Learning Resources

Abstract: Historic campus buildings are often perceived as a burden, but by integrating them into your campus planning, their continued reuse can help solve some of the specific challenges facing university planners today, specifically in the context of sustainability. There are numerous case studies that demonstrate the successful adaptive reuse of varied campus buildings as well as an undeniable body of evidence showing the benefits of such an approach in working toward carbon neutrality. As long-term stewards of their built environments, colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to realize enduring savings from investing in the energy performance of existing buildings.

Abstract: “In 2013 TRU established ‘increasing sustainability’ as one of its five strategic priorities for 2014-2019. This Strategic Sustainability Plan (SSP) is aligned with the university’s strategic plan, and provides a focus for TRU’s efforts toward sustainability over the same period. The SSP is comprehensive in nature, and includes more than 130 recommended strategies across four key focus areas: Operations & Planning, Advocacy & Engagement, Learning, and Administration. The SSP is intended to provide a framework for each TRU department and operational unit to incorporate sustainability initiatives into their own planning processes (the structure of the plan is illustrated on the opposing page). . . . Unlike some strategic documents, the plan takes a comprehensive approach of documenting strategies over the next 5 years. These strategies are not all the responsibility of one department or office, but rather are shared among many. This comprehensive approach will allow each office or department to see where and how it can play a role in TRU’s sustainability journey.”

Abstract: Detailed campus master plan documentation for the Texas A&M University’s RELLIS innovation campus, located 15 minutes from the main campus in College Station.

From the executive summary:
“The 2018 RELLIS Campus Master Plan is a planning effort that focuses on supporting The Texas A&M University System as a national leader in high-tech research, innovation, training, and technological development. Key aspects of this plan focus on supporting and guiding campus organization, buildout development, open space networks, facility programming, and improving social amenities located within the campus. Issues considered in this 20-year planning horizon anticipate enrollment growth, increased teaching and research demands, future transportation needs, sustainability, and economic growth. A campus-wide advisory committee included multiple stakeholders which helped shape the strategic goals that will guide the physical development of the campus during the life of the 2018 master plan. The changes presented in this plan are intended to transform the largely undeveloped 1,877 acres of land into a multi-institutional research, testing, and workforce development campus that directly benefits society at large. The 2020 update to this plan reflects additional study and progress on the campus as of December 31, 2019.”

Contents:

• Introduction (includes approach and timeline)
• Background
• The Vision
• Plan Elements
• Infrastructure Plan
• Guidelines
• Signage and Wayfinding
• Appendices

Abstract: Space is not neutral; we perceive physical environments differently based on our backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. Every student brings a unique perspective to campus, and therefore every campus will have individual needs.

This research project collected a body of evidence around student preferences for welcoming and inclusive physical campus environments, sourced from engagements with more than two dozen institutions and more than 200 students. The author used these findings to develop a playbook to guide institutions and design teams through key strategies and possible metrics relative to DEI to use when planning, designing, and assessing physical campus space. The playbook serves as a conversation starter—a way to get planners, designers, and institutional stakeholders to the table and move the needle toward a more supportive physical environment that embodies the strategic values of DEI.

Abstract: This session will showcase best practices for successfully planning and funding higher education facilities to train future workforces, serve the community, leverage curriculum flexibility, and ensure student success, accessibility, and equity. Wake Technical Community College made a bold decision to reorganize its capital improvement plan to address inequality in an underserved population by creating a new future-forward campus. Come find out how you can apply lessons learned and strategies from Wake Tech's inclusive master planning process to successfully respond to opportunities and challenges of diverse enrollment on your campus.

Abstract: Research campuses are an increasingly important and integral part of innovative research development in higher education. By generating the right type of campus environment, institutions can foster successful partnerships with private entities. The J.J. Pickle Research Campus Plan marks an operational shift for the University of Texas (UT) at Austin, exploring mixed-use development and an integrated research environment to leverage a real estate asset and advance the university's mission. Come learn from multiple case studies, including UT Austin, and discuss the impact of environment, research focus, and governance structure on both the academic and financial success of a research campus.

Abstract: In what ways will libraries continue to be the intellectual hubs where users interact with ideas in both physical and virtual environments to expand learning and facilitate the creation of new knowledge? The pandemic has illustrated the power of place and the need for the post-pandemic campus to integrate academic activities for lifelong learning and research.

This conversation will explore the place of the library to convene people for impactful connections, and the new emerging and transformational role of libraries as learning commons that shape the overall campus as a network for collaboration.

This is part three of a three-part webinar series.

Abstract: This article discusses an approach for campus meetings and events, such as study sessions, student group meetings, guest speaker presentations, etc., this coming academic year. It also aims to leverage the discussion about near-term needs to generate a more conceptual and flexible understanding of programming, space use, and virtual interaction within higher education.

Abstract: The building sector contributes forty percent of carbon emissions globally. Given the climate crisis, it is imperative that campus facilities and planning departments address sustainability in a rigorous and fiscally responsible way. This session will explore Princeton University’s campus master plan, which engages an ethos of sustainability through the lens of carbon emissions, landscape design, energy, and water efficiency, from design through construction. Find out how you can apply Princeton's ambitious sustainability goals and lessons learned to your master plan and sustainably develop your projects for the benefit of your campus environment and community.