Learning Resources

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: Active learning has been a growing trend in higher education for decades based on its positive impact on student learning and success. Colleges and universities have invested resources into expanding this teaching approach by using active learning classrooms (ALCs). But why have some institutions been successful at rapidly growing their ALCs and learning spaces, while others have struggled? This article, focusing on the higher education arena, summarizes the best practices from a large-scale study that uncovered factors that led to successful scaling of learning spaces and pedagogical approaches in colleges and universities.

Abstract: The University of Kentucky (UK) and the University of Kentucky Esports Club worked together to establish the University of Kentucky Esports Lounge. Students were surveyed on their gaming needs, and the resulting wish list (i.e., equipment selection, space configuration, furniture, etc.) fed into the decision-making process by all constituents. The project budget was derived by a larger construction project at the University that focused on student recruitment, community, and connection to the non-student demographic. The UK team ultimately planned and launched the custom facility to meet users’ particular needs—while finding a way for the University to produce an additional revenue stream.

Abstract: Higher education planners recognize the crucial role that active learning spaces play in improving student outcomes, but identifying the specific characteristics that make these environments most beneficial for student success is still an evolving process. Representatives from two institutions—one private, the other public—will share their experiences and highlight the planning tools they use to assess active learning spaces aimed at powering student gains. Come join us for an engaging and interactive session that will provide you with critical, campus-tested planning tools that you can use in your own classroom assessment to improve your campus learning environment. This webinar was brought to you by the SCUP Mid-Atlantic region.

Abstract: Higher education must be observant to remain relevant. Institutional leadership and faculty can help close the workforce capacity gap by making meaningful connections with prospective students, the workforce, and industry partners. Metropolitan Community College (MCC) is changing their pipeline to increase workforce capacity by engaging nontraditional students in addition to re-evaluating academic and physical availability on their campus. In this session, you'll learn how you can enhance awareness of untapped populations to meet industry goals, evaluate opportunities to improve growth outcomes, and grow industry sponsorship investment through academic and equipment planning at your institution.

Abstract: In three presentations, we'll explore sustainable solutions to help you rethink parking and mobility on your campus. Through data-driven decision making, building asset management plans, and internal and external partnerships, planners can effectively tackle issues such as parking structure service life, shortages, cost, growth, and changing demand. Come learn about practical tools and strategies that you can use to impactfully and sustainably improve parking and mobility at your institution.

Abstract: With a shortage of skilled labor in the construction industry, the construction technology program at North Lake College aims to close that gap while creating an attractive, career-focused educational alternative to the traditional four-year college degree. We'll illustrate how industry-academic partnerships led to the reimagining of vocational education in a new, didactic facility for construction sciences. Come find out how your institution can inspire the next generation of industry leaders by elevating vocational education programs and facilities.

Abstract: Universities are essential partners in addressing the critical challenges facing urban communities. In this session, we'll discuss how urban institutions are serving essential roles in their cities by addressing inequities in education, economic opportunities, and health. Come find inspiration from three groundbreaking institutional leaders who are facilitating meaningful strategic change through campus and city collaboration and a commitment to serving the broader community.

Abstract: When the pandemic forced thousands of faculty and staff to suddenly work remotely last year, colleges and universities faced increased cyber security risk as people used their home computers and other devices. Higher education IT experts Michael Hites, CIO, and George Finney, Chief Security Officer, at Southern Methodist University, address the risk of data loss and planning for continuous business operations when working remotely. This interview illuminates the steps their institution quickly took to help their faculty and staff work more securely and make cybersecurity a habit. Finney is the author of Well Aware: Master the Nine Cybersecurity Habits to Protect Your Future.