Learning Resources

Abstract: Times of rapid change can interrupt operations and implementation efforts. Preventing this requires an ability to quickly adapt our programs and offerings to the changing landscape. Unfortunately, operational complexity and the disorienting nature of uncertainty become a hurdle to rapid response. Either we get overwhelmed trying to identify all that needs to change, or we respond haphazardly, missing crucial details.

Contingency planning can help. It is a method for preparing for potential changes that identifies how operations and action plans need to shift in response. It can also be used to respond to changes after they happen.

The Campus Contingency Planner is a template for lightweight, rapid contingency planning. It guides you through a process that identifies the impacts of change, how decisions during contingency planning will be made, and the operational components of programs and offerings that will need to be adapted in response.

Whether you manage student-facing programs (like academic programs or student affairs activities), or direct services that are internally supportive (like space management or IT), the Campus Contingency Planner can help you respond to change with flexibility, minimizing disruption and moving your institution forward.

Abstract: Institutional representatives must consider a variety of perspectives when managing change in the current higher education environment. This session will explore the many ways in which accreditation is an ideal perspective for supporting institutional change. We'll discuss how to leverage the holistic cycle of accreditation, along with a laser focus on regulatory, policy, and legal issues, in ways that positively influence the future direction of institutions, focus on student success, and drive institutional mission.

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.

Abstract: Traditional, siloed faculty offices are no longer the best option for serving student and staff needs. Open-concept faculty neighborhoods benefit staff by creating a collaborative working environment, and they benefit students by providing space for them to speak openly with professors. This session will demonstrate how innovative faculty neighborhoods increase collaboration and dialogue, supporting the working and learning experience for faculty, students, and the whole institution. We'll demonstrate how you can get the most out of your campus working environments by implementing creative layouts that are designed to boost collaboration and connection while retaining space for personal reflection and rejuvenation.

Abstract: Community colleges are seeing a decline in enrollment while the healthcare sector is experiencing a chronic workforce shortage. These phenomena require us to examine current and future industry needs to inform the development of a sustainable model. This session will highlight a multi-institutional collaboration, informed by Labor Market Intelligence (LMI), that aligns with strategic priorities and seeks to mitigate a critical regional workforce shortage while positioning for long-term sustainability. Come learn strategies for developing consortium agreements among diverse institutions and how to use LMI to inform sustainable collaborative models to address workforce needs and boost enrollment.

Abstract: Campus decarbonization requires flexible and adaptable approaches at all scales. Determining the appropriate mix of action plans helps campuses prepare for an increasing number of existing building performance and carbon reduction policies. The University of Minnesota's (U of M) multi-campus system, one of the largest in the U.S., is planning and taking actions to become net zero. This unconventional approach addresses decarbonization across regional climates, campus-systems, and building scales. In this session, we'll provide transferrable decarbonization planning processes, best practices, and lessons learned from actions across geographical regions, diverse campus-wide energy systems, and existing facilities net zero strategies.

Abstract: Institutions are constrained by housing modern programs within aging facilities. Cornell University's College of Engineering addressed these challenges while collecting programs and enhancing the user experience. This session will explore project goals that resolve pragmatic challenges of aging facilities and evolving programs with interventions that help support the future of academic programs and impact the overall cohesiveness of the larger campus. We'll identify opportunities to solve programmatic and utilitarian challenges within the confines of aging facilities while helping to improve the student experience, recruit researchers, and make connections between buildings and across the campus.