SCUP
 

Learning Resources

Your Higher Education Planning Library

Combine search terms, filters, institution names, and tags to find the vital resources to help you and your team tackle today’s challenges and plan for the future. Get started below, or learn how the library works.

FOUND 92 RESOURCES

REFINED BY:

  • Tags: Student RetentionxDataxCommunicationx

Clear All
ABSTRACT:  | 
SORT BY:  | 
Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
August 18, 2025

Featured Image

Strategic Alignment for Degree Completion

Leverage an Integrated Planning Approach to Improve Credit Momentum and Student Success

By: Nicole DeCapua, EdD, Mildred Mihlon, PhD, and Tracy Louisse S. Chacon, MEd

By coordinating cross-functional teams, employing real-time data, and strengthening communication systems, a university bolstered student retention and completion without requiring new funding or staff.

From Volume 53 Number 4 | July–September 2025

Abstract: This article presents how a small, resource-constrained university leveraged integrated institutional planning to launch a 30-credit completion strategy that significantly improved student momentum, graduation rates, and institutional planning culture. By coordinating cross-functional teams, employing real-time data, and strengthening communication systems, the university built a scalable and sustainable framework that bolstered student retention and completion without requiring new funding or staff. This case offers a roadmap for similarly situated institutions aiming to align credit accumulation initiatives with broader strategic goals to drive measurable student success outcomes.

Member Price:
Free  | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
July 16, 2025

Featured Image

Keeping the Focus Month by Month

Improve Stakeholder Engagement and Outcomes with a Goal Communications Calendar

By: Tina Dee, MS

By strategically aligning monthly communications with its institutional goals, Muskegon Community College increased its connection with students, employees, and the community while reinforcing a shared sense of ownership.

From Volume 53 Number 3 | April–June 2025

Abstract: Muskegon Community College’s (MCC) Goal in Focus communications program reshaped stakeholder engagement and strengthened institutional alignment, driving more effective strategic outcomes. Grounded in the Society for College and University Planning’s Integrated Planning Competencies, our approach fostered a planning culture that is transparent, adaptable, and collaborative. By strategically aligning monthly communications with its institutional goals, MCC increased engagement with students, employees, and the community while reinforcing a shared sense of ownership. A goal-focused communications calendar enriches sustainability, builds relationships, strengthens alignment, and improves preparedness for change.

Member Price:
Free  | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Conference Presentations,Conference Recordings

Published
June 16, 2025

Featured Image

Reimagining the Student Experience and Stewarding Campus Resources

By: Cory Clippinger, Architect, DLR Group | Matthew Damschroder, Vice President for Student life and Dean of Students, Juniata College | Kaveri G. Singh, Higher Education Leader, Architecture, DLR Group | Lisa Keegan, Vice President for Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Success, Bucknell University

Institutions are seeking to improve student experience to support recruitment and retention on campus, but making big impactful moves can be daunting in the midst of overwhelming deferred maintenance needs.
Abstract: Institutions are seeking to improve student experience to support recruitment and retention on campus, but making big impactful moves can be daunting in the midst of overwhelming deferred maintenance needs. Solving for a renewed focus on student wellbeing and resource-strapped environments, we'll share two case studies of transforming the campus experience through strategic investment in capital-constrained environments. This session will outline a path for converting the threats of deferred maintenance numbers into an opportunity to enhance the student experience on campus by providing a tool kit to guide institutions through the planning process.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Presentations

Published
May 20, 2025

Reimagining the Student Experience and Stewarding Campus Resources

Abstract: Institutions are seeking to improve student experience to support recruitment and retention on campus, but making big impactful moves can be daunting in the midst of overwhelming deferred maintenance needs. Solving for a renewed focus on student wellbeing and resource-strapped environments, we'll share two case studies of transforming the campus experience through strategic investment in capital-constrained environments. This session will outline a path for converting the threats of deferred maintenance numbers into an opportunity to enhance the student experience on campus by providing a tool kit to guide institutions through the planning process.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Presentations

Published
April 2, 2025

A Data-driven Approach to Revolutionize Campus Planning

Abstract: Many campuses face real estate pressures, reduced funding, and aging assets, but often lack complete data sets or tools for visualizing the connection between campus priorities. Bold strategies and tools can help us find commonalities and opportunities in a time of limitless needs and constrained resources. We will detail an approach that considers cost, campus vision, and asset management goals to enable flexible solutions with a data-driven analysis of capital planning alternatives. Come learn how to determine which data matters and how to approach your campus's challenges in a way that better supports the institutional mission and adaptation to change.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
October 31, 2024

Featured Image

Leveraging Data to Engage Our Community

Data Play Dual Roles in Facilitating Inclusive and Evidence-Based Strategic Planning

By: Su Swarat, PhD, and Gina Park, PhD

Success in strategic planning requires decision-making that reflects the collective vision of diverse constituents.

