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
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Alignment, Carbon Neutral, Energy Infrastructure, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Funding, Facilities Planning, Public-Private Partnerships (P3), Sustainability (Environmental)

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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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Book Review: Equity in Science

Representation, Culture, and the Dynamics of Change in Graduate Education

By: Adam Wyatt, PhD

The author identifies five science disciplines as outlier exemplars for their work and success in creating equity-based change, using them to explore how equity issues seep into the everyday life of higher education. Multiple actionable steps are proffered to as readers in the conclusion on how we can address systematic change.

From Volume 49 Number 3 | April–June 2021

Abstract: by Julie R. Posselt
Stanford University Press: Palo Alto 2020
240 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-5036-1271-6

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Book Review: Academic Library Makerspaces

A Practical Guide to Planning, Collaborating, and Supporting Campus Innovation

By: Karen Merritt, PhD

Built on the authors’ wide-ranging examination of the literature and examples drawn from a variety of higher education institutions, this book offers a detailed roadmap of steps and strategies for planning these facilities and successfully integrating them into the academic fabric of an institution.

From Volume 49 Number 2 | January–March 2021

Abstract: by Katy B. Mathuews and Daniel J. Harper
Rowman & Littlefield: Lanham, MD: 2020
166 pages
ISBN: 978-1-4408-7206-6
ISBN (e-book): 978-1-4408-7207-4

Institutions Mentioned: Ohio University-Main Campus
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Active Learning Environments, Learning Environments, Library, Library Planning, Maker Space

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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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Designing for STEM

California Community Colleges Are Helping Shape the STEM Workforce of the Future

By: Irene Monis

Community colleges are developing sophisticated simulation laboratories, makerspaces, and innovation centers to prepare students to successfully enter the STEM workforce and meet the needs of high-tech employers.

From Volume 47 Number 1 | October–December 2018

Abstract: The demand for graduates and technicians in the academic fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is influencing the design of specialized educational facilities in community colleges. Community colleges are increasingly aligning their academic programs to the specific economic development priorities and projected demand for skilled labor in the geographic regions they serve. It is expected that partnerships with local industry will increasingly shape curriculum development and facilities design. This trend is rapidly developing in California, where community colleges are incorporating sophisticated simulation laboratories, makerspaces, and innovation centers outfitted with advanced infrastructure and equipment, along with spaces that support the full spectrum of competencies required for graduates to succeed in the STEM labor market.

Institutions Mentioned: California Community Colleges System, Solano Community College, Santa Rosa Junior College, Contra Costa Community College District
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Design, Laboratory Facility, Maker Space, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM)

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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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The Value of Higher Education Academic Makerspaces for Accreditation and Beyond

By: Vincent Wilczynski,Aubrey Wigner,Micah Lande,Shawn Jordan

Institutions of higher education are incorporating makerspaces and skills on their campuses in support of institutional goals and accreditation requirements.

From Volume 46 Number 1 | October–December 2017

Abstract: Over the last decade, many academic institutions, from elementary schools to universities, have added academic makerspaces to their campuses. This development has enabled students and faculty to come together and collaborate, design, fabricate, and learn in shared spaces. This article describes how the creation and incorporation of academic makerspaces in a university learning ecosystem can help achieve accreditation. Specific examples are drawn from ABET’s engineering accreditation criteria. The article also explores how academic makerspaces can enhance teaching objectives and student outcomes by providing a space for learning technological skills within social contexts in interdisciplinary communities of practice.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Accreditation, Learning Environments, Maker Space

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Teaching, Learning, Doing in Collaborative Spaces

By: David Moos,Kimberly Miller,Adam Fontecchio

The intermingling of undergraduate students with grad students, post-docs, faculty, and commercial interests in one innovative facility results in better academic experiences.

From Volume 45 Number 4 | July–September 2017

Abstract: Makerspaces designed for collaborative learning are appearing on campuses throughout the United States, including at Drexel University. These spaces succeed because they permit students to collaborate, observe, and learn from professors and peers. Unique to the Drexel project is the intermingling of engineering undergraduates, graduate students, post-docs, faculty, and commercial interests in one facility with laboratories, machine-shop equipment, and informal study areas. Facilities that give students great visibility into nearby research, contain areas where they can take breaks without leaving the building, and lend themselves to informal encounters with peers, faculty, and others result in better academic experiences for undergraduates.

Institutions Mentioned: Drexel University
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Adaptive Reuse, Facilities Design, Flexible Learning Spaces, Innovation Center, Learning Environments, Maker Space, Science / Engineering Facility

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