Learning Resources

Financial Planning for Central Utility Plant Decarbonization

Divide and Conquer the Lift Across Different Funding Options

By: Andrew Honeyman, BSME, and Paul Graves, BSME

Vital stakeholder feedback and consensus from various university departments reveal the proper approach to building issues. Institutions such as the University of North Dakota used technical planning to produce well-informed financial modeling and right-sized financial plans.

From Volume 52 Number 2 | January–March 2024

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.

Institutions Mentioned: University of North Dakota, Kentucky State University
Tags: Alignment, Carbon Neutral, Energy Infrastructure, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Funding, Facilities Planning, Public-Private Partnerships (P3), Sustainability (Environmental)

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Overcoming a $90M Budget Overage in Vanderbilt University’s Residential Colleges

A Multifaceted Team Worked Collaboratively to Stem Overruns

By: David Bailey, BA, AIA, LEED AP, and Walt Massey, BA

The University, architects, engineers, strategic planning consultants, and contractor teams worked hand in hand to peel back the onion to stem the overruns.

From Volume 52 Number 1 | October–December 2023

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.

Institutions Mentioned: Vanderbilt University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Implementation, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Mixed-Use, Modifying the Plan, Project Management, Project Management / Delivery, Student Housing

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The Fourth Industrial Revolution

Align Strategic, Physical, and Capital Planning for the Next Generation of Students

By: Jacob Guter, MPA, RA, and Doug Kozma, BSLA, PLA

Michigan Technological University used active stakeholder engagement, frequent reviews, and vigorous discussion to develop its aspirational master plan.

From Volume 51 Number 3 | April–June 2023

Abstract: Profound technological changes are occurring today, and universities need to prepare our students to work and live in this new world. Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) is addressing the future of technology in society, academia, and the campus through our Tech Forward Strategic Plan, a bold enrollment and retention initiative, an aggressive capital campaign, and a dynamic hiring initiative. Our aspirational campus master plan, developed in partnership with SmithGroup, an integrated design firm, integrates and supports these initiatives and goals. Active stakeholder engagement, frequent reviews, and vigorous discussion allowed us to craft a campus master plan aligning strategic, physical, and capital planning that supports and drives the university’s 2035 Vision.

Institutions Mentioned: Michigan Technological University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Campus Master Planning, Community Engagement, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Assessment, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Innovation Center, Laboratory Facility, Landscape / Open Space, Placemaking, Public-Private Partnerships (P3), Science / Engineering Facility, Space Assessment, Student Housing

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Getting in the eGame

Esports Streaming Gives the University of Kentucky a New Way to Grow Revenue and Recruit Students

By: Michael Stewart, BS, and Heath Price, MS

The University of Kentucky understood the importance of technology in preparing students for the digital world. With public-private partnerships, it sought opportunities to be an industry leader in leveraging that capacity for its students, faculty, staff, and the community.

From Volume 50 Number 2 | January–March 2022

Abstract: The University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Kentucky Esports Club worked together to establish the University of Kentucky Esports Lounge. Students were surveyed on their gaming needs, and the resulting wish list (i.e., equipment selection, space configuration, furniture, etc.) fed into the decision-making process by all constituents. The project budget was derived by a larger construction project at the University that focused on student recruitment, community, and connection to the non-student demographic. The UK team ultimately planned and launched the custom facility to meet users’ particular needs—while finding a way for the University to produce an additional revenue stream.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Kentucky
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Funding, Facilities Planning, Mixed-Use, New Program or Department, Planning Processes, Public-Private Partnerships (P3), Recreational Facility, Shared Facilities, Student Life / Student Affairs, Technology

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
July 1, 2019

Toward Commercializing University Research in the Caribbean

Creating a Science and Technology Park Model

By: Indrani Bachan-Persad

STPs can boost declining economies by reaping profits from innovations and products created through university research. Yet given the capital and time investment for a project to be viable, The University of the West Indies should gain commitment from all constituents—especially regional governments and the private sector—prior to beginning development.

From Volume 47 Number 4 | July–September 2019

Abstract: This article explores whether the development of science and technology parks by The University of the West Indies (UWI) is the best solution for commercializing university research through academic spin-off businesses and as a means to supporting dwindling regional economies.

The article discusses two international best-practice technology parks in the United Kingdom and a study of the only technology park in the Caribbean. Further, a gap analysis was conducted of all existing functions/institutes/centers across three main campuses in the countries of Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, which perform similar types of functions as technology parks.

Institutions Mentioned: The University of the West Indies, The University of the West Indies-St Augustine Campus, The University of the West Indies-Mona Campus, The University of the West Indies-Cave Hill Campus
Planning Types: Resource Planning
Tags: External Collaboration / Partnerships, Public-Private Partnerships (P3), Science / Engineering Facility, Technology Transfer

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At University of Colorado Denver, a Public-Private Partnership Is All Part of the Plan

By: Bob Hunt

When well designed and managed, public-private partnerships in higher education can overcome fiscal constraints, transfer risk, and meet pressing infrastructure needs.

From Volume 47 Number 1 | October–December 2018

Institutions Mentioned: University of Colorado Denver
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Public-Private Partnerships (P3)

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Enhancing the Student Experience Through Placemaking

Georgia Tech’s West Village Dining Commons

By: Lesley Braxton

Students thrive in authentic, multifunctional spaces that foster both individual reflection and social interaction and further the connection between place and the human experience.

From Volume 46 Number 4 | July–September 2018

Institutions Mentioned: Georgia Institute of Technology
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Dining Facility, Facilities Design, Mixed-Use, Placemaking

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Building Community

Defining, Designing, Developing UniverCity

By: Glenn Miller

From Volume 46 Number 4 | July–September 2018

Institutions Mentioned: Simon Fraser University, Simon Fraser University-Burnaby, University of British Columbia
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Mixed-Use, Student Housing

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Design-Build Delivers Added Value to the University of North Georgia

By: Samuel L. Smith

Design-build delivery helps higher education institutions control costs, streamline processes and communications, and more efficiently and effectively meet project objectives.

From Volume 46 Number 2 | January–March 2018

Abstract: The design-build delivery approach, in which design and construction services are contracted through a single entity, has the potential to help higher education institutions control costs, streamline processes and communications, and more efficiently and effectively meet project objectives. This article examines the relationship between the University of North Georgia and design-build firm Pond, describing the process of design-build and highlighting two projects, the replacement of a dining hall floor and the renovation of a science classroom. The success of these projects demonstrates the benefits of integration and collaboration inherent in the design-build model.

Institutions Mentioned: University of North Georgia
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Design-Build, Dining Facility, Project Management / Delivery, Renovation, Science / Engineering Facility

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Student Centers

Building Community with New Dining Experiences

By: Theresa Genovese

Carefully integrating campus dining strategies into student centers, particularly given today’s ubiquitous digital technologies, has the potential to create and enhance student face-to-face interactions and informal learning.

From Volume 46 Number 2 | January–March 2018

Abstract: The history and best practices of campus dining planning and design are considered in the light of student centers and their overall effectiveness in boosting socialization and positive educational experiences, exploring new campus trends, accommodating increased diversity, and reinforcing institutional mission. Approaches for integrating flexible dining experiences with student centers to improve informal learning, inclusivity, transparency, and convenience are reviewed, with consideration of the increasing use of personal digital devices. The article demonstrates the value and importance of leveraging carefully integrated campus dining strategies in student centers and elsewhere for memorable learning and campus-life experiences.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Dining Facility, Facilities Design, Student Center / Union

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