Learning Resources

Abstract: Interdisciplinary learning thrives on a foundation of cross-departmental strength. Designing facilities that accommodate a variety of teaching modalities and allow different disciplines to share resources can have a positive impact on future learning, teaching, and research. The session examines how North Carolina A&T State University (NCA&T) created an interdisciplinary engineering research and innovation facility centered around maker and fabrication spaces. You will learn about our integrated project team approach, how we secured buy-in from stakeholders, and how we translated functional space needs into innovative places.

Abstract: We will explore how The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) campus master plan will guide significant growth in research, enrollment, and partnership opportunities across multiple campuses and industry over the coming decades. UTSA is the largest public institution in the fastest-growing large city in the country. New university leadership is seeking to expand its reach and influence while remaining a community-serving institution with many first-generation students. Come find out what you need to consider when master planning for significant institutional growth and engaging the impacted community.

Abstract: Institutions have determined through surveys and research that building design and location significantly affect first-year student's happiness and academic success. In response, they are implementing significant changes to on-campus housing. Understanding how different housing models influence first-year students allows institutions to provide students with a strong social foundation that can significantly affect recruitment and retention. We will share examples of rapidly changing student expectations and prepare you to assess your student housing offerings and evaluate their relationships to student success.

Abstract: During onboarding, it is critical that we provide a level of service that assesses each student's needs and customizes services to those needs. We will share new ideas to improve the student onboarding process and its impact on the organization, staffing, and use of existing (or new) student services space. Using Northwest Florida State College (NFSC) as a case study, you will learn about current trends in student needs and discuss how these trends drove change in NFSC's workflows, staff, space, furniture, and technology.

Abstract: To achieve a sustainable campus, institutions must integrate sustainable practices across environmental, social, and economic boundaries. It is important that built environments responsibly utilize natural and financial resources as well as meet expectations for student and community wellbeing. Sustainability and green building experts will discuss critical lessons and tools they used to integrate sustainability at the University of Houston, allowing them to manage both long- and short-term decision making. Come learn about our strategic framework that will help your institution stay ahead of the curve on climate resiliency and provide sustainable facilities that allow student and community partnerships to thrive.

Abstract: Institutions can inform their academic and facilities planning by studying labor markets as well as demographic and enrollment trends. In this session, we will share the Tennessee Board of Regents’ statewide demographic and labor market analysis, which examines demographic, enrollment, and job data to inform coordinated, statewide decision making for academic planning and facility expansions. Come learn how Tennessee's methodology can aid your institution in coordinating academic offerings and facilities investments among campuses.

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 session will share a portfolio-based approach to space management as an institutional, governance-based framework for aligning space—its allocation and use—to meet priorities and program needs. You will learn how we aligned space governance with our institution's organizational hierarchy through defined portfolios, allowing central planning units to use a streamlined process and adaptive planning tools to arrive at an unbiased, data-driven perspective.

Abstract: It has often been said that culture eats strategy for breakfast. While that can often be true, it does not have to be that way. Culture and strategy can be close companions and highly complementary when positioned as mutually reinforcing parts of the planning process. When strategy is developed with an appreciation for cultural strengths, it has a better chance to move beyond words on a screen or on paper. At the same time, organizational strategy can strengthen and reinforce an improved organizational culture.

Georgia Tech is using a technique called appreciative inquiry to build a positive, productive culture through the strategy development and implementation process. This approach reinforces the positive elements of the current culture while clearly defining the cultural attributes needed for success in the future.
This discussion will explore ways to draw out the best in organizational culture to create an effective strategy while also using strategy to steer culture in a positive direction.

Abstract: Technical and community college education must adapt to the changing workforce to ensure success for the students, communities, and states they serve, and their physical campuses need to support this adaptation. We will explore the planning, design, and stakeholder collaboration behind Lanier Technical College's new, six-building, 95-acre campus designed to house 50 unique workforce development programs. We will also share consensus building and expectation management techniques we employed to build buy-in with diverse stakeholders.