operations. Aligning climate action with existing priorities creates synergies, especially where stakeholders may already be stretched thin. Learn how a design thinking approach facilitates this type of cross-disciplinary work.

Abstract: Campus planners are tasked with creating 21st century learning environments, moving towards carbon neutrality, and repairing buildings that are near the end of their useful lives. Transformative reuse addresses these issues. With creative design and programming, under-utilized campus buildings from all eras can be transformed into sustainable, thriving, innovative learning environments that align with current and future needs. We'll share recent examples of existing buildings that were transformed for new use and discuss the connection between carbon and building reuse.

Abstract: Environmental sustainability is more than a buzz word; it is a responsibility. Energy master planning is essential for campuses that wish to be leaders in sustainability and global citizenship. Smith College's plan features unique elements focused on electrification of the campus thermal infrastructure. This session will provide you with tools to engage in meaningful campus discussion about implementing a transition away from fossil fuels for heating and cooling and achieving net zero carbon emissions.