Learning Resources

Abstract: Integrated planning leverages stakeholder insights and knowledge to make better, more informed decisions. No stakeholder is more important than our students, which is why we’re releasing a special issue of Trends focusing on their perspectives.

This Trends for Higher Education: The Student Voices Edition describes student perspectives on four trends featured in recent issues of Trends for Higher Education. Campus Sonar, a social listening firm, collected data from social platforms like Reddit and X to analyze what students are saying about artificial intelligence, their personal finances, enrollment and attrition decisions, and international students.

Learn more about the opinions, reactions, and perspectives students have about these critical issues, preparing your institution to engage with your students in a more informed way.

Use this report to:

• Inform your student stakeholder engagement strategies
• Develop questions for student surveys and focus groups
• Benchmark against findings from your student stakeholder engagement efforts
• Add context to what you’ve learned about your students and their perspectives

Abstract: The Brandt Behavioral Health Treatment Center and Retreat of Rutgers University is the first of its kind. As a unique response to adolescent behavioral health challenges, Rutgers is developing a new clinical and research program along with a two-building on-campus residential and outpatient facility. Mental health challenges are rising among young people, and these issues require inventive and accessible solutions. This session will demonstrate how sustainable, biophilic building design can support an innovative, integrated approach to the mental health treatment of adolescents and young adults.

Abstract: Administrators at colleges and universities across the country face mounting concerns over enrollment rates, curricular rigor, and climbing real estate costs. These challenges are particularly daunting for liberal arts institutions, many of which have pivoted or are pivoting to STEM programs out of necessity. Cross-disciplinary colocation strategies can enhance hands-on learning opportunities while optimizing spatial and financial resources. This article explores the planning approach to forming mutually successful partnerships between dissimilar academic programs through mission-oriented cross-functional collaboration, including examples of tools and processes for data-informed decision-making.

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: 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: This session will delve into the creation of a strategic plan at The Ohio State University (OSU) and its academic medical center. The plan leverages program development and integration of enrollment as well as DEI plans to advance goals and meet workforce needs. We'll share approaches for cross-functional collaboration and aligning up, down, and across an organization through stakeholder engagement. We'll also provide an overview of how an integrated academic plan shifts from development to implementation. Join us to learn from OSU's project roadmap, which includes tools to engage internal and external partners and drive implementation.

Abstract: Academic medical centers sit at the intersection of health care, education, and research in service of the community. New models of care delivery, work, and learning require these systems to adapt and innovate to remain relevant while addressing regional health care demands and advancing strategic priorities. We discuss planning strategies to empower institutions to align capital with their mission to achieve longstanding success. This article shares best practices for comprehensive integrated planning processes across tripartite missions to meet growing and evolving demands, build consensus and a shared vision, and successfully prepare for implementation.

Abstract: How do you provide a safe space for authentic and inclusive dialogue while addressing a contentious topic in higher education? How do you provide the opportunity and education needed for your campus community to recalibrate their thinking when a response is needed right away? We worked through these issues in the development of an Artificial Intelligence institutional statement and department guidelines at our art and design institution. It wasn’t easy, and we’re still learning, but our case study might provide change management strategies you can use at your own institution.