Learning Resources

Abstract: Green infrastructure uses the landscape to manage stormwater. This session will explore the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) successful pilot green infrastructure project. We'll review the characteristics and benefits of green infrastructure in general, along with the accelerated design and construction process for this project in particular. We'll also share measurable results from the green infrastructure, and how the project has impacted the campus.

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: A new, statewide accessibility policy along with rapidly changing technology spurred Washington's community and technical colleges to develop and adopt a more collaborative strategic planning process. This session will review a statewide technology accessibility planning process, how it was jumpstarted, and demonstrate tools that you can use to lead more collaborative planning processes at your institution.

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: 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: Environmental features can have a profound impact on social, mental, and physical health and wellness. This session will provide an in-depth look at integrated planning initiatives to create a framework of policies, systems, and environments that advance campus health and wellness. You will learn one campus's holistic approach to wellness for its students, staff, and faculty, and how master planning and landscape design efforts aligned to wellness initiatives.

Abstract: Determining where to invest in terms of academic programming and staffing can oftentimes be difficult due to competing interests by academic programs as well as a lack of resources. This session will describe how one university sought to improve academic planning and resource allocation within their academic units, and the software solution they used to do it. We'll discuss the university's example and broader best practices for reviewing metrics in research, finances, benchmarking, and predictive modeling as well as staffing and resource allocation related to academic planning.

Abstract: With climate change bringing dramatic demographic, economic, and weather changes, universities and colleges must be prepared for risks to the campus's buildings, landscapes, and infrastructure that could disrupt operations. This session explores the intertwined concepts of risk management and resilience planning. You will learn about best practices in campus resilience planning, and try a simple resilience assessment tool for identifying, prioritizing, and planning for potential risks. You can take this useful Excel-based tool back to your institution to identify the top risks that should be prioritized in campus planning efforts.

Abstract: On many campuses, administrative office space has expanded, taking over the center of campus and other areas that would be better served with instructional space. This session will detail The University of Texas at Austin's process for recapturing that space for student or academic use by identifying ideal locations for administrative units. We'll discuss the space utilization study we undertook, how we decided where administrative units should be relocated, and the migration plan to achieve relocations.

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.