Learning Resources

Keeping the Focus Month by Month

Improve Stakeholder Engagement and Outcomes with a Goal Communications Calendar

By: Tina Dee, MS

By strategically aligning monthly communications with its institutional goals, Muskegon Community College increased its connection with students, employees, and the community while reinforcing a shared sense of ownership.

From Volume 53 Number 3 | April–June 2025

Abstract: Muskegon Community College’s (MCC) Goal in Focus communications program reshaped stakeholder engagement and strengthened institutional alignment, driving more effective strategic outcomes. Grounded in the Society for College and University Planning’s Integrated Planning Competencies, our approach fostered a planning culture that is transparent, adaptable, and collaborative. By strategically aligning monthly communications with its institutional goals, MCC increased engagement with students, employees, and the community while reinforcing a shared sense of ownership. A goal-focused communications calendar enriches sustainability, builds relationships, strengthens alignment, and improves preparedness for change.

Institutions Mentioned: Muskegon Community College
Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Tags: Communication, Community College, Engaging Stakeholders, Goals, Implementation

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Conference Presentations

Published
May 20, 2025

Delivering a Renovated Learning Commons for an Engaged Academic Community

Abstract: Integrated planning is essential for delivering campus facilities that support institutional vision and create a strong student academic experience. Juniata College was at a crossroads related to vision and curriculum direction while it was launching a comprehensive campaign that prioritized a library renovation. This session will focus on one provost's vision for planning and designing a learning commons around a new curriculum and share post-occupancy data to define what worked. Come learn how the planning, funding, and design process behind this inclusive facility has dramatically increased library use by students, faculty, and outside groups.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Funding, Informal Learning Environments, Learning Commons, Library, Library Planning, Post-Occupancy Evaluation, Renovation, SCUP 2025 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference

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Conference Presentations

Published
April 3, 2025

Rooted Resilience: CSUMB Expands Student Offerings Through Regional Connections

Abstract: California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) has modeled social, environmental, and economic resilience planning by forging creative partnerships, expanding student offerings, and cultivating multi-source funding. We'll demonstrate how CSUMB leverages local resources?Äîsuch as the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary?Äîto offer world-class opportunities to students who wouldn't typically have access. Join us to gain actionable strategies for creating student-centered, locally-relevant learning environments that support the regional ecosystem, attract industry partnerships, drive local innovation, and boost academic and career outcomes.

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Blog Post

Published
January 15, 2025

We’re All in Labor

A Different Perspective on Higher Education Institutions Working with Unions

By: Apryl Motley, CAE, SASM

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 23, 2024

Campus Master Planning as a Catalyst for Broader Economic Development

By: Suzanne Klein, Principal, Associate Vice President | Mark McCormick, President

In the face of unprecedented changes, Middlesex College is tackling pressing issues to stay relevant by conducting community outreach, developing partnerships to address workforce changes, supporting non-traditional students, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Abstract: In the face of unprecedented changes, Middlesex College is tackling pressing issues to stay relevant by conducting community outreach, developing partnerships to address workforce changes, supporting non-traditional students, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We'll share how Middlesex went beyond enrollment metrics and traditional master planning strategies with an innovative plan that involves the county and community in supporting a variety of campus and regional initiatives. Come learn how you can apply innovative approaches at your institution to transform long-term academic and master planning while leading cultural changes?internally and externally?and prepare your campus for a post-pandemic world.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Attracting and Retaining Underrepresented Students, Economic Development, Master Plan, SCUP 2024 Annual Conference, Workforce Development

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Democratizing Data to Close Equity Gaps

Engage Teams to Dismantle Systemic Barriers That Impede Student Success

By: Neva Lozada, EdD, Carlos Rodriguez, EdD, Michael Salvatore, PhD, and Joseph Youngblood, II, JD, PhD

Kean University strategically reframed and visualized student data, merged planning processes, and harnessed analytics to dismantle impediments to bridging equity gaps in higher education.

From Volume 52 Number 3 | April–June 2024

Abstract: Through the inception of the Division of Strategic Analytics and Data Illumination (SADI), Kean University has cultivated a capacity for data literacy and analytics, empowering its community to employ data for evidence-based decision-making to overcome barriers to student success.
Employing optimal practices in integrated planning, SADI unified disparate offices into one cohesive data team to strategically reframe and visualize student data, identifying specific needs for continual improvement. This article underscores SADI’s initiatives in democratizing data, merging planning processes, and harnessing analytics to dismantle impediments to student success, particularly in bridging equity gaps in higher education.

Institutions Mentioned: Kean University
Planning Types: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning, Institutional Effectiveness Planning
Tags: Alignment, Assessment / Analytics, Attracting and Retaining Underrepresented Students, Dashboards, Data, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Engaging Stakeholders, Organizational Change, Racial Equity, Student Retention, Student Success, Underserved Students

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What Constitutes Tribal College and University Sustainability?

Research Develops a Framework to Begin the Conversation

By: David Sanders, PhD

Historical successes and challenges join missions, visions, and strategic plans for a glimpse of what TCU institutions are emphasizing, today and in the future.

From Volume 52 Number 2 | January – March 2024

Abstract: This article uses available Tribal College and University (TCU) missions, visions, and strategic plans as well as dissertations focused on TCU research to develop a framework to begin the conversation about what constitutes sustainability for the institutions. The dissertations offer an opportunity to look at historical successes and challenges, while TCU missions, visions, and strategic plans provide a glimpse of what the institutions are emphasizing currently and in the future. Both present elements to consider as part of a larger TCU sustainability framework.