Learning Resources

Why Strategic Plans Aren’t Working in Uncertain Times

Because Strategic Planning Should Be a Dynamic, Robust Process

By: Daniel Seymour, PhD

The author’s approach to his research-based Strategic Planning in Uncertain Times Fieldbook began with a sampling review of 50 strategic plans. What emerged was the development of an organizational learning cycle used as a template to assess the effectiveness of strategic plans on more than 250 college and university websites.

From Volume 52 Number 3 | April–June 2024

Abstract: A strategic plan is supposed to “bring the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” Almost every college or university has such a plan because accreditors and governing boards require one. The question is: Why do so many higher education institutions seem to be unprepared when they take drastic actions (e.g., eliminating programs, cutting faculty and staff members, etc.) in uncertain times? The author studied more than 250 colleges and universities and suggests the answer in this article.

Institutions Mentioned: Methodist University, Fontbonne University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, West Virginia University
Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Tags: Adaptable Plans, Alignment, Building (or Writing) the Plan, Change Management, Implementation, Institutional Planning, Leadership, Leadership Attitude Toward Planning, Mission / Vision / Identity, Organizational Change, Planning Processes, Preparing to Plan

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Planning Takes Tragedy to Triumph

Removing a Campus Wall Raised Community Engagement and Neighborhood Support

By: Timothy Shippey, MArch, and José Ramón Tagle, MArch

After the 2017 earthquake in Mexico City, Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey underwent a transformative rebuilding process. Civic engagement was prioritized, resulting in buy-in, support, and representation from the community.

From Volume 52 Number 3 | April–June 2024

Abstract: After the 2017 earthquake in Mexico City, Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey’s campus underwent a transformative rebuilding process that emerged as a pedagogical prototype for the university system. This article explores the design strategies that prioritized civic engagement, resulting in buy-in, support, and representation from the community. It also describes the methodology behind blurring the boundaries between the university and its surroundings through lean principles in set-based design, strategies for resilient building, and insights into effective collaboration.

Institutions Mentioned: Tecnológico de Monterrey
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Campus Master Planning, Community Engagement, Crisis and Disaster Management, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Landscape / Open Space, Mixed-Use, Security, Town and Gown, Urban Campus

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‘Agile’ Design for the Future-Ready Campus

Optimize the HyFlex Learning Experience to Enhance Engagement

By: Craig Park, BS Arch

‘Agile’ project management is an iterative methodology emphasizing collaboration, user feedback, and small, rapid initiatives to adapt quickly and efficiently to change.

From Volume 52 Number 3 | April–June 2024

Abstract: The Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) classroom allows students to choose between in-person and online participation, leveraging technology and ensuring digital equity. This article underscores the HyFlex model’s role in enhancing educational accessibility, engagement, and resilience; expanding institutional reach; and adapting to demographic shifts and technological advancements. By embracing “Agile” project management principles and a continuous improvement mindset, institutions can create effective, inclusive learning environments that cater to a wide range of student needs, improving learning outcomes and institutional competitiveness in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Planning Types: Campus Planning, Information Technology Planning
Tags: Continuous Improvement, Facilities Planning, Hybrid Learning, Learning Environments, Learning Technology, Online Learning, Project Management

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Diving Into Data

Space Utilization Analysis Can Address Course Scheduling Challenges, Classroom Consolidation Issues, and Deferred Maintenance Priorities

By: Minta Ferguson, BArch, AIA, and Tom Savory, MArch, FAIA

Using data analytics and reviewing facility conditions helped Newberry College enhance space utilization and create a dynamic, adaptable campus.

From Volume 52 Number 2 | January–March 2024

Abstract: A proactive approach to master planning, rooted in empirical evidence and stakeholder input, can be emulated on campuses nationwide. The article’s authors show how a space analysis, if implemented correctly, can provide an institution’s decision-makers with the valuable data needed to create a dynamic and adaptable campus environment.

Institutions Mentioned: Newberry College
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Campus Master Planning, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Planning, Landscape / Open Space, Space Assessment, Space Management

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 19, 2024

Designing Beyond the Binary to Foster Belonging

By: Melissa Falkenstien, University of California-Irvine | Elizabeth MacPherson Hearn, Mithun | K Kaczmarek, Mithun | Jennifer Nelson Martinez, University of California-Irvine

Today’s students are coming to school with diverse gender identities.

Abstract: Today’s students are coming to school with diverse gender identities. Designing facilities with gender equity in mind helps to support marginalized communities and future proof the campus. This session will present case studies and inclusive best practices for ‘designing beyond the binary’ to foster belonging in campus housing, restrooms, and gathering spaces. You’ll discover strategies to foster belonging and wellbeing for a spectrum of gender identities through programming and operations as well as learn about design tools and tips to create belonging in spatial environments.

Planning Types: Campus Planning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Informal Learning Environments, LGBTQIA, Student Demographics, Student Housing

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Published
March 18, 2024

Integrating Indigenous Experience into Vital Placemaking on Campus

By: Dawn Barron, The Evergreen State College | Matthew Bissen, INTEGRUS Architecture | Emily Washines, Native Friends

Planning for inclusive spaces where students can see themselves and achieve success requires critical approaches, diverse perspectives, and representative processes.