From Volume 52 Number 4 | July–September 2024

Abstract: Success in strategic planning requires decision-making that reflects the collective vision of diverse constituents. At California State University, Fullerton we leveraged data as the essential thread in engaging our community in an inclusive strategic planning process. Data played dual roles, serving as input and output, to provide a common framework through which the ideas and wisdom of our community are reflected and shared, anchoring the strategic plan firmly in the campus voices. Our engagement through data embodied our commitment to evidence-based decision-making and contributed to the success of our strategic planning process.

Member Price:
Free  | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
October 29, 2024

Featured Image

The Devil and the Detail

Using Headcount and FTE in the Planning Process

By: Karen E. Hinton, PhD

Often, student, faculty, and staff headcount and FTE can be misunderstood and misused. Understanding crucial factors about these data sets can strengthen the planning process.

From Volume 52 Number 4 | July–September 2024

Abstract: Everyone involved in planning activities will be aware of the use of data in the process. Data-driven planning is ubiquitous in all planning processes but can be a weak spot for many planners. The difficulty for most people is that the very mention of “data” can make eyes glaze over. Some of the least understood and most misused data are student, faculty, and staff headcount and FTE (full-time equivalent). Understanding some critical factors about these data sets can help demystify them and strengthen the planning process.

Member Price:
Free  | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Conference Presentations

Published
October 23, 2024

Using the Student Success Trifecta to Boost Enrollment and Retention

By: Catherine Campbell, Dean, School of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Saint Edward's University | DOROTHY Harpool, Executive Director of Engagement and Prominence, Wichita State University | Janette Scott, Senior Associate, Gensler | Christopher Shook, Professor and Dean, University of Alabama at Birmingham

As higher education faces the demographic cliff, institutions must find ways to boost enrollment, improve retention, and promote student success with a focus on first-generation students, DEI, and students with learning differences.
Abstract: As higher education faces the demographic cliff, institutions must find ways to boost enrollment, improve retention, and promote student success with a focus on first-generation students, DEI, and students with learning differences. This session will define the student success trifecta: boosting student learning in their field of study; encouraging the development of strong interpersonal relationships; and embracing the life skills that come with the college experience. We'll combine research with unique, firsthand experience to demonstrate how promoting engagement and designing for a sense of belonging for students on campus looks different for each individual student, institution, and field of study.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Presentations

Published
October 22, 2024

Full STEAM Ahead: Colocating Science, Engineering, and Liberal Arts

By: Jim Brummer, Vice President of Facilities, University of St Thomas-Minnesota | Melissa DelVecchio, Partner, Robert A.M. Stern Architects | Brian Lapham, Architect and Lab Planner, BWBR Architects, Inc.

Recruitment and retention are increasingly vital as student demographics evolve. New approaches to collaborative planning create keystone spaces on campus that can reinvigorate entire zones and benefit students, faculty, staff, and the bottom line.
Abstract: Recruitment and retention are increasingly vital as student demographics evolve. New approaches to collaborative planning create keystone spaces on campus that can reinvigorate entire zones and benefit students, faculty, staff, and the bottom line. The University of St. Thomas's Schoenecker STEAM Center uniquely combines science and engineering spaces with liberal arts programs and other collaboration space while also enhancing use patterns, gathering points, and campus circulation. We'll share tools and lessons learned to help you navigate the complexities of co-locating disparate functions while accounting for funding capacity and time-of-day use, resulting in efficient, effective spaces that support changing campus demographics.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Presentations

Published
July 23, 2024

A School Without Walls: The Architecture of Data Science

By: Phil Bourne, Founding Dean | Lauren Shirley, Senior Associate | Mike Taylor, Principal

Data science is a rapidly developing discipline and serves as a catalyst for the future development and management of institutional faculties.
Abstract: Data science is a rapidly developing discipline and serves as a catalyst for the future development and management of institutional faculties. This session will examine the unique engagement process behind the University of Virginia's (UVA) 'School without Walls', as well as its dynamic programming and design for serving an emerging discipline. This project plays a special role in providing a venue for community and industry interaction and research. We'll explore points of engagement with an expanding faculty throughout the design process, which inspired flexible internal planning, and reflect on the appropriateness of wider contextual influences on the design solution.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

  • Page    of 10