Learning Resources

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.

Abstract: A proactive approach to master planning, rooted in empirical evidence and stakeholder input, can be emulated on campuses nationwide. The article’s authors show how a space analysis, if implemented correctly, can provide an institution’s decision-makers with the valuable data needed to create a dynamic and adaptable campus environment.

Abstract: Implementing central utility plant (CUP) decarbonization projects requires strategic financial planning, collaboration, and consensus-building from the entire university community. This article describes gathering support from facilities management, executive staff, and lawmakers through technical and financial charrettes. Learn how technical planning produces well-informed financial modeling and right-sized financial plans, and how shared planning between design teams and facility planners creates tailored funding options, including IRA incentives, to fund decarbonization.

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.

Abstract: The Grand Challenges in Higher Education Assessment Project (The Grand Challenges Project) is a national initiative designed to transform the landscape of assessment practices in ways that will increase equity by encouraging improvements in integrated planning. This article discusses the synergy between the three goals of the Grand Challenges Project: 1) Use Assessment Findings to Increase Equity; 2) Make Assessment Findings Visible and Actionable to Drive Innovation; and 3) Use Assessment Findings to Drive Rapid and Equitable Improvements in Pedagogy. Integrated planning is necessary to advance these goals, and progress toward each goal supports progress toward a more equitable and inclusive system of higher education.

Abstract: For the past 20 years, higher education has invested heavily in improving student success, using new data and analytics systems, tools, and practices. Improvements and progress across higher education have mostly failed to meet expectations. But the arrival of next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) provides an exceptional opportunity. By combining AI with human intelligence (HI), we can create a powerful collaborative intelligence that can be embedded in learning processes, tools, and practices, enterprise-wide. AI can accelerate the long-overdue transformation of higher education. This article describes how to combine AI and HI in collaborative intelligence to significantly improve student success.

Abstract: When Vanderbilt University began seeing signs that cost escalation, scope additions, campus requirements, and authentic Collegiate Gothic architecture for their proposed new residence halls were all pressuring the budget, a multifaceted team worked collaboratively and arduously to stem the overruns.

Abstract: An inclusive approach to planning and design for the new headquarters for Thunderbird School of Global Management offers important lessons about the value of investing in stakeholder engagement. The Thunderbird leadership team worked with their architects and planners to connect with Arizona State University stakeholders, the City of Phoenix, regional constituents, and alumni in the area and around the globe. This article includes real-world insights into how global entrepreneurs and business leaders collaborated and innovated to create a business-and-industry-savvy academic environment. The integrated process shows how teamwork and the understandings it yields set the stage for the institution to be a good citizen in the community and the world.

Abstract: Accurately planning long-term strategy can be a shaky task for quickly-growing organizations, especially those that desire to maintain a strong impression on their stakeholders and surrounding communities. History shows that mergers and acquisitions can negatively impact an organization’s culture, communication initiatives, and internal and external experiences. Thomas Jefferson University, a longstanding private medical research university in Philadelphia, educating scholars since 1824, in recent years merged with Philadelphia University and further expanded its footprint through the aligned Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. The authors of this article describe how to collaboratively optimize growth during a transformational period.