Abstract: Planning for inclusive spaces where students can see themselves and achieve success requires critical approaches, diverse perspectives, and representative processes. This session will explore ways of incorporating indigenous experiences and perspectives into the process of placemaking, using The Evergreen State College’s (TESC) renovation of the Seminar 1 building?Äîhome of the Native Pathways Program?Äîas a case study. Join us to find out how you can improve your planning and design processes to create inclusive, vital places of life, learning, and wellbeing on your campus.

Planning Types: Campus Planning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Planning, Informal Learning Environments, Placemaking

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 5, 2024

New School of Nursing: Innovative Educational Technologies Wrapped in Tradition

By: Debra Nauta-Rodriguez, The Catholic University of America | Nicole Ostrander, Ayers Saint Gross | Jennifer Stone, Robert A.M. Stern Architects | Thomas Striegel, The Catholic University of America

Many campuses face challenges integrating with their surrounding urban contexts. Gateway buildings along campus edges can reinvigorate campus-city connectivity while a contextual design can contribute to an institution’s sense of place.

Abstract: Many campuses face challenges integrating with their surrounding urban contexts. Gateway buildings along campus edges can reinvigorate campus-city connectivity while a contextual design can contribute to an institution’s sense of place. The Catholic University of America’s newly completed School of Nursing and gateway plaza serves as a threshold between the urban fabric and pastoral landscape with a collegiate gothic exterior and an educationally advanced, innovative interior. This session will illustrate a project case study that engages the surrounding urban context with sustainable, responsible design, combining a historically responsive exterior with technology-rich, contemporary interior spaces.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Design, Flexible Learning Spaces, Landscape / Open Space, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Learning Environments, Medical / Allied Health Facility

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 5, 2024

Evaluating the Influence of Design on Social Impact Education

By: Anya Grant, Leo A Daly | Todd McGarvey, University of Maryland-Baltimore | Irena Savakova, Leo A Daly

In order for institutions to support students’ desire for engagement and impact within their local, regional, and national communities, they must plan and design spaces that foster instruction, discourse, and invention. 2024

Abstract: In order for institutions to support students’ desire for engagement and impact within their local, regional, and national communities, they must plan and design spaces that foster instruction, discourse, and invention. This session will evaluate Thurgood Marshall Hall on its promise as an integrated scholar-practitioner community within the University of Maryland’s (UMD) Do Good Campus for social impact education. After a year of occupation, we’ll share how we conducted a qualitative assessment of the building with a wide cross-section of stakeholders and how the resulting lessons will impact the campus’s ‘Do Good’ mission and inform future planning and design.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Collaborative Learning, Facilities Assessment, Flexible Learning Spaces, Informal Learning Environments, Learning Environments, Student Experience

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The Stories in These Walls

Integrated Planning Throughout Capital Projects Can Fuel Donor Engagement and Enhance Stewardship

By: John Roberson, MBA, and Toby Marlatt, BA

Cross-functional teams at the University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and University of North Dakota effectively used storytelling techniques to position donors within the narrative of the universities’ missions and strategic plans.

From Volume 52 Number 2 | January–March 2024

Abstract: Engaging donors at the planning stage of a capital project is a critical step in the campaign’s success. This article describes the use of storytelling techniques in donor outreach at three universities. We outline how cross-functional teams, involving campus planners and architects, university development and marketing and communications staff, and consultant firms, collaboratively planned and implemented donor engagement techniques. A story-oriented integrated project team enhanced philanthropy and stewardship by focusing on student and research outcomes, donor anecdotes, and sketches or conceptual renderings while positioning the donors themselves within the narrative of the university’s mission and strategic plan.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of North Dakota
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Advancement Planning, Business School Facility, Capital Funding, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Design, Facilities Funding, Facilities Planning

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 5, 2024

Planning and Implementing the Sustainable Campus of the Future

By: Nicole Holmes, Nitsch Engineering | Thomas Nyquist, Princeton University | Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP | Natalie Shivers, Princeton University

Integrated planning and design that optimizes development capacity and leverages campus growth can help institutions achieve ambitious resilience goals for net-zero energy and resource conservation for a healthier, more sustainable environment. This session will discuss Princeton University’s ongoing efforts to support an ambitious capital plan, address deferred maintenance, advance climate solutions, and maximize use of campus lands. The path to a sustainable campus future will require institutions to go beyond business-as-usual planning to rethink campus infrastructure—particularly energy, stormwater, and landscapes—and activate high-performance sites and buildings.

Abstract: Integrated planning and design that optimizes development capacity and leverages campus growth can help institutions achieve ambitious resilience goals for net-zero energy and resource conservation for a healthier, more sustainable environment. This session will discuss Princeton University’s ongoing efforts to support an ambitious capital plan, address deferred maintenance, advance climate solutions, and maximize use of campus lands. The path to a sustainable campus future will require institutions to go beyond business-as-usual planning to rethink campus infrastructure—particularly energy, stormwater, and landscapes—and activate high-performance sites and buildings.

Planning Types: Campus Planning, Sustainability Planning
Tags: Capital Planning, Deferred Maintenance, Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Energy Infrastructure, Landscape / Open Space, Resiliency, Sustainability (Environmental), Zero Net Energy (ZNE)

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