Learning Resources

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: Many institutions are engaged in concurrent, overlapping institutional change initiatives. Being able to plan and align improvement efforts while including all stakeholders without duplicating effort requires new tools and skills. We will share how Olympic College used the planning for a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to design improvements in our student-facing systems. You will practice different techniques and tools to visualize institutional processes and identify alignment. We will discuss the use of traditional business management tools to map institutional structures, create cross-departmental capacities, and guide cross-functional teams.

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: To thrive in turbulent, financially challenged times, institutions will need to develop dynamic, long-term collaborations and integrated planning practices that push innovation. We will focus on two institutions that reimagined their value propositions and business models in pursuit of aggressive goals, thanks to their multifaceted partnership and transformative strategies. Presidents from these institutions will share how integrated planning, strategy crafting, and collaboration helped their institutions re-imagine mission and encourage entrepreneurship.

Abstract: Designing equitable spaces is an important part of closing the achievement gap between white students and students of color. Using Critical Race Theory (CRT) in facilities planning is a way to step back, reflect, and look for ways our current environments—and the processes used to create them—hinder or discourage students of color. Students leaders and the project coordinator will share how Portland Community College (PCC) has applied CRT and participatory action research to foreground the leadership and insights of students in campus planning and design.

Abstract: As institutions vie for enrollment, states divest in funding for higher education, and student needs are growing, it is imperative that senior leadership, especially the chief academic officer (CAO) and chief business officer (CBO), work in tandem and build the culture together. Join this interactive session to hear what CAO and CBOs need to focus on together, how to support each other, tools to use, tips for success, and how you can help.

Abstract: Introverts constitute a large percentage of campus populations, especially in STEM institutions, yet the higher education climate is moving towards an extroverted pedagogy. Much of campus design today is centered on an extroverted conception of engagement and community. How do you design for both personalities? This session will explore the introvert’s voice in creating these shared living and learning environments. Come learn how to plan and design a campus environment that provides a sense of layering—from refuge to public engagement—to address the needs of all students.

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: 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: Institutions usually spend more on providing courses for some academic programs than others. Stakeholders need to decide where and how to allocate resources to support instruction. This session introduces recent best practices using the Delaware Cost Study data to facilitate 1) the identification of under-resourced academic programs and 2) decision making in faculty budgeting and staffing. You will leave this session ready to re-evaluate the metrics you use to support instructional budgeting decisions so you can identify under-resourced programs and accurately understand faculty hiring needs.