Learning Resources

Abstract: The boom-and-bust cycle of North Dakota's economy creates a difficult environment for physical planning. We will examine University of North Dakota's (UND) response to the decline in public funding along with a state mandate to increase space utilization and decrease deferred maintenance, demonstrating how it provided the impetus to focus investment on high impact, transdisciplinary projects. You will learn how compromise in a planning process can help achieve both individual and collective goals as well as contribute to a more holistic university vision.

Abstract: Working across boundaries is essential for student success, but also incredibly difficult to do. This session looks at the collaboration between enrollment management and departmental faculty—specifically the planning, monitoring, and communication of student progress in an online doctoral program. You will learn techniques to improve communication between departments that historically work independent of each other, along with opportunities for future interdepartmental partnerships that improve student success.

Abstract: Preparing graduates for the workforce requires higher ed to work more closely with industry and organize academic opportunities around real-world problems, not departments. We will detail how the University of Kansas (KU) strategically used new campus building developments to do both develop industry partnerships and interdisciplinary collaborations. You will learn how to design, build, and operate a new and transformative campus development with an integrated approach to facilities, courses, and management, including strategies to gain industry partnerships.

Abstract: Master planning often assumes "what should we build next?" without looking at how we can better use what we have now. Before its master plan, The University of Puget Sound assessed its learning environments to test how existing buildings could be better utilized or improved. The team will share how they used software tools to assess and improve the utilization of their learning environments.

Abstract: FLEXSpace—The Flexible Learning Environments eXchange—and the Learning Space Rating System (LSRS) are tools that can help you plan, design, assess, and improve learning spaces on your campus. In this session, you will learn about the newly released FLEXspace 2.0 along with the LSRS. We'll cover the features and benefits of both tools and how they can be incorporated into the planning process. Come learn how to use these tools to inform designs and support end users from planning through post occupancy.

Abstract: In 2015, Oregon State University's 300- and 600-seat arena classrooms welcomed their first students. Now, we have detailed analysis that measures the effectiveness of these classrooms. This session will discuss optimal pedagogical strategies for round classrooms, explain the IT infrastructure that makes these spaces successful, and provide insight into how data is analyzed for meaningful feedback. We'll share initial research on academic impact, faculty feedback, lessons learned, and next-generation trends in arena classroom design.

Abstract: Awards programs are a way to not only recognize and applaud those individuals and organizations whose achievements exemplify excellence but also to provide learning opportunities for everyone whose lives and passions involve higher education. The 2019 jury members will share observations and trends from this year's entries and acknowledge award recipients. Award certificates will be distributed at the end of the program. Congratulations to the 2019 winners!

Abstract: A state mandate to increase undergraduate enrollment, the aspiration to achieve an Association of American Universities institution profile, and a desire to become carbon neutral—we'll discuss how the University of California (UC) Riverside negotiated these competing challenges while developing its master plan. Innovation is key while achieving access improvements, research aspirations, and environmental stewardship objectives. We'll share how community college districts, private colleges, and other institutions are implementing practical solutions to the new century's challenges while maintaining the institution’s sense of place and heritage.

Abstract: The built environment directly affects human health and sustainability coordinators and campus planners are uniquely positioned to advocate for healthier buildings for their students, faculty, and staff. Smith College is a prime example of how a higher education institution can inspire market transformation. The Neilson Library renovation went above and beyond Smith College’s campus sustainability policy by implementing a sustainability charter, prioritizing health and wellness, and advocating for positive change. In this session, you will learn how material transparency and optimization can act as an avenue to address health and wellness in your institution's built environment.

Abstract: The imperative for higher education institutions to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions is driven by the energy required to sustain their campus facilities and by rapid, irreversible changes to the climate that threaten global infrastructures. This article provides a framework that comprehensively addresses campus facilities’ energy consumption reduction and conversion to renewable resources while helping building users become more aware of how their actions impact greenhouse gas emissions. Case studies illustrate how two different institutions developed campus energy master plans and set incremental goals toward carbon neutrality and net-zero fossil fuel energy consumption.