Learning Resources

Abstract: Focusing on a specific goal each month increases strategic plan success. Tactical discussions among stakeholders enhance ownership, identify more effective strategies, and ensure adaptations to the strategic plan as needed to meet evolving needs. This session will illustrate how aligning strategic goals with a monthly 'goal in focus' communications calendar can improve goal attainment by prioritizing focus, engagement, and ownership. Join us to find out how you can use a monthly communications calendar to achieve better outcomes for your strategic plan.

Abstract: A codified planning and resource alignment process can elevate institutional planning culture and help ensure the alignment of resources to the strategic plan. We'll show how planning and resource alignment are part of a systematic, data-informed, and integrated approach to achieving an institution's mission and vision. You'll walk away from this session with templates and logistical knowledge for effective implementation of annual planning and resource alignment as a part of an institutional integrated planning process.

Abstract: Data science is a rapidly developing discipline and serves as a catalyst for the future development and management of institutional faculties. This session will examine the unique engagement process behind the University of Virginia's (UVA) 'School without Walls', as well as its dynamic programming and design for serving an emerging discipline. This project plays a special role in providing a venue for community and industry interaction and research. We'll explore points of engagement with an expanding faculty throughout the design process, which inspired flexible internal planning, and reflect on the appropriateness of wider contextual influences on the design solution.

Abstract: No two individuals are 'wired' to process information or stimuli in their environment in the same way, yet the design of campus environments often focuses on the 'norm'. Meeting diverse needs on a spectrum of neurodiversity is an emerging concern for educational planning and design. We'll explore how physical environments can impact the educational experience by planning for neurodiversity and identify planning considerations that support equitable, inclusive campus environments to meet diverse social, emotional, and cognitive needs. This session aims to increase awareness, fluency, and sensitivity to assist planning efforts addressing neurodiversity that positively impact the built environment and the holistic experience and wellbeing of the campus community.

Abstract: Effective means and methods for building projects result in campus environments that advance institutional missions and goals, ensure student success, and support campus communities working for change. This session will demonstrate how administrators, planners, and designers joined forces to coordinate an integrated project delivery to build a new medical school that promotes success for a diverse student body. We'll highlight strategies for prioritizing during the decision-making process, including identifying physical space needs to support program initiatives, developing planning guidelines for those needs, and enacting a design-build process to meet those needs in the built environment.

Abstract: Institutions require accurate data to support decision making and planning, so they can and should carefully consider how this data is organized. As higher education continues to evolve to meet new challenges, there are significant opportunities to rethink how institutions are organized to benefit from blending the power of institutional strategy, integrated planning, and analytics. Washington State University (WSU) has evolved to combine these institutional functions into a central unit. This session will show you how to embrace collaborative partnerships and organize similar functions at your institution to bring focus, coordination, and alignment to your institutional planning.

Abstract: With a growing population of neurodiverse students, Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS) acts as a national prototype for institutional change to increase engagement and success of autistic students through purpose-built environments and programs. Using the RCAAS as a case study, we'll present an interdisciplinary approach for addressing complex issues around autism through the organization's college support program, psychological services clinic, and intensive outpatient clinic. Come learn how to leverage the campus setting, transit, recreation, and jobs to integrate autistic students, provide clinical experience, and design for a vulnerable population, resulting in better environments and wellbeing for all.

Abstract: Academic office spaces have historically followed established norms. These patterns are changing to maximize and condense real estate, minimize operating costs, and adjust to remote and hybrid work. This session will examine fundamentals of faculty and administrative offices and review student adjacencies, hot-desking and co-sharing space trends, and the future of hybrid work environments. We'll spotlight three unique academic office solutions that cover both new construction and existing renovation construction types. Join us to benefit from lessons learned, identifying potential pitfalls and new opportunities.

Abstract: The pandemic has underscored the importance of building systems, cultures, and tactical infrastructure that allow organizations to adapt, challenging us to rethink our priorities. We'll demonstrate a unique approach to strategy execution that ensures accountability and increases institutional investment by empowering all organizational units to understand how their work contributes to the success of a strategic plan. In this session, you'll learn how to mitigate risks to strategic priorities early and effectively, bridge the chasm between strategy creators and executors, while simultaneously creating a shared experience where everyone feels responsible for facilitating meaningful progress.

Abstract: Institutions are struggling to increase retention and success for students from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds. Michigan State University's (MSU) Multicultural Center offers safe spaces for education, healing, community, and building solidarity with one other. From advocacy to implementation, the student-driven process behind multicultural center was authentic and inclusive, resulting in a multi-functional facility that serves a highly diverse set of cultural activities and promotes a sense of belonging and wellbeing. Involving students at the highest levels of project decision-making during planning and the design process can reinforce an institution's mission around education and commitment to creating authentic, inclusive campus environments.