Learning Resources

Abstract: Times of rapid change can interrupt operations and implementation efforts. Preventing this requires an ability to quickly adapt our programs and offerings to the changing landscape. Unfortunately, operational complexity and the disorienting nature of uncertainty become a hurdle to rapid response. Either we get overwhelmed trying to identify all that needs to change, or we respond haphazardly, missing crucial details.

Contingency planning can help. It is a method for preparing for potential changes that identifies how operations and action plans need to shift in response. It can also be used to respond to changes after they happen.

The Campus Contingency Planner is a template for lightweight, rapid contingency planning. It guides you through a process that identifies the impacts of change, how decisions during contingency planning will be made, and the operational components of programs and offerings that will need to be adapted in response.

Whether you manage student-facing programs (like academic programs or student affairs activities), or direct services that are internally supportive (like space management or IT), the Campus Contingency Planner can help you respond to change with flexibility, minimizing disruption and moving your institution forward.

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.

Abstract: Implementing changes at institutions that operate under a distributive leadership model can be challenging because academic and support units are siloed. This article presents an example of one midsize, public, research institution’s successful strategy for “catching,” or identifying and managing, substantive changes using integrated planning. Through a centralized team of academic and support unit representatives, the academic units shared planned substantive changes, received feedback, and adjusted. The institution’s substantive change policy, infrastructure, and collaborative culture ensured the changes did not slip through the cracks or hit significant roadblocks. This article shares how the team operated, giving recommendations for institutions implementing the change practice.

Abstract: A codified planning and resource alignment process can elevate institutional planning culture and help ensure the alignment of resources to the strategic plan. We'll show how planning and resource alignment are part of a systematic, data-informed, and integrated approach to achieving an institution's mission and vision. You'll walk away from this session with templates and logistical knowledge for effective implementation of annual planning and resource alignment as a part of an institutional integrated planning process.

Abstract: Flexible classroom space is at a premium, making it necessary to link design with utilization to facilitate projected academic program growth. Including faculty in classroom planning and design processes is a vital part of supporting pedagogical innovation in campus learning spaces. This session will highlight recent strategic planning efforts with faculty and staff at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) focused on Central Pool classrooms and support for teaching and learning. We'll share ideas about how to facilitate collaboration between faculty, staff, and experts in the industry to maintain and advance flexible classrooms that support pedagogy and program development.

Abstract: Intentional leadership is necessary for moving an organization from a revolving state of reactive whirlwind into a future with integrated strategic focus. This session will discuss leadership principles for moving an organization strategically forward during a period of unprecedented challenge and change. You'll gain insight into using futuring and vision in tandem with internal and external scanning to develop strategic focus, and consider a change-responsive institutional planning framework and strategic planning approach. Come discover how you can help generate the lessons learned and leadership tactics for an intentional future.

Abstract: No two individuals are 'wired' to process information or stimuli in their environment in the same way, yet the design of campus environments often focuses on the 'norm'. Meeting diverse needs on a spectrum of neurodiversity is an emerging concern for educational planning and design. We'll explore how physical environments can impact the educational experience by planning for neurodiversity and identify planning considerations that support equitable, inclusive campus environments to meet diverse social, emotional, and cognitive needs. This session aims to increase awareness, fluency, and sensitivity to assist planning efforts addressing neurodiversity that positively impact the built environment and the holistic experience and wellbeing of the campus community.