Learning Resources

Abstract: For many years, the focus in higher education has been higher, more, and better. Higher rankings. More programs. Better services. And while these aims can be worthwhile, moments of vulnerability (like the one we're in now) are opportunities to rethink how we go about our work, reconnect to its meaning, and reimagine higher education's place in the world. What if, instead of going higher, what's needed is for us to go deeper?

Hawaiian ways of being and knowing acknowledge the power of going deeper—deeper into our relationships, deeper within our communities, deeper connections with the land. In particular, the power of place recognizes the importance of our surroundings, the people within them, and the interconnectedness of the two. It helps us remember fundamental truths about living in balance with our ecosystems and those we share them with.

In this keynote, Alapaki Nahale-a, a leader in Hawaiian community-building efforts, will share indigenous Hawaiian understandings and insights that can give you a new lens on integrated planning and higher education's role in the world. In particular, he'll share how connecting more deeply—to place and to each other—can be a source of meaning and strength for each of us, regardless of where our "place" is. Let Hawaii and the essence of who we are inspire you to embrace integrated planning as a way to unite us in purpose and action for the greater good.

Abstract: Skilled trades education programs provide a viable and equitable option for students who choose not to pursue a four-year degree. Program expansion into high schools through career and technical education promotes these pathways even further for completion and success. This session will show how Howard Community College (HCC) is responding to labor shortages in skilled trades occupations by creating educational programs and partnerships to provide additional access to high-quality jobs that offer family-sustaining wages and benefits. Join us to discover new approaches to education and partnerships that address equity gaps in economic and professional opportunities in our communities.

Abstract: Regional economic growth is often central to an institution's mission, with co-benefits for learning and research. Effective, equitable industry and government partnerships can open student internship and job opportunities, translate research into community benefits and prosperity, build town-gown synergy, and draw more students, faculty, and resources. In this session, our panel will outline strategies for building effective industry and government partnerships as well as measuring, improving, and communicating results. We'll show you how to find and build partnerships that genuinely, equitably deepen economic impact and student opportunities; critically examine results; make changes to optimize impact; and demonstrate your success.

Abstract: Affordable and accessible higher education is key to upward mobility and community transformation, especially for many rural and remote suburban communities that have limited access to resources. In this session, we'll explore the potential synergies between existing community colleges and their satellite locations. How can institutions drive community-engaged development in places that really need it? Is it better to build on existing assets or to build new? Discover how a community charted its own path toward a new college campus by organizing, passing a bond, and ultimately developing a tech-enabled, high flex learning environment with community space.

Abstract: Integrated planning prepares your institution for change by ensuring its decisions are informed by realities in the external environment.

What are key movements and trends within higher education? From addressing pandemic learning loss to grappling with generative AI in the classroom, learn the forces and changes directly impacting higher education, now and in the future.

This issue curates and summarizes 40-50 trends happening inside the world of higher education that could impact colleges and universities. Each trend includes a brief summary, a footnoted source, and discussion questions to help you analyze and act on the trend.

Abstract: Join Dr. Lynn Akey and Salvador Aceves, Ed. D. for a conversation highlighting insights from SCUP’s Fall Trends in Higher Education Report. This document provides an overview of the important external forces that impact institutional operations—it’s an essential tool for strategic planning, scenario planning, and contingency planning.

Abstract: Planning through an ecosystem lens allows for coordination, innovation, and value exchange for regional strategic partnerships linking learning, work, and economic vitality. Using ecosystemic design, Minnesota State University (MSU), Mankato and the greater Mankato region will partner, innovate, and act in the future tense with the community and business ecosystem to train and sustain the workforce for local to global challenges. Join us to discuss ways of bringing stakeholders together to develop synergistic solutions for connecting university learning experiences and strengthening talent and skills for regional economic development.