Learning Resources

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: Do you remember the last time you planned a comprehensive project and everyone was with you? Oh—never? Leaders in higher education work with the brightest, most sophisticated workforce in the world. Regardless of your goals, you know that some are going to challenge almost any effort that may involve that [honorary] four-letter word: CHANGE. This presentation from the author of Dealing with Dysfunction: A Book for University Leaders provides some discussion and sharing of ideas on how to handle challenging personnel as you attempt to work within a positive culture.

Abstract: A big issue in projects and committees are the conflicts and stalemates that occur when team members don't understand each other's thought processes and decision-making tools. Understanding different ways that people process information and approach problems can help teams work together and get problems solved faster. This session will outline different creative toolsets—specific skill sets and problem-solving approaches – that we all have in our repertoire but often don’t use. Come learn how these tools can bolster your innovation, help you identify and leverage the creative strengths of your teammates and colleagues, and keep your approaches to problem solving fresh.

Abstract: Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a part of the Portland Community College's (PCC) strategic plan and has been an aspect of its academic planning for some time. Including CRT in the use and design of physical space is new and, in some ways, unknown. Learn from PCC's ongoing exploration of what it means to apply CRT to the built environment. We'll discuss how we're rethinking planning and programming activities to encourage more diverse contributions that result in spaces that support all students.

Abstract: While nontraditional students now make up the majority of most student bodies, we continue to use physical planning outreach and engagement tools designed for traditional students. This session shares how we developed new practices and tools to deliver better campus experiences for students from nontraditional backgrounds, yielding social equity in campus planning and building design. You will learn about new physical planning engagement and assessment tools that reveal and remedy the disparities nontraditional students encounter in their lives on campus.

Abstract: Harvard University’s Smith Campus Center has repurposed an entire city block, providing innovative new spaces for collaboration and a welcoming “front door” to the university. The campus center has been transformative for Harvard, revitalizing a prominent site at the campus's crossroads and providing the wider community of 44,000 people with new central gathering and events spaces. Come learn how we successfully navigated stakeholder outreach and generated a design solution within the existing building.