Learning Resources

Why Strategic Plans Aren’t Working in Uncertain Times

Because Strategic Planning Should Be a Dynamic, Robust Process

By: Daniel Seymour, PhD

The author’s approach to his research-based Strategic Planning in Uncertain Times Fieldbook began with a sampling review of 50 strategic plans. What emerged was the development of an organizational learning cycle used as a template to assess the effectiveness of strategic plans on more than 250 college and university websites.

From Volume 52 Number 3 | April–June 2024

Abstract: A strategic plan is supposed to “bring the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” Almost every college or university has such a plan because accreditors and governing boards require one. The question is: Why do so many higher education institutions seem to be unprepared when they take drastic actions (e.g., eliminating programs, cutting faculty and staff members, etc.) in uncertain times? The author studied more than 250 colleges and universities and suggests the answer in this article.

Institutions Mentioned: Methodist University, Fontbonne University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, West Virginia University
Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Tags: Adaptable Plans, Alignment, Building (or Writing) the Plan, Change Management, Implementation, Institutional Planning, Leadership, Leadership Attitude Toward Planning, Mission / Vision / Identity, Organizational Change, Planning Processes, Preparing to Plan

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The Strategic Planning Checklist

17 Critical Mistakes to Avoid in Higher Education

By: Dr. Daniel Seymour - Tenured Professor, Administrator, and Consultant

Learn from a research-based analysis of over 250 colleges and universities.

Abstract: Learn from a research-based analysis of over 250 colleges and universities. What is the difference between the Strategic Plan and Strategic Planning? How do we ensure planning is not a one-time event, but an ongoing organizational learning cycle that endures the changing environment? The analytic framework featured in this webinar is a Strategic Planning/Organizational Planning Cycle that derives a series of “what not to do” dictums (guidelines?) that support higher education institutions. Don’t make these critical mistakes derail you during these uncertain times

Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Tags: Organizational Change, Original Research, Planning Processes

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Blog Post

Published
April 1, 2024

Navigating Student Success

‘Navigators’ Are Critical in Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Institution-Wide Initiative

By: Apryl Motley, CAE

To gain additional insight into how integrated planning to support student success can be a game changer, we turned to Paula Stossel, strategic advisor to the president for student success, and Amber Racchini, vice provost for student academic success, at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. They graciously accepted our invitation to address questions about their cross-functional effort to ensure a student-centered approach to delivery of support services at IUP.

Institutions Mentioned: Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
Planning Types: Academic Planning, Student Affairs Planning
Tags: Alignment, Engaging Stakeholders, Organizational Change, Student Engagement, Student Experience, Student Retention, Student Services, Student Success, Student Support Services

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Trends Inside Higher Education | Spring 2024

By: Apryl Motley, CAE

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.

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 outside 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.

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 19, 2024

The Community Vibrancy Playbook: Enriching the Student Experience on Campus

By: Gerald Gongos, Simon Fraser University | Mark McLaughlin, Simon Fraser University-Vancouver

Post-pandemic, Simon Fraser University (SFU) developed the Community Vibrancy Playbook to welcome students, staff, and faculty back to campus.

Abstract: Post-pandemic, Simon Fraser University (SFU) developed the Community Vibrancy Playbook to welcome students, staff, and faculty back to campus. We’ll discuss how the campus community can participate in a wide array of initiatives that lead to collaboration, programs, and projects that transform the campus into a welcoming place that prioritizes wellbeing. Positive student experiences are vital and institutions can benefit from including new activities that enrich student life and participation. Come learn how to employ facilitation and listening as tools in project management and embrace adaptability to change, leading to successful outcomes for campus life and the student experience.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Health and Wellness, Project Management, Student Experience

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 19, 2024

Creating a Student Success District Through Transformative Renovations

By: Nina Bates, University of Arizona | Taaon Fraser, University of Arizona | Robyn Huff-Eibl, University of Arizona | Catharine Killien, The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP

First generation and marginalized students often have difficulty accessing campus services. Holistically supporting students through integrated services so that they feel valued, respected, and included is critical to graduation and retention rates.

