Learning Resources

Supporting Neurodiversity in Higher Education

When Every Space Counts

By: Kathleen Kelly, MBA, AIA, LEED A+P

By integrating several unique campus voices, we can realize that unassignable space is highly valuable to the neurodivergent campus occupant.

From Volume 51 Number 4 | July–September 2023

Abstract: While universities have long been bastions of intellectual diversity, they are now embracing a broader understanding of diversity that extends beyond race, gender, and socioeconomic background. Neurodiversity, a concept celebrating the natural variations in human neurological functioning, is gaining prominence as an essential aspect of fostering a truly inclusive educational environment.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, University of Southern Denmark, Syracuse University, University of California-Berkeley, University of Washington-Seattle Campus, University of Toronto-Downtown Toronto (St. George), Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Accessibility, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Health and Wellness, Informal Learning Environments, Space Assessment

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Seven Lessons in Inclusive Campus Design

Learn How the University of Kentucky Developed Its First DEI Facilities and Spaces Plan

By: Mary Anne Ocampo, MArch, MAUD | Mary S. Vosevich, MBA | Katrice Albert, PhD

Institutions are starting to grapple with histories of developing indigenous lands and the legacy of an able-bodied vernacular within campus design that continues to reinforce in-groups and out-groups.

From Volume 50 Number 3 | April–June 2022

Abstract: A global health crisis intersecting with a racial reckoning has led to a renewed commitment to reflect on complex histories and plan for more inclusive futures on many American campuses. Institutions, which benefitted from traditional hierarchies of power, are starting to grapple with histories of developing indigenous lands and the legacy of a western and able-bodied vernacular within campus design that continues to reinforce in-groups and out-groups. The authors are presently leading first-of-their-kind DEI planning initiatives; in this article they unpack how a public institution is meeting their past head-on to plan better futures.

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Planning Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Campus Environments

By: Shannon Dowling

Student-centered insights on the design of formal learning environments and informal study and lounge spaces can help campuses increase the sense of belonging and improve learning outcomes for underrepresented students. The author is a SCUP Fellow for the 2020–2021 program. Read her full research project final report which infuses student-centered research into a playbook that can guide universities and design teams through key DEI strategies for planning, designing, and assessing physical campus space.

Institutions Mentioned: Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Union University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Accessibility, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Health and Wellness, Informal Learning Environments, Learning Environments, Original Research, Space Assessment, Student Experience, Underserved Students

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Teetering on the Demographic Cliff, Part 3

Different Conditions Require a Different Kind of Planning

By: Bryan C. Harvey, EdD

Higher education has faced major changes for some time—COVID-19 accelerated that volatility—and now we’re anticipating the demographic downslope in student enrollment. How and when should institutions mobilize for the difficult work of planning in the face of wrenching change?

From Volume 50 Number 2 | January–March 2022

Abstract: Part 1 of this series described a major contraction in the pool of college-going 18-year-olds that will reverse decades of growth and stability for higher education. Part 2 explored how we can shape a planning context that supports success in the coming 10 or 20 years. Part 3 suggests how our approach to planning must shift to prepare for abrupt change.

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Teetering on the Demographic Cliff, Part 2

Turning Away from the Challenge Is the Riskiest Strategy of All

By: Bryan C. Harvey, EdD

Higher education has faced major changes for some time—COVID-19 accelerated that volatility—and now we’re anticipating the demographic downslope in student enrollment. How and when should institutions mobilize for the difficult work of planning in the face of wrenching change?

From Volume 50 Number 1 | October–December 2021

Abstract: Part 1 of this series described a major contraction in the pool of college-going 18-year-olds that will reverse decades of growth and stability for higher education. Drawing on the path-breaking analysis of Carleton College economist Nathan Grawe, it outlined how widespread but variable the change will be, and discussed some of the effects—on enrollment, revenue, facilities, staffing, and more—for which colleges and universities should be preparing. This Part 2 explores these implications: How can we shape a planning context that supports success in the coming 10 or 20 years? What attitudes and skillsets will remain useful, and what may need to change?

Planning Types: Strategic Enrollment Management Planning
Tags: Cost of Higher Ed, COVID-19, Demographics, Enrollment Management, Funding, Resiliency, Shrinking Pool of Potential Students, Student Demographics, Trends External to Higher Ed, US

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Teetering on the Demographic Cliff, Part 1

Prepare Now for the Challenging Times Ahead

By: Bryan C. Harvey, EdD

A long-term decline in birth rates raises fundamental planning questions for higher education as the pool of 18-year-olds contracts after 2025. How can planners and leaders use the time we have to prepare for some of the most wrenching changes in a generation?

