Learning Resources

Abstract: Detailed campus master plan documentation for the Texas A&M University’s RELLIS innovation campus, located 15 minutes from the main campus in College Station.

From the executive summary:
“The 2018 RELLIS Campus Master Plan is a planning effort that focuses on supporting The Texas A&M University System as a national leader in high-tech research, innovation, training, and technological development. Key aspects of this plan focus on supporting and guiding campus organization, buildout development, open space networks, facility programming, and improving social amenities located within the campus. Issues considered in this 20-year planning horizon anticipate enrollment growth, increased teaching and research demands, future transportation needs, sustainability, and economic growth. A campus-wide advisory committee included multiple stakeholders which helped shape the strategic goals that will guide the physical development of the campus during the life of the 2018 master plan. The changes presented in this plan are intended to transform the largely undeveloped 1,877 acres of land into a multi-institutional research, testing, and workforce development campus that directly benefits society at large. The 2020 update to this plan reflects additional study and progress on the campus as of December 31, 2019.”

Contents:

• Introduction (includes approach and timeline)
• Background
• The Vision
• Plan Elements
• Infrastructure Plan
• Guidelines
• Signage and Wayfinding
• Appendices

Abstract: When the pandemic forced thousands of faculty and staff to suddenly work remotely last year, colleges and universities faced increased cyber security risk as people used their home computers and other devices. Higher education IT experts Michael Hites, CIO, and George Finney, Chief Security Officer, at Southern Methodist University, address the risk of data loss and planning for continuous business operations when working remotely. This interview illuminates the steps their institution quickly took to help their faculty and staff work more securely and make cybersecurity a habit. Finney is the author of Well Aware: Master the Nine Cybersecurity Habits to Protect Your Future.

Abstract: Contingency planning is key to dealing with the ongoing change and interruptions institutions will need to manage during the COVID-19 pandemic. But many universities do not have adequate contingency plans or lack the ability to quickly adapt their plans to uncertain circumstances. IT has been creating and implementing business continuity plans for years, and IT leaders are some of the few people that see across the entire organization. This discussion will examine how IT continuity activities can both inform and adapt to institutional strategies and needs during a crisis.

Abstract: Panelists Gary David, Bentley University, and Linda Jerrett, Boston University, shared what their campuses are currently doing to not only accommodate students and faculty, but plan for the fall and the future of education technology. They described their approaches to decision making during this time when information is limited and the variables are unknown. This session was moderated by Parke Rhoads, a principal with Vantage Technology Consulting Group, who is an expert in strategic campus technology and is currently working with many higher education institutions during this ‘new normal’.

Abstract: Many professionals have specialized degrees that allow them to solve problems within their disciplines, but their lack of collaboration training can be a roadblock to success. In this session, we will equip you with the tools you need to facilitate and encourage collaboration in your projects. You will learn how to recognize and prevent obstacles to collaboration—both internal and external—to help your coworkers and institution move from simply cooperating to collaborating.

Abstract: Higher education building projects include complex programs, multiple stakeholders, and ambitious expectations that can make the projects go over budget, requiring re-design. We will share how we used transparent predictive cost analytics before and during the programming phase to help key stakeholders prioritize wants and needs, allowing for a successful design-to-budget project. You will learn how to implement a predictive approach that minimizes costly re-design due to budget overruns.

Abstract: Security is personal. It's not a one size fits all solution. Understand the resources available and explore a roadmap to planning security guidelines and a security operations center for your campus. This session provides a framework you can use to develop, implement, and evaluate a security plan. We'll also discuss the role a security operations center plays in campus security and how you can ensure your campus's physical security infrastructure is adequate.

Abstract: FLEXSpace—The Flexible Learning Environments eXchange—and the Learning Space Rating System (LSRS) are tools that can help you plan, design, assess, and improve learning spaces on your campus. In this session, you will learn about the newly released FLEXspace 2.0 along with the LSRS. We'll cover the features and benefits of both tools and how they can be incorporated into the planning process. Come learn how to use these tools to inform designs and support end users from planning through post occupancy.