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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
April 16, 2026

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From Institutional Advancement to Termination

Leading the Memphis College of Art Closure

By: R. Eric Platt, PhD

The college’s closure demonstrates that integrated planning is not limited to growth and expansion. It also offers a practical framework for aligning people, resources, and obligations when an institution must contract and ultimately close.

From Volume 54 Number 3 | April–June 2026

Abstract: This article examines the leadership decisions and processes implemented by the Memphis College of Art (MCA), following the 2017 decision to close due to financial debt and declining enrollment. Rather than ceasing operations immediately, MCA leaders executed a three-year teach-out plan while liquidating assets, repaying debts, and laying off employees, all while ensuring a legally compliant dissolution. As many colleges face longevity pressures, this case offers a rare look at how closure can be managed transparently, strategically, and with commitment to student success through an integrated planning approach that aligns academic, financial, and facilities decisions during the institution’s final years.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
January 20, 2026

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Beyond Compliance

Building a Sustainable Assessment Framework for Continuous Improvement at Scale

By: Amanda M. Main, PhD, and Sean W.G. Robb, PhD

A case study of a public university’s college of business administration contributes empirical evidence of scaling challenges and offers a transferable framework for institutions seeking to enhance assessment capabilities while maintaining faculty engagement.

From Volume 54 Number 2 | January–March 2026

Abstract: Using a longitudinal case study spanning two decades (2003–2022), the authors analyzed how a large public university’s college of business administration designed a system that balanced institutional assessment needs with faculty workload considerations. Their findings revealed that successful large-scale assessment systems require: (1) multilevel organizational structures with clear staff roles, (2) embedded assessment measures leveraging existing coursework, (3) technological infrastructure to streamline data collection, and (4) robust feedback mechanisms ensuring interventions are implemented and evaluated. The study contributes empirical evidence of scaling challenges and offers a transferable framework for large institutions seeking to enhance assessment capabilities while maintaining faculty engagement.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
December 1, 2025

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Coordinating Complexity

Streamline Institutional Change Through Integrated Planning

By: Will Miller, PhD, Danielle Farris, MS, Katelyn Nelson, BS, and Nicole Wallace, BS

The authors replaced a costly, time-intensive model with a SharePoint-based system to transform sprawling processes into responsive systems for growth.

From Volume 54 Number 1 | October–December 2025

Abstract: With over 100 programs and 113 sites across 28 states and multiple countries, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University faced mounting complexity in managing institutional changes. Previously, each change we made required meetings with up to 30 participants from more than 20 offices, including Financial Aid, Facilities, Academic Affairs, IT, and Site Management. Through integrated planning, we replaced that costly, time-intensive model with a SharePoint- based system for asynchronous collaboration. The shift fostered transparency, reduced delays, and empowered cross-functional alignment. The project exemplifies how intentional design and relationship-building can transform sprawling processes into coordinated, responsive systems prepared for institutional growth and change.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
April 4, 2025

Institutional Transformation and Successful Accreditation Review Through Data-Informed Collaboration

Gain Accountability with Values-Based Integrated Planning

By: Shawna Herwick, MSW, and Paul Illich, PhD

Implementing a values-based integrated planning framework equipped Southeast Community College to leverage the data it collected to build and strengthen relationships, align the institution within and across divisions, and prepare for change. The efforts led to the successful modernization of facilities, historic enrollment growth, staffing increases, other operational improvements, and a positive accreditation outcome.

From Volume 53 Number 2 | January–March 2025

Abstract: Southeast Community College (SCC) applied an integrated framework approach to inform all aspects of its successful comprehensive accreditation review. Following decades of reviews leading to monitoring and focused visits to address opportunities for improvement, SCC managed its most recent comprehensive assessment through integrated planning to ensure the accreditation process coincided with building relationships, aligning divisions and departments, and promoting a culture that is well prepared for change. This structured and focused integrated planning method for comprehensive accreditation review was associated with a successful outcome that involved no monitoring or required follow-up for the first time in the College’s accreditation history.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
October 29, 2024

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The Devil and the Detail

Using Headcount and FTE in the Planning Process

By: Karen E. Hinton, PhD

Often, student, faculty, and staff headcount and FTE can be misunderstood and misused. Understanding crucial factors about these data sets can strengthen the planning process.

From Volume 52 Number 4 | July–September 2024

Abstract: Everyone involved in planning activities will be aware of the use of data in the process. Data-driven planning is ubiquitous in all planning processes but can be a weak spot for many planners. The difficulty for most people is that the very mention of “data” can make eyes glaze over. Some of the least understood and most misused data are student, faculty, and staff headcount and FTE (full-time equivalent). Understanding some critical factors about these data sets can help demystify them and strengthen the planning process.

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Blog Post

Published
August 9, 2024

Slight Differences and Lots of Similarities

Two Conference Presenters Both Advocate for Developing and Improving Planning Culture

By: Melodie Greer, MEd, Bryn Athyn College

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 23, 2024

The Architecture of Belonging: Informing Planning Through Social Research

By: Christopher Gluesing, Senior Director, Planning & Project Delivery | Loren Rullman, Principal & Director, Higher Education| Brian Schermer, Principal & Director, Design Research | Lora Strigens, VP Planning & Facilities

A sense of belonging is critical for student wellbeing, engagement, and academic success.
Abstract: A sense of belonging is critical for student wellbeing, engagement, and academic success. Social research at Marquette University illuminates how students from different identity groups perceive campus places and informs campus planning priorities. Guided by social research and inclusive placemaking, this session highlights strategies, frameworks, and implications for fostering belonging in diverse campus environments. We'll explore participatory mapping and other tactics for assessing campus belonging from a physical place perspective as well as proposing research-informed changes for future policy, operational, and design interventions.

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 23, 2024

Leveraging Progressive Design-Build Delivery for Capital Projects

By: Brandon Dekker, Principal | Brian Pratt, Associate Vice Chancellor and Campus Architect | Marijke Smit, Principal, Education Strategies | Khristina Stone, Preconstruction Manager

California recently passed legislation that permits its public entities to leverage Progressive Design-Build (PDB) delivery methods for capital projects.
Abstract: California recently passed legislation that permits its public entities to leverage Progressive Design-Build (PDB) delivery methods for capital projects. Other states are following suit, which will upend traditional planning and design processes. This session will outline necessary changes to pre-design planning processes and considerations to set projects up for success under a PDB delivery model. We'll share tools that will help you achieve better outcomes in your planning and design processes, including lessons learned from our own successes and challenges of using PDB as a project delivery method.

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