From Volume 49 Number 4 | July–September 2021

Abstract: A long-term decline in birth rates raises fundamental planning questions for higher education as the pool of 18-year-olds contracts after 2025. This Planning for Higher Education series explores how planners and leaders can use the time we have to prepare for some of the most wrenching changes in a generation. This article, Part 1, surveys the planning horizon as we emerge from COVID-19 and describes the challenges ahead. Part 2 considers specific planning strategies institutions can adopt to meet the challenge. Part 3 tackles perhaps the most daunting challenge: how to mobilize institutions to actually do what needs to be done, however inconvenient (or worse) that may be.

Planning Types: Strategic Enrollment Management Planning
Tags: Cost of Higher Ed, COVID-19, Demographics, Enrollment Management, Funding, Resiliency, Shrinking Pool of Potential Students, Student Demographics, Trends External to Higher Ed, US

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 16, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

Supporting the Whole Student

New Models for Integrated Learning Centers

By: Jonathan Eldridge, College of Marin | Kelly Sanford, brightspot strategy | David Schnee, Group 4 Architecture Research | Stacey Thompson, Chabot College

In this session, we’ll share how the College of Marin and Chabot College's integrated learning centers are serving changing student populations using an inclusive library design approach.

Abstract: Even as 'non-traditional' students become the norm at community colleges, too many campus spaces and services fail to meet their needs. Inclusive engagement strategies can help ensure that we design for today's students. We'll share how the College of Marin and Chabot College's integrated learning centers are serving changing student populations using an inclusive library design approach. You'll learn how incorporating inclusive engagement and outreach in your planning process can result in facilities that allow students to better navigate the 'hidden curriculum' of college life and strengthen campus cohesion.

Institutions Mentioned: Chabot College, College of Marin
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Accessibility, Community College, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Learning Commons, Library, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference, Student Support Services

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 13, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

SCUP Fellow Presentation | Peripheral Vision

Planning and Designing Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Learning Environments

By: Shannon Dowling, 2020–21 SCUP Fellow, Ayers Saint Gross | Eve Klein, CUNY Graduate School and University Center

Gain an early view of a yearlong study into creating a set of metrics for campus planners and facility designers to assess physical space on campus in support of the strategic planning values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Abstract: Gain an early view of a yearlong study into creating a set of metrics for campus planners and facility designers to assess physical space on campus in support of the strategic planning values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We'll review common themes found in strategic plans across institutional typologies and contributing research and studies on the topic. Student input on belonging, including a student design competition, provide thought starters to institutions in the form of scalable vignettes. The vignettes, alongside a developing list of criteria and metrics around campus environments, including outdoor space, building entries, public study and lounge space, formal instructional environments, research labs, and residence halls, will provide a roadmap for translating diversity, equity, and inclusion from core values and strategic themes to impactful, informed, and authentic physical projects.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Accessibility, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Assessment, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Learning Environments, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference, Student Experience

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 13, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

Implementing HyFlex Learning Environments

Access, Equity, and Continuity

By: Brian Beatty, San Francisco State University

In this presentation, we’ll: 1) explain the HyFlex teaching approach, 2) briefly review design values and principles, and 3) consider ways that faculty and design professionals can create accessible, equitable and high-quality learning for all students, regardless of participation mode.

Abstract: HyFlex courses and programs provide opportunities for both classroom and online learning, allowing students to choose their participation mode for each class session. In this presentation, we’ll: 1) explain the HyFlex teaching approach, 2) briefly review design values and principles, and 3) consider ways that faculty and design professionals can create accessible, equitable and high-quality learning for all students, regardless of participation mode. We'll also discuss implications for institutional planning associated with the implementation of HyFlex courses and programs.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Accessibility, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Online Learning, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference, Teaching and Learning

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 13, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

Planning the Future of the Past at Lincoln University

By: Brenda Allen, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania | Greg Havens, Sasaki | Dominique Hawkins, Preservation Design Partnership, LLC

Join us to find out how your institution can incorporate its history within its vision, develop strategies for historic building stabilization and renewal, and integrate building strategies with broader campus planning goals.

Abstract: During a challenging time in higher education, Lincoln University offers important lessons for small liberal arts institutions and HBCUs seeking to renew their future vision while honoring and integrating their past. At Lincoln University, a renewed interest in institutional and campus history is inspiring a bold vision for a small liberal arts campus and its culturally-significant buildings. Join us to find out how your institution can incorporate its history within its vision, develop strategies for historic building stabilization and renewal, and integrate building strategies with broader campus planning goals.

Institutions Mentioned: Lincoln University of Pennsylvania
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Accessibility, Facilities Planning, Historic Preservation, Historically Black College or University (HBCU), SCUP 2021 Annual Conference

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Planning Types

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