Learning Resources

Abstract: All learners are different. These differences—also known as neurodiversity—impact learning. Fortunately, the design of learning spaces does not have to be one-size-fits-all. We will discuss how learning spaces can be flexible and easily adapted to students' needs across the spectrum of neurodiversity, whether or not they are on the autism spectrum, manage learning disabilities, or have a mental health condition. Come learn how flexible learning space design can improve the experience of all learners.

Abstract: As the country’s largest and most diverse four-year public university system, what happens at the California State University (CSU) reverberates nationwide. Each year, the CSU awards more than 125,000 degrees and one in every 20 Americans holding a college degree is a graduate of a CSU campus. Graduation Initiative 2025 is a university-wide initiative to ensure that all students have the opportunity to be successful and graduate according to their personal goals, positively impacting students’ and their family’s future and producing additional graduates to power the workforce for California and the nation. In this special session, the CSU Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs will address the challenges and opportunities facing the 23-campus system’s efforts to expand authentic access to opportunity for students from all backgrounds and circumstances, eliminate equity gaps and ensure student success.

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: Underrepresented students increasingly form the majority of most student bodies, but most built environments are not designed with these students' needs in mind. Why? Because most facilities planning processes do not engage underrepresented students in a way that elicits their experience of the built environment. This session offers new practices that yield social equity in campus planning and building design. You will learn new engagement and assessment tools that you can implement now to reveal and remedy the disparities that underrepresented students encounter in the built environments of the campus.

Abstract: Using an administrative sustainability framework, we studied the decision process as it relates to space allocation. Those making the decision were academic faculty at a mid-sized urban Canadian university. We present recommendations for decision makers with resource allocation responsibilities.

Abstract: This session describes how we used data visualization to spark critical conversations as we evolved 1960s-era space guidelines into modern approaches. Key aspects of the space planning process at California State University-Chico were facilitated through data-informed discussions involving demographics and space analytics, which were used to align our plan with strategic directions, pedagogy, and anticipated resources. We'll share how space and campus planning discussions can be informed by environmental scanning tools, benchmarking, data visualization techniques, and scenario-based modeling.

Abstract: The range of potential STEM careers is growing rapidly, yet people of color are underrepresented in STEM professions. New academic facilities can promote these careers through recruiting, retaining, and connecting with undergraduate talent. This session will explore an integrated approach to planning, design, and branding an HBCU's new STEM facility, including carefully developed digital messaging, to encourage student awareness of STEM academic pathways and professional opportunities. Come hear about strategies and lessons learned in working with architects, graphic designers, and digital content providers to develop this environment.

Abstract: Higher education institutions, across nearly all socio-cultural cross-sections, are more diverse today than ever before. This evolution in campus demographics also coincides with the changing values, priorities, and needs of students. The bottom line for many of today’s students is clear: now more than ever, values matter when selecting a school. This article explores the programmatic and administrative responses as well as the physical planning and design opportunities associated with creating and sustaining more diverse and inclusive campus environments.

Abstract: The study described in this article investigated diversity in a unit within a postsecondary institution using the model described by Cox in Creating the Multicultural Organization by verifying the unit’s view of diversity, examining existing strategies used for diversity, evaluating consistencies, and identifying areas of improvement. The study included an analysis of unit employees to verify broad diversity by race and gender and an interview with senior leadership about the strategic plan for the unit on matters related to diversity. Overall analysis showed that the unit is doing better than most peer institutions in hiring female and minority candidates for positions. However, there are gaps in the unit’s approach to diversity that impact its ability to be an effective multicultural organization.