Learning Resources

Abstract: This article presents an overview of the rise of modern-day collegiate recreational sports and their relevance to student learning and quality of life. The author discusses planning considerations for collegiate recreational sports facilities and the importance of these facilities as a recruitment and retention tool.

Abstract: The focus on the quality of a student’s entire academic experience has led to a greater emphasis on student life activities and facilities. In response, many campuses are renovating, expanding, or creating new buildings that support student life. While many of these are traditional stand-alone student dormitories, dining facilities, unions, and recreational facilities, there are examples where these historically separate program elements have been combined in new mixed-use buildings, known as “fusion” facilities. This article examines some of the historical precedents of this phenomenon, gives relevant examples, and discusses advantages and disadvantages of this new building type.

Abstract: A Guide to Planning for Change summarizes the new and emerging challenges facing leaders of colleges and universities; discusses new techniques and tools (most notably, analytics) to create an enhanced model for planning in higher education; takes the reader back through the history of planning and strategy execution in higher education by outlining its many eras and stages of development, and highlights the latest thinking and writing on the topic on integrated planning. The enhanced planning model in this book recognizes the many internal, external, up, down, and sideways forces, challenges, and opportunities facing higher education. In the end, it is the successful execution of strategy that will have a lasting impact on the institution.

Abstract: College students have changed dramatically, and the skills needed for productive employment have changed as well. But colleges and universities have been slow to respond, often innovating in only small ways while leaving the core practices of undergraduate education the same. This article examines the barriers to transformational change in higher education in five categories: structure, information, incentives, finance, and culture. It suggests that the initial approach to overcoming these barriers involves generating better information in the form of feedback concerning student learning processes and outcomes.

Abstract: This article presents a compilation of data regarding the role of online social networks within campus communities, specifically for nonacademic purposes. Both qualitative and quantitative data methodologies are used to provide a unique perspective on a constantly evolving topic. Interviews of students and administrators allow for candid discussion, while primary and secondary data offer an understanding of current use and trends within the realm of online social networking. Theories of self-esteem and interpersonal communication are integrated throughout the article.

Abstract: This special two-part series on student life would not be complete without a student perspective. What do real, live, individual students from the Net generation think, experience, dream, and plan? Are they as “wired in” as Mark Milliron describes in his article? Is communication strongly linked to technology as outlined by Tamara Wandel? How do student characteristics affect teaching and student learning (John Tagg), student services (Simone Himbeault Taylor), and a student’s overall college experience (Freda Pagani)?

Abstract: Millennial students can be inspired to create a legacy for future generations by the recognizable actions of campus planners to create more sustainable campuses through smart growth planning, green buildings, transportation planning, and energy- and water-efficiency retrofits. This article describes policies, programs, and projects at The University of British Columbia; presents student concerns about the future and their reactions to campus initiatives in sustainability, and discusses recent research regarding student responses to green buildings on campuses in Canada.