Learning Resources

Abstract: Have you been keeping up with the trends outside higher education?

No problem! We’ve pulled together the latest trends along with questions you can use for planning and decision-making in SCUP’s fall 2022 Trends for Higher Education report (released September 2022).

What next? Let’s dig a little deeper. Join your community as Nick Santilli and Salvador Aceves share in a conversation that will highlight some of the trends and how you can use the report to help your strategic planning, scenario planning, and contingency planning activities.

Abstract: October is Campus Sustainability month! At SCUP, we recognize that climate crisis, social justice, and sustainability are some of the biggest challenges facing higher education. And we believe that the practice of integrated planning will assist campuses develop the strong partnerships required to create durable solutions. A few key questions to consider:

• What are the top sustainability trends that my campus and higher education should be addressing?
• What is the role of integrated planning in developing innovative solutions to critical sustainability issues?
• In considering sustainability focused partnerships, where is the best place to start? Is it within the campus, or with outside partners?
• What are ideas that attendees can move forward on their campus starting today?

Join us as we dive into these topics during an engaging conversation with Meghan Fay Zahniser, executive director of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. Hosted by Mike Moss, president of SCUP, we will spend time discussing sustainability trends across higher education as well addressing questions from attendees.

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: We’ve organized Trends using STEEP: Social, Technology, Economic, Environmental, and Political. Each trend includes a brief trend summary, a footnoted source, and discussion questions to help you analyze and act on the trend.

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: There are a multitude of internal and external forces that impact higher education, but how can you be intentional about examining and understanding these trends? From finding your way post-pandemic, to demographic shifts and political changes, to social movements and the evolving economy and technology, regular environmental scanning will inform decisions around your strategic plan development or plan implementation.

Join Jim Downey, senior strategy consultant, and Nick Santilli, SCUP’s senior director of learning strategy, as they use SCUP’s Spring 2022 Trends for Higher Education report to explore “What If?” questions in a practical format that will allow your team to pinpoint areas for institutional advancement.

This webinar is a must for anyone serving in a planning capacity in higher education, be it academic, institutional research, institutional effectiveness, campus planning, student affairs, etc.

Abstract: We’ve organized Trends using STEEP: Social, Technology, Economic, Environmental, and Political. Each trend includes a brief trend summary, a footnoted source, and discussion questions to help you analyze and act on the trend.

Abstract: Bard Graduate Programs in Sustainability is leading coordinated climate education on a global scale. Working with international colleagues in more than three dozen countries through the Open Society University Network, they are organizing a Worldwide Teach-In on Climate and Justice set for March 30, 2022. The Teach-in will focus on the pursuit of climate justice through ambitious but feasible regional climate solutions. Their goal is for the Teach-in to engage at least 1000 colleges, universities, high schools, and faith and community organizations, and at least half a million students across the globe. The project includes a Massive Open Online Internship in social media that enables students from around the world to take collective action to promote education about climate solutions and justice. Learn more about this ambitious project and watch the Teach-in's compelling program introduction.

Abstract: There are a multitude of internal and external forces that impact higher education, but how can you be intentional about examining and understanding these trends? From demographic shifts to political charges to social movements, the evolving economy and technology, regular environmental scanning will inform decisions around your strategic plan development or plan implementation.

Join Jim Downey, former vice president for planning and institutional effectiveness at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and senior strategy consultant, and Nick Santilli, former provost at John Carroll University and SCUP’s senior director of learning strategy, as they use SCUP’s Fall 2021 Trends for Higher Education report to explore “What If?” questions in a practical format that will allow your team to pinpoint areas for institutional advancement.

This webinar is a must for anyone serving in a planning capacity in higher education, be it academic, institutional research, institutional effectiveness, campus planning, student affairs, etc.