Learning Resources

Abstract: After considering the pandemic’s impacts—in particular, new financial constraints and shifting space expectations—it become clear that Florida State University’s relatively recent master plan needed to be reimagined. Revising a master plan isn’t usually innovative, but Florida State’s holistic approach is. By engaging the whole institution in the conversation, the master plan reset will ensure that the values and aspirations of the institution are reflected in a built environment that not only meets program needs, but supports and sustains the innovation necessary for post-pandemic realities. The result? A master plan that includes almost no new buildings, rethinks how entire programs work, and drives discipline back into departmental aspirations.

Abstract: When the pandemic forced students, faculty, and staff off campus in March 2020, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) had just begun initial investments to implement the first phases of its recently completed master plan. What impacts would the pandemic have on the master plan, space planning, and the delivery of VCU's core mission? While VCU adapted and planned for a return to campus, Richmond became a center of social unrest with protests throughout VCU's campuses. Join us to discuss how VCU changed its planning strategies and built campus environment to simultaneously address a public health crisis and calls for social reform.

Abstract: Nobody knows when campus will return to full capacity, but in the short term, there are things that can be done to bring students, faculty and staff back smartly and appropriately. Campus life will look different, but what’s wrong with different? We want our students to feel safe, supported, stay healthy while maintaining a different on-campus experience for every student.

Abstract: Like every other institution, Paradise Valley Community College shifted to deal with COVID-19. But unlike some other institutions, they are looking ahead with excitement. President Paul Dale explains how he and his Future Thinkers team are finding the pandemic’s silver lining in an exploration of new learning modalities and creative use of technology that they plan to leverage to meet the college’s mission far beyond the crisis.

Abstract: In April of 2017 the University System of Georgia (USG) launched a system wide initiative, known as the Comprehensive Administrative Review (CAR). The charge was to identify and implement administrative service improvement, efficiencies, and administrative cost savings that can be redirected to student success efforts and core academic programs. As Chair of the CAR Steering Committee, Dr. Marrero will outline the objectives of the CAR, the process, implementation and reporting structures, and the results to date. Furthermore, as a President of two USG comprehensive universities during the process of and initial implementation of CAR (University of West Georgia and Georgia Southern University), Dr. Marrero will provide an institutional perspective and insight into building a culture of high performance with a focus on evidence-based leadership, accountability, and continuous improvement. The session will highlight why investing in and engaging your people is critical in building a culture of continuous improvement.

Abstract: This article presents an approach for the preparation of a feasible master plan for a proposed polytechnic. It identifies and discusses key steps common to all methods used in the preparation of an institutional master plan. The object is to provide pertinent information to guide the preparation of a master plan that ensures a successful implementation and fulfillment of the institution’s objectives. It was concluded that the adoption and implementation of an appropriate master plan for a named polytechnic greatly facilitates the realization of the institution’s vision and mission.

Abstract: Challenging times continue for higher education: calls for more accountability, assessment of outcomes, evidence of institutional performance, relevance for life and careers, and student success. Integrated strategic planning and decision making in this ever-changing environment is critical for campus leadership. To maximize accountability, assessment, analytics, and accreditation, it is imperative for campus leaders to develop an integrated approach that begins with standard metrics, aligns with performance-based goals, and connects with accreditation requirements. Analytics, learning analytics, and learning management systems provide the crucial link to learning standards that support the reporting, monitoring, and improvement of student learning.

Abstract: A year of focused learning on strategic planning at colleges and universities across the nation revealed eight key themes in strategic planning as well as how university leaders are using strategic planning to move their institutions forward and how strategic planning is changing. Strategic plans (1) have shorter time spans, (2) include goals in broad brush strokes, (3) have strong communication plans, (4) present their complex goals in simplified form, (5) use data, (6) distinguish their institutions, (7) are aligned with other plans, and (8) require strong leadership.

Abstract: In 2009 the Arizona University System (supporting over 130,000 enrollments) through its Board of Regents directed its board president and the presidents of Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University to create an operational plan that reflected the board’s vision, goals, and strategic directions. A primary objective was to transform the system (or enterprise) vision into concrete goals and outcomes that would directly connect to financial decision making at the system and university level. The backdrop for higher education planning and budgeting expectations included the continuation of severe reductions in state funding, rapidly increasing student tuition and fees, and a call for greater accountability. The planning processes were characterized by the integration of board and presidential discussions, inclusion of constituent debate, identification of strategic choices, and approval of outcomes focused on measuring performance. The integration ran across and within three organizations or levels that included the Arizona Board of Regents, its system administration, and the three universities.