Learning Resources

Transforming Data into Meaningful Information

Put Methodologies in Action with Data-Driven Integrated Planning

By: Douglas Masterson, PhD, Christopher M. Davis, PhD, and Suzanne Carbonaro, MEd

Leaders in two different accreditation regions share best practices and lessons learned from their integrated planning evolution and its impact on operational efficiency and student learning.

From Volume 51 Number 2 | January–March 2023

Abstract: Institutional success depends on long-term sustainability, connecting investments with outcomes, and creating a culture that is data-informed. As the role of institutional effectiveness expands across higher education, designing a comprehensive integrated planning process is critical. Integrated planning requires a unified approach to utilizing academic and administrative data for continuous improvement. However, this can be an overwhelming process for institutions, with many unsure of where to start. Learn from leaders in two different accreditation regions as they share best practices and lessons learned associated with their integrated planning evolution and its impact on operational efficiency and student learning.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Southern Mississippi, University of Maryland-Global Campus
Planning Types: Academic Planning, Institutional Effectiveness Planning, Resource Planning
Tags: Academic Program Review, Alignment, Assessment / Analytics, Budget Planning, Dashboards, Data, Faculty Productivity, Metrics, Planning Processes, Planning Technology, Resource Allocation, Student Learning Outcomes, Student Success, SWOT Analysis

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Trends Inside Higher Education | Spring 2023

By: Apryl Motley, CAE, SASM

Within the world of higher education, what are some of today’s key trends—and what are some implications for institutions of higher learning?

Abstract: We’ve organized Trends using STEEP: Social, Technology, Economic, Environmental, and Political. Each trend includes a brief trend summary, a footnoted source, and discussion questions to help you analyze and act on the trend.

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It Takes a (Virtual) Village

Harper College Accomplished Integrated Campus Planning During a Time of Profound Change

By: Avis Proctor, EdD; Maria Coons, EdD; Krisan Osterby, MLA, ITGA; Stephen Siegle, MArch, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

This large community college successfully embraced virtual communication platforms and moved forward with a viable 10-year plan during a global health crisis, economic turbulence, and technological change.

From Volume 51 Number 2 | January–March 2023

Abstract: Integrated planning during profound change requires extra flexibility and attention to user engagement while utilizing new modes of interaction. This article summarizes a successful virtual and comprehensive planning process, including consensus-building, and approval at Harper College. It reviews results and lessons learned by this large community college as it embraced virtual communication platforms and moved forward with a viable 10-year plan during a global health crisis, economic turbulence, and technological change. The authors share the remote process used to set goals, assess resources, define needs, explore options, and guide decision-making with numerous stakeholders.

Institutions Mentioned: Harper College
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Alignment, Campus Master Planning, Community College, COVID-19, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Assessment, Facilities Planning, Planning Processes, Student Center / Union, SWOT Analysis

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Social Mobility and the Graduation Rate Paradox

Can You Advance One and Avoid the Other?

By: Roy Mathew, PhD, Elsa Bonilla-Martin, PhD, Luis A Aguirre, MS, and Naoko Tsuboi, MA

By using a metric-based planning framework, researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso identified areas for institutional intervention to enhance social mobility outcomes.

From Volume 51 Number 1 | October–December 2022

Abstract: Social mobility is an emerging area of focus for higher education institutions. In recent years, we have seen a proliferation of measures related to social mobility produced by publishers, scholars, think tanks, and foundations. However, it is still unclear which social mobility measures to advance, or when to intervene to improve social mobility outcomes. We rely on a century of literature from economics, sociology, and policy analysis to identify an appropriate framework to understand higher education’s contribution to social mobility. Using the metric-based planning framework, we identify areas for institutional intervention to enhance social mobility outcomes.

Institutions Mentioned: The University of Texas at El Paso
Planning Types: Institutional Effectiveness Planning, Strategic Enrollment Management Planning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning
Tags: Attracting and Retaining Underrepresented Students, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Enrollment Management, Student Demographics, Student Success, Underserved Students

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Webinar Recordings

Published
November 16, 2022

Insights from SCUP’s Fall 2022 Trends for Higher Education Report

By: Salvador Aceves, Regis University | Nicholas Santilli, Society for College and University Planning

Join your community as Nick Santilli and Salvador Aceves share in a conversation that will highlight some of the trends and how you can use the report to help your strategic planning, scenario planning, and contingency planning activities.

Abstract: Have you been keeping up with the trends outside higher education?

No problem! We’ve pulled together the latest trends along with questions you can use for planning and decision-making in SCUP’s fall 2022 Trends for Higher Education report (released September 2022).

What next? Let’s dig a little deeper. Join your community as Nick Santilli and Salvador Aceves share in a conversation that will highlight some of the trends and how you can use the report to help your strategic planning, scenario planning, and contingency planning activities.

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Trends Outside Higher Education | Fall 2022

By: Apryl Motley, CAE, SASM

This edition focuses primarily on forces outside academe that may drive change in colleges and universities.

Abstract: We’ve organized Trends using STEEP: Social, Technology, Economic, Environmental, and Political. Each trend includes a brief trend summary, a footnoted source, and discussion questions to help you analyze and act on the trend.

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Example Plans

Published
September 2, 2022

Strategic Enrollment Management Plan

Public Associate’s College (California, United States)

The college’s enrollment management plan, which prioritizes student access and success.

Planning Types: Strategic Enrollment Management Planning
Resource Types: Strategic Enrollment Management Plan
Tags: Community College, Enrollment Management, Goals, Strategies and Tactics

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A Practical Guide to Strategic Planning in Higher Education

Second Edition, with New and Updated Content

By: Karen E. Hinton, PhD

A resource for anyone engaged in college or university strategic planning, and an excellent primer for planning committees. This second edition also contains new strategies for using an institution’s strategic plan during times of institutional upheaval, and additional techniques for jump-starting various parts of the planning process.

Abstract: A Practical Guide to Strategic Planning in Higher Education is a resource for anyone engaged in college or university strategic planning; it is also an excellent primer for planning committees. Using clear definitions, practical tips, and examples drawn from actual situations, this short book acts as a manual for both experienced planners and those who are new to the process. This second edition also contains new strategies for using an institution’s strategic plan during times of institutional upheaval, and additional techniques for jump-starting various parts of the planning process.

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Blog Post

Published
July 6, 2022

What Is a Bridge Plan?

(And Does Your Institution Need One?)

By: Sadie Wutka, Director of Content Strategy, SCUP

A bridge plan allows a college or university to continue to pursue defined strategic pathways during times of uncertainty or rapid, unpredictable change. It’s also a good solution for when faculty and staff are overwhelmed due to a highly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) environment.

Planning Types: Strategic Planning
Tags: Adaptable Plans, Bridge Planning, Change Management, COVID-19, Disruptive Change, Modifying the Plan, Organizational Change

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Book Review: The State Must Provide

Why America’s Colleges Have Always Been Unequal—and How to Set Them Right

By: Sigrid M. Davison, MS

From Volume 50 Number 3 | April–June 2022

Abstract: The State Must Provide: Why America’s Colleges Have Always Been Unequal—and How to Set Them Right
by Adam Harris
Ecco, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers: New York: 2021
259 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-06-297648-2

Planning Types: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning
Tags: Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Funding, Governmental Policies and Regulations, Higher Ed in Society, Racial Equity

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Planning Types

Challenges