Learning Resources

Abstract: There is a growing interest in examining the relationship between active learning spaces and development of soft skills. The overall goal of this research was to evaluate the gains, if any, in the collaboration skill development of students who experienced part of their undergraduate or graduate learning within active learning spaces at Thomas Jefferson University, and to attempt to pinpoint the factors contributing to that.

To meet the goal, the researcher designed a study to assess perceived impact of use of active learning spaces, targeting alumni. Although many such studies rely on reflections from current students during or shortly after their use of learning spaces, the unique contribution of this research is that it gathered impact perceptions of learning spaces from persons after they experienced collaborative work activities in their career settings beyond academia.

Abstract: In order to meet students’ evolving needs and ensure an institution’s ongoing vitality, competitive proposals for campus programming require astute evaluation and vigorous assessment of ongoing institutional benefit. This session will detail strategies from three separate regional university initiatives to solicit, evaluate, adopt, and fund forward-thinking campus enhancements under significant budgetary constraints. Come and explore the successes and failures involved in these planning initiatives that focus on long-term student success, financial viability, programmatic quality, and institutional stability over two decades.

Abstract: A collaborative approach allows building projects to open faster, reduces redesign, increases staff satisfaction, and produces a higher utilization rate than the traditional design process. This session details the collaborative Lean process involving over 100 people that allowed the Lauritzen Outpatient Center on the Nebraska Medical Campus to be completed 1.5 years early with few design changes. Come learn from our unique approach in which actual users participate in designing the facility, allowing implementation of new processes and efficiencies known only to medical center staff.

Abstract: After a campus tragedy, the first steps for the community toward settling into the new normal often entail working through the gravity of recent events. This work includes a need for internal reflection, external processing, and collective healing. Campus communities engaged in this process often find a way to memorialize the events that have shaken them and to honor the lives of any community members lost to tragedy. This research project focuses on physical memorials that are the result of a tragic moment in institutional history.

Abstract: Campus planners have invested time and resources in designing and implementing innovative learning spaces that optimize evidence-based pedagogical approaches embracing collaborative, real-world teaching and learning. But to what degree do these physical spaces enhance learning and honing of soft skills that are ranked highly by today’s employers? To address this question, 2018/19 SCUP Fellow Jeffrey Ashley engaged alumni through surveys to quantify the development of collaborative skills in innovative classroom environments. The design, implementation and results of this SCUP Fellowship research project will be highlighted and compared to other assessment methods with the goal of understanding your own institution’s assessment needs and plans around active learning spaces.

Abstract: Renovating campus buildings that are partially occupied is a frequent challenge. Planning and executing an efficient phased renovation optimizes resource use and minimizes disruption. This presentation will focus on lessons learned in three case studies of phased renovations, comprising mid-20th century science and humanities buildings as well as student housing. You will learn about best practices from projects across multiple building types as well as examine planning methodologies, design processes, and technical challenges for broader applicability.

Abstract: Applying design thinking to strategic and academic plan development can help identify innovative priorities and create a sense of ownership at the individual level, establishing buy-in through the planning process. In this session, we'll explore how a regional comprehensive university incorporated design thinking throughout the development of its strategic and academic plans. Come learn how to employ design thinking to actively engage diverse stakeholders in the planning process, creating alignment and laying the groundwork for an integrated approach to implementation.

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: Planning for a division within a university can be difficult; you must align to the larger institutional plan while also considering your division's unique mission and challenges. This session will describe the strategic planning process for a college within a university. We'll describe how we included more than 500 stakeholders, discussed enrollment declines and the upcoming demographic changes that will impact most colleges, and how we focused the plan on mission and innovation. You will leave with a blueprint for the planning process we used, from self study to training facilitators to final plan release.

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.