Learning Resources

Abstract: Campus facility design is a complex process that involves many sources of opinion and influence. Educational environments must enhance evolving pedagogies, support learning, administrative, and social functions, and accommodate ever-changing institutional needs. The systematic use of standardized evaluation tools for assessment of higher education facilities provides comprehensive insight into occupant experience from diverse, unique perspectives for informed and integrated planning decisions. In this session, we'll share practical strategies for conducting occupant evaluations across all types of facilities, as well as occupant outcome findings and the resulting planning decisions.

Abstract: Championing excellence through campus initiatives, Morgan State University's Thurgood Marshall Hall centralizes diverse student services at the student's doorstep for a holistic focus on sustainability, wellness, and living-learning. We'll detail this facility's multi-phase, multi-story approach to densifying campus housing as enrollment soars, which preserves open space while integrating premier dining experiences. Join us to explore the financial, operational, experiential, and wellness outcomes of a hybrid housing and dining facility that encompasses multiple student services at one thriving HBCU, including planning and design aspects with scalable techniques for elevating campus life.

Abstract: How can institutions measure the efficiency of campus space use and communicate to stakeholders to create buy-in and lead to better use of facilities and resources? University of Central Florida (UCF) conducted a comprehensive space utilization analysis and took a bold stance on making the best use of existing space to implement institutional priorities. This session will delve into UCF's steady enrollment, growing research, underutilized space, and evolving work policies. Come learn how to develop integrated data and metrics to measure teaching, office, and research space utilization, and how the process and navigating campus politics lead to successful outcomes.

Abstract: First generation and marginalized students often have difficulty accessing campus services. Holistically supporting students through integrated services so that they feel valued, respected, and included is critical to graduation and retention rates. The University of Arizona (UA) radically transformed access to student services, bringing together previously disparate services into the co-located Student Success District that renews existing campus assets into accessible, flexible, human-centric spaces. This session will share a model for bridging strategic and facilities planning with universal principles and qualitative and quantitative metrics for leveraging existing programs and building resources to improve student outcomes.

Abstract: The growth of the University of Calgary’s Veterinary Medicine program has been a catalyst for several initiatives on campus, including the development of a long range plan, creation of an inclusive program, and development of micro degrees. The process of engagement, programming, and design at Vet Med was critical for understanding the urgent needs of the profession and students while being mindful and respectful of the history of place and the indigenous community. This session show how connecting the history of place at a campus master planning and programming level fosters opportunities, success, health, and wellbeing for each student.

Abstract: Planning for inclusive spaces where students can see themselves and achieve success requires critical approaches, diverse perspectives, and representative processes. This session will explore ways of incorporating indigenous experiences and perspectives into the process of placemaking, using The Evergreen State College’s (TESC) renovation of the Seminar 1 building?Äîhome of the Native Pathways Program?Äîas a case study. Join us to find out how you can improve your planning and design processes to create inclusive, vital places of life, learning, and wellbeing on your campus.

Abstract: Lane Community College’s (LCC) unique commitment to uphold principles articulated in their Community Benefits Agreement allowed for an innovative planning and design process that centered on the core needs of its most marginalized community members. We’ll detail how LCC’s active dedication to providing community benefit via bond dollars transformed its Health Professions Building into a vital campus centerpiece, enhancing safety, accessibility, and workforce and career training. This session will raise awareness around creating a community-centered process to discover design solutions that not only solve campus programmatic and functional issues but achieve design excellence.

Abstract: As the role of arts and culture in our cities evolves, institutions are responding by growing their performing arts programs to enhance connection and build community. This session will explore how the planning, programming, and design of performing arts facilities at two institutions plays a vital role in reinvigorating and energizing the urban condition. Come learn how institutions can use the performing arts to enhance in-person eduction and advance arts and culture within an evolving technological paradigm.

Abstract: Establishing a new college within a university requires coordination with the accrediting body, other university disciplines, the city, donors, and neighboring landowners. We’ll outline and discuss how we navigated the process, challenges, and opportunities related to Duquesne University’s new College of Osteopathic Medicine, including the collaboration with the City of Pittsburgh’s Forbes Avenue Improvement Initiative. Through practical, implementable approaches to growth-focused programming in a new urban facility, this session will offer lessons learned, priorities, and planning tools for flexibility and improvement.