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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
August 18, 2025

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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.

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Blog Post

Published
August 4, 2025

The Campus Planner in a Time of Turmoil

Your Role Is as Adviser, Not the Ultimate Decision-Maker

By: Frederick W. Mayer, Campus Planner Emeritus, University of Michigan

A founding member of SCUP shares some of his experiences and thoughts on how to deal with the challenges and turmoil facing higher education.

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 22, 2025

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Keynote | Minority-Serving Institutions as Leaders and Partners in a Changing Landscape

By: Dr. Maenette Ah Nee-Benham, Chancellor, University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu | Mario K. Castillo, JD, Chancellor, Lone Star College System | Dr. Donzell Lee, President, Tougaloo College | Dr. Chris Gilmer, President, Heritage University and Chair, SCUP Board of Directors (Moderator)

Underlining SCUP's mission-driven commitment to advancing social justice, this keynote panel of presidents and chancellors of minority-serving institutions (MSIs) brings decades of experience leading institutions that support historically underserved, yet high-achieving students.
Abstract: Underlining SCUP's mission-driven commitment to advancing social justice, this keynote panel of presidents and chancellors of minority-serving institutions (MSIs) brings decades of experience leading institutions that support historically underserved, yet high-achieving students. Often underfunded compared to peer institutions that are not MSIs, these institutions provide academically rigorous, yet culturally affirming educational experiences for their students and serve as educational and cultural hubs in communities across the United States. This panel will explore the continuing relevance of MSIs in the current sociopolitical climate and how these institutions can more fully collaborate with each other and with the larger higher education and business sectors.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
July 17, 2025

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Co-Locate and Consolidate to Create Connected Campuses

Grow in Place Rather Than Add More Space Where Students Will Succeed

By: Elliot Felix, MArch

You can share spaces, support services, staffing, and technology systems within your institution and with external partners. This reduces costs while improving outcomes such as retention, graduation, and career placement rates.

From Volume 53 Number 3 | April–June 2025

Abstract: Colleges and universities have a traditional way to meet new needs. When there is a new research initiative, degree program, or student support function, institutions add space. Despite good intentions, their siloed structures, poor strategic planning, and history of continuous expansion mean that institutions adapt by adding. The result: Campuses are overbuilt and underutilized. Instead of shared spaces and seamless, supportive experiences, we’re left with sprawling campuses and spiraling costs. With enrollments, research funding, and our climate all changing, it’s time for a new model and a new mantra: Grow in place rather than add more space.

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Conference Presentations,Conference Recordings

Published
June 16, 2025

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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.

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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.

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Conference Presentations

Published
April 3, 2025

Holistic Methods and Research for Creating Campus Environments of Belonging

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.

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Conference Presentations

Published
April 3, 2025

Rooted Resilience: CSUMB Expands Student Offerings Through Regional Connections

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.

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Trends for Higher Education

Published
March 19, 2025

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Trends Inside Higher Education | Spring 2025

By: Apryl Motley, CAE

What are key movements and trends within higher education? From addressing pandemic learning loss to grappling with generative AI in the classroom, learn the forces and changes directly impacting higher education, now and in the future.
Abstract: Integrated planning prepares your institution for change by ensuring its decisions are informed by realities in the external environment.

What are key movements and trends within higher education? From addressing pandemic learning loss to grappling with generative AI in the classroom, learn the forces and changes directly impacting higher education, now and in the future.

This issue curates and summarizes 40-50 trends happening inside the world of higher education that could impact colleges and universities. Each trend includes a brief summary, a footnoted source, and discussion questions to help you analyze and act on the trend.

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Blog Post

Published
January 15, 2025

We’re All in Labor

A Different Perspective on Higher Education Institutions Working with Unions

By: Apryl Motley, CAE, SASM

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