Learning Resources

‘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

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

‘Colorblind-Spots’ in Campus Design

Planners and Architects Can Offer Solutions That Center on Social Justice

By: Amara H. Pérez, PhD

Educational leaders are noting that conventional campus design planning efforts have neglected to include the voices of historically underserved communities. Socio-spatial inquiry can help institutions offer an equity approach to inclusivity and authentic engagement.

From Volume 49 Number 1 | October–December 2020

Abstract: To gain a broader understanding of how educational equity is linked to campus design, architects and planners must critically examine community engagement practices. Using critical race theory (CRT) as a framework has exposed racial exclusion and colorblind practices in traditional planning processes. While outreach strategies have received greater scrutiny, less examined are the questions that direct those activities. If the prevailing understanding of a design problem is informed by colorblind inquiry, then design solutions hold little promise to improve social impact on communities most affected by educational inequity. Socio-spatial inquiry offers an equity approach to inclusive outreach and authentic engagement.

Planning Types: Campus Planning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning
Tags: Community Engagement, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Racial Equity

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Example Plans

Published
February 2, 2022

Example Plan

Private Baccalaureate College (Wisconsin, United States)

This short-duration strategic framework describes goals and very specific action steps to guide the institution through the current, globally tumultuous era.

Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Tags: Attracting and Retaining Underrepresented Students, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Enrollment Management, Goals, Racial Equity, Strategies and Tactics, Student Recruitment

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Example Plans

Published
August 8, 2023

Strategic Plan, Strategic Planning Website

Public Doctoral/Research University (Colorado, United States)

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Webinar Recordings

Published
April 20, 2021

A Different Kind of SMART

Using Performance-Oriented Metrics to Redefine Success in a Forward-Focused Research Lab

By: Carlos Perez Rubio, AIA, LEED AP, HERA laboratory planners | Sarah T. Smith, NCARB, LEED GA, Auburn University | Clay Stafford, HERA laboratory planners

In this presentation, we discuss how to identify and select appropriate metrics—equally focused on education and research—for evaluating “SMART” research laboratories.

Abstract: “SMART” built environments usually refer to buildings with embedded technologies that allow them to run as efficiently as possible. Yet for research institutions, that definition should be expanded beyond efficiency to include metrics that are used to quantify research productivity and accomplishments. The expected useful life of the building and individual labs, research dollars generated per square foot, intellectual property generated, and successful recruitment and retainment of researchers are but a few bottom line-oriented measures that colleges and universities use. By embracing the business side of higher education, architects can create even smarter built environments.

In this presentation, we discuss how to identify and select appropriate metrics for institutions that are equally focused on education and research. What objective and subjective measures can be considered? Are these metrics applicable in our new (hopefully) post-COVID reality? How are institutions reallocating space in this new reality? How do we redefine the future of “smart” higher education research facilities?

Institutions Mentioned: Auburn University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Planning, Laboratory Facility, Learning Environments, Selecting Metrics, Space Assessment

Member Price:
$39 | Login

Non-Member Price:
$69

Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
April 1, 2018

A Framework for Planning Organizational Diversity

Applying Multicultural Practice in Higher Education Work Settings

By: Jeffery L. Wilson

Cox’s model is used to determine whether a unit is on its way to becoming an effective multicultural organization, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

From Volume 46 Number 3 | April–June 2018

Abstract: The study described in this article investigated diversity in a unit within a postsecondary institution using the model described by Cox in Creating the Multicultural Organization by verifying the unit’s view of diversity, examining existing strategies used for diversity, evaluating consistencies, and identifying areas of improvement. The study included an analysis of unit employees to verify broad diversity by race and gender and an interview with senior leadership about the strategic plan for the unit on matters related to diversity. Overall analysis showed that the unit is doing better than most peer institutions in hiring female and minority candidates for positions. However, there are gaps in the unit’s approach to diversity that impact its ability to be an effective multicultural organization.

Planning Types: Strategic Planning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning
Tags: Athletic Department, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Organizational Culture, Original Research, Racial Equity, Unit Planning

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
February 1, 1975

A Laboratory Campus for the Handicapped

By: Kreon L. Cyros,O. Robert Simha

From Volume 4 Number 1 | February 1975

Abstract: Through design or redesign of conventional structures, the physically and visually handicapped can easily use many conveniences and facilities previously unavailable to them. The authors describe several efforts to enable the handicapped to learn about the physical structures of their community and to move about their environment more freely.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Accessibility, Laboratory Facility, Learning Environments

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Conference Recordings

Published
October 20, 2020

2020 North Central Regional Conference | October 2020

A Research-Based Approach to Designing Higher Education Academic Spaces

By: Ellen Dickson, President, Bailey Edward Architecture | Walter Hainsfurther, Assistant Director for Project Management, Architecture, University of Illinois at Chicago | William Bradford, Associate Director, Capital Projects, University of Illinois at Chicago

This session will explore the new Academic and Residential Complex at the University of Illinois at Chicago to demonstrate the important role that research played in shaping its design.

Abstract: Conducting and applying research is a crucial step in designing effective twenty-first century learning environments. This session will explore the new Academic and Residential Complex at the University of Illinois at Chicago to demonstrate the important role that research played in shaping its design. Come learn how to use research techniques and resulting data to guide your design approach and create cutting-edge learning environments at your institution.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Illinois at Chicago
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Facilities Design, Learning Environments, Mixed-Use, SCUP 2020 North Central Regional Conference, Student Housing

Member Price:
$35 | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Conference Recordings

Published
July 16, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

A University’s Successful Campus Relocation Using Integrated Planning

By: Sara Mathov, University of Western States | Rosalia Messina, University of Western States

This session will discuss how the University of Western States used integrated planning and data-informed decision making to design, build, and relocate to a new campus over a two-year period.

Abstract: In this age of rapid change, many institutions must consider reevaluating their campus facilities in major ways. This session will discuss how the University of Western States used integrated planning and data-informed decision making to design, build, and relocate to a new campus over a two-year period. Join us to discover how you can use data collection and analysis strategies combined with constituent engagement to effectively facilitate planning and implementation of adaptable student-centered learning spaces.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Western States
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Alignment, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Planning, Learning Environments, New Campus, Project Management, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference

Member Price:
$35 | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Example Plans

Published
May 31, 2022

Academic Plan

Multiple Locations

This academic plan document enumerates the institution’s academic goals and strategies, with special focus on generating or enhancing interdisciplinary connections between the primary academic themes.

Planning Types: Academic Planning
Resource Types: Academic Plan
Tags: Academic Planning, Canada, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Goals, Health and Wellness, Hybrid Learning, Interdisciplinary, Online Learning, Racial Equity, Science / Engineering, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM), Strategies and Tactics, Sustainability (Environmental), Teaching and Learning

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Planning Types

Challenges