Learning Resources

Abstract: This article describes the step-by-step process of campus space reconceptualization. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a need to rethink learning spaces and adapt them to some of the good practices used during the solely online teaching period. Through cross-functional collaboration and joint governance, a purposefully established task force audited all classrooms at Nazarbayev University (Kazakhstan). It came up with short-term and long-term recommendations. The audit results and recommendations outlined in this article might be useful to university administration and leadership interested in campus repurposing due to pandemic effects on teaching and new formats like hybrid learning that have influenced instruction.

Abstract: Promoting Equity and Justice Through Pedagogical Partnership
by Alise de Bie, Elizabeth Marquis, Alison Cook-Sather, and Leslie Luqueño
with a foreword by Alexis Giron
Stylus Publishing: Sterling, Virginia: 2021
227 Pages
ISBN 978-1642672084

Abstract: Higher Education Systems Redesigned: From Perpetuation to Innovation to Student Success
Edited by Jonathan S. Gagliardi and Jason E. Lane
SUNY Press: Albany, New York: 2022
ISBN: 9781438487670
252 Pages

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: 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.