Learning Resources

Abstract: The needs of inner-city community college students are widely varied. Community College of Philadelphia's (CCP) primary function is to provide them with tools and assistance to help them succeed, which is also the purpose of its newly-renovated library. Today's library is no longer just a book repository, but also an important communal hub for students. The transformation of CCP's library will aid a diverse student body with learning, tutoring, research, and social spaces. We'll share new ways for your institution's library to address these student needs and provide them with the best educational and social resources.

Abstract: We live in a neurodiverse world. Students, whether or not they have formal diagnoses, learn in different ways, and the converging crises of our day demand new paradigms of inclusion across the campus. Spaces that support sensory needs can allow a wider range of students to flourish, creating a more equitable—and more flexible—environment.

Leaders from Thomas Jefferson University and Verona Carpenter Architects will share examples across typologies of innovative solutions, unleashing the generative power of difference. Use the examples and discussion points to create a healthier, more attractive space on campus for all learning types.

Abstract: Despite being constrained by a small, land-locked campus, Northwestern University has added nearly two million gross square feet to its north campus in the last 7 years. Major capital projects have focused on the convergence of academic, research, libraries, athletics, recreation, and support facilities in this compact area of campus. Touring select spaces in the Kellogg Global Hub, our professional business school, and Mudd Hall, a mixed-use research and library building, this session will provide an overview of recent north campus development.

Abstract: Equity and inclusion on campus has never been more important and institutions must come to terms with their current practices in order to improve them. We will share a tool we developed through the National Institutes for Historically-Underserved Students for institutions to assess their readiness to support underserved students. A detailed survey of relevant research went into the development of this readiness tool. In this session, you will learn about this tool and the detailed survey of relevant research that went into its development as well as discover how you can employ this tool on your campus.

Abstract: New learner-centered tools must emphasize collaboration and scalability as higher education responds to a worldwide health crisis and social unrest sparked by inequity. This session will illustrate how the needs of traditionally underserved students are reshaping higher education delivery, now more than ever due to increased virtual learning and loss of campus space. We'll share how we're learning as we go, implementing innovative, resource-conscious, and practical solutions to urgent challenges. Come learn how you can translate institutional values of access and equity into resilient physical planning strategies that will help your institution support underserved students in a time of crisis.

Abstract: With COVID-19 guidelines often in direct opposition to the intention of the campus residential experience, it's important for schools to maintain a future-focused mindset while planning an institutional response. We will explore how Kenyon College is keeping the momentum of its master plan implementation alive while adapting to the COVID-19 era through the lens of an in-construction library project. Find out how your institution can take precautions to protect students from COVID-19 without sacrificing the residential experience, thereby keeping students more engaged and compliant with stricter rules during their transition back to campus.

Abstract: The campus exists to serve as a support network for students, but the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the variety of ways in which some students remain underserved. This session will discuss the equity and access issues amplified by the pandemic and how institutions are adapting this fall's programs and environments to alleviate these issues. Come join our panelists for an in-depth discussion of research into student inequities and how their institutions plan to improve the student support system on their campus this fall.

Abstract: In context of COVID-19, institutions are developing new approaches to online learning at an unprecedented pace. Looking ahead, this great experiment may offer lessons for broadening the definition of accessibility. Three decades after the Americans with Disabilities Act established minimum accessibility standards for the built environment, this moment of accelerated change presents a unique opportunity to utilize hybrid delivery models and universal design principles to rethink accessibility. Sasaki principal Greg Havens examines how continued emphasis on improvements to the physical environment, when combined with hybrid learning and services, could transform the way we plan the human-centered, accessible campuses of tomorrow.

Abstract: Support for underrepresented students must continue now and in a post-COVID-19 world. How is this getting tackled in an all-women’s undergrad program that serves underrepresented students? Pat McGuire, president of Trinity Washington University (DC), discusses her university’s approach—from crisis planning through contingency planning.

Abstract: Addressing current student expectations on campuses with mid-century buildings and a tight budget requires collaboration between the client and design team as well as creative placemaking solutions. As part of repositioning for the 21st century, Drexel University renovated the Korman Center, a 1950s library, and the academic quad to serve as a 24/7 student hub and interdisciplinary academic study center that encourages student collaboration. You will learn how to develop practical, sustainable, and design-forward solutions for updating mid-century buildings and spaces that will attract and retain a diverse student population.