Abstract: First generation and marginalized students often have difficulty accessing campus services. Holistically supporting students through integrated services so that they feel valued, respected, and included is critical to graduation and retention rates. The University of Arizona (UA) radically transformed access to student services, bringing together previously disparate services into the co-located Student Success District that renews existing campus assets into accessible, flexible, human-centric spaces. This session will share a model for bridging strategic and facilities planning with universal principles and qualitative and quantitative metrics for leveraging existing programs and building resources to improve student outcomes.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Planning, Interdisciplinary, Renovation, Student Retention, Student Services, Student Success, Student Support Services, Underserved Students

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 18, 2024

Expanding Community: How to Create a Thriving Off-campus Environment

By: John D’amico, University of California-Los Angeles | Zach Prowda, BAR Architects & Interiors | Adam Shalleck, The Shalleck Collaborative Inc.

Transforming vacant off-campus buildings into vibrant centers of learning and experience extends an institution’s presence and mission and helps dismantle town and gown barriers.

Abstract: Transforming vacant off-campus buildings into vibrant centers of learning and experience extends an institution’s presence and mission and helps dismantle town and gown barriers. Using the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Nimoy Theater as a case study, this session will discuss the reasons, benefits, and unique aspects of building off campus to expand community engagement opportunities for students, faculty, and alumni. We’ll share real time lessons in navigating a purchase, adapting a historic building, meeting building standards, coordinating with local agencies, and applying university standards for safety, access, sustainability and contracting.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Community Engagement, Economic Development, External Collaboration / Partnerships, Renovation, Town and Gown

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 5, 2024

Planning and Leading Through Positive Turbulence: Kean’s Pursuit of R2 Status

By: Neva Lozada, Kean University | Carlos Rodriguez, Kean University | Michael Salvatore, Kean University | Joseph Youngblood, Kean University

In order to meet the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education's requirements for an R2 Research Institution designation, Kean University created the University Planning Council (UPC), an inclusive university-wide body with representatives from every constituency within the university community.

Abstract:

In order to meet the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education's requirements for an R2 Research Institution designation, Kean University created the University Planning Council (UPC), an inclusive university-wide body with representatives from every constituency within the university community. The UPC creates linkages between assessment and resource allocations to establish integrated university-wide planning, supporting a comprehensive restructuring of its planning processes, policies, and procedures. This session will emphasize the importance of the democratization of data, transparency, inclusivity, and capacity development in integrated planning processes.

Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Tags: Adaptable Plans, Alignment, Assessment / Analytics, Data, Resource Allocation, Resource Management

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The Stories in These Walls

Integrated Planning Throughout Capital Projects Can Fuel Donor Engagement and Enhance Stewardship

By: John Roberson, MBA, and Toby Marlatt, BA

Cross-functional teams at the University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and University of North Dakota effectively used storytelling techniques to position donors within the narrative of the universities’ missions and strategic plans.

From Volume 52 Number 2 | January–March 2024

Abstract: Engaging donors at the planning stage of a capital project is a critical step in the campaign’s success. This article describes the use of storytelling techniques in donor outreach at three universities. We outline how cross-functional teams, involving campus planners and architects, university development and marketing and communications staff, and consultant firms, collaboratively planned and implemented donor engagement techniques. A story-oriented integrated project team enhanced philanthropy and stewardship by focusing on student and research outcomes, donor anecdotes, and sketches or conceptual renderings while positioning the donors themselves within the narrative of the university’s mission and strategic plan.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of North Dakota
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Advancement Planning, Business School Facility, Capital Funding, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Design, Facilities Funding, Facilities Planning

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Conference Presentations

Published
March 5, 2024

Designing for Belonging and Mattering in Higher Education

By: Kristen Ambrose, HKS, Inc. | Gina Fernandes, North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Students’ sense of belonging is strongly connected to wellbeing and academic success. How does a student develop a sense of belonging and mattering and what does that look like in the campus built environment?

Abstract: Students’ sense of belonging is strongly connected to wellbeing and academic success. How does a student develop a sense of belonging and mattering and what does that look like in the campus built environment? In this session, we’ll explore the critical themes of belonging and mattering for design in higher education to illustrate how design choices can shape student experiences. Join us to explore how you can asses campus spaces for belonging and mattering and make quick design interventions to effect meaningful change.

Planning Types: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning, Campus Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Student Experience

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