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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It Takes a (Virtual) Village

Harper College Accomplished Integrated Campus Planning During a Time of Profound Change

By: Avis Proctor, EdD; Maria Coons, EdD; Krisan Osterby, MLA, ITGA; Stephen Siegle, MArch, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

This large community college successfully embraced virtual communication platforms and moved forward with a viable 10-year plan during a global health crisis, economic turbulence, and technological change.

From Volume 51 Number 2 | January–March 2023

Abstract: Integrated planning during profound change requires extra flexibility and attention to user engagement while utilizing new modes of interaction. This article summarizes a successful virtual and comprehensive planning process, including consensus-building, and approval at Harper College. It reviews results and lessons learned by this large community college as it embraced virtual communication platforms and moved forward with a viable 10-year plan during a global health crisis, economic turbulence, and technological change. The authors share the remote process used to set goals, assess resources, define needs, explore options, and guide decision-making with numerous stakeholders.

Institutions Mentioned: Harper College
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Alignment, Campus Master Planning, Community College, COVID-19, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Assessment, Facilities Planning, Planning Processes, Student Center / Union, SWOT Analysis

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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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Conference Presentations

Published
October 5, 2021

2021 Southern Regional Conference | October 2021

Crossroads of Campus

Reactivating a Stagnant University Center

By: Sujit Chemburkar, University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Jesse Green, Hanbury | Kathryn Horne, University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Randy Knight, MHTN Architects, Inc

In this session, we'll share how we reactivated a stagnant and segmented university center in a long-neglected sector of campus into a new 'crossroads' destination that connects students, faculty, and staff.

Abstract: Healing an entire campus precinct requires vision, impeccable data, and team expertise. In this session, we'll share how we reactivated a stagnant and segmented university center in a long-neglected sector of campus into a new 'crossroads' destination that connects students, faculty, and staff. This modernized university center, which prioritizes wellbeing through its inclusive and accessible design, is the successful result of a phased approach and creative synthesizing of multiple stakeholder needs to deliver consensus. Come learn how to achieve your complex project goals and reactivate your campus as an inclusive, accessible, and connective resource for the entire campus community.

Institutions Mentioned: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Planning, Renovation, SCUP 2021 Southern Regional Conference, Student Center / Union

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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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Conference Recordings

Published
July 12, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

Integrating Inclusivity, Diversity, and Multiculturalism in Design

By: Roland Lemke, CannonDesign | Chris Sligh, Western Michigan University | Paul Terzino, Western Michigan University | Renee V. Wallace, Doers Consulting Alliance

This session will explore the role IDM plays in Western Michigan University's design process and its influence on the development of its new student center.

Abstract: Inclusivity, diversity, and multiculturalism (IDM) is a programmatic driver within higher education, encouraging conversations on how best to serve underrepresented students and create welcoming environments for all. This session will explore the role IDM plays in Western Michigan University's (WMU) design process and its influence on the development of its new student center. Join us to explore how you can foster IDM at your institution and design campus spaces that embrace a broad plurality of students.

Institutions Mentioned: Western Michigan University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference, Student Center / Union

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