Learning Resources

Abstract: The Dr. EJ and Margaret O'Brien Hall at Marquette University showcases the ways in which relationship building between people, disciplines, space types, and contexts advances design to achieve human-purposed, inclusive outcomes for the department and campus. In this session, we'll discuss the new convening, inclusive, student-focused hub for business and innovation leadership and demonstrate how it exemplifies the core tenets of relationship building in navigating campus engagement, design process, and future success. Join us to learn useful strategies around relationship building within your campus communities, collaborative design processes for hybrid learning, intersecting purpose-built and loose-fit design, and post-pandemic student wellbeing.

Abstract: Portland State University's (PSU) integrated planning process involved multiple departments, coalesced institutional and strategic goals, bolstered educational and industry ties, and focused on diversity to dismantle barriers within STEM disciplines. PSU pioneered a planning and design process for its new science building that amplified underrepresented voices to diversify the STEM workforce, dramatically shifting design outcomes and student pathways. This session will address how institutions can prioritize broad engagement in planning, and how foregrounding input from underrepresented groups can alter preconceptions and reveal the challenges that exist in institutional operational norms that inhibit student success.

Abstract: A successful integrated plan requires the broad engagement within an institution. In this session, we'll demonstrate how we taught key leaders about integrated planning by breaking down the integrated planning process to enable plan creation for different programs and divisions. We'll share our Bison Integrative Planning Toolkit, which provides an 'evergreen' resource for onboarding colleagues into the integrated planning process and also serves as a manual that walks through the process of creating a plan. Join us to gain teachable, no-cost resources that you can easily disseminate at your institution to foster necessary skills for building an integrated planning culture.

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: Institutions can align their needs with innovation and insight by creating a strong integration of data and research processes for a data-driven, impactful strategic plan. We'll demonstrate how to build a data-driven strategic plan by applying research methodologies, leveraging public data, optimizing institutional data, and constructing a content analysis. You'll come away from this session with a blueprint to integrate into your own planning processes that will bolster your data skills and provide you with a mechanism to weave together planning with data-driven insights.

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: Many institutions face challenges in evolving traditional, and often ineffective, planning processes into fully participatory systems that use collaborative methods and techniques for improving outcomes. We'll illustrate how Northern Michigan University (NMU) is using Strategic Doing methodology to advance strategic action plan tactics, organize loosely connected networks, and increase collaboration and effectiveness. Come learn how to use a structured methodology with loosely affiliated cross-functional teams to drive greater results, increase accountability, and support impactful strategic plan implementation.

Abstract: Planning for certainty in higher education's unpredictable climate is impossible. The living framework, a geographic information system-based (GIS) tool, gives institutions agency to adjust scenarios and measure impacts against set metrics to facilitate decision making and guide capital plans. Georgia Institute of Technology (GT) applies this integrated planning process for long-term relevancy as campus priorities and external factors evolve, the impacts of hybrid work emerge, and unexpected ideas develop. You can use GT's innovative planning tools and strategies to meaningfully respond to dynamic stakeholder needs, manage institutional complexity, measure sustainability and growth outcomes, and build an effective governance model.

Abstract: You have a beautiful, shiny new strategic plan? Now comes the hard part of implementing it. An efficient implementation process provides direction, aligns actions, creates accountability, and accelerates goal achievement for a successful strategic plan. This session will explore lessons learned in developing an implementation process from scratch that integrates the work planners perform across multiple campuses. Join us to take an in-depth look at a successful model of strategic plan implementation and discover how you can apply a similar structure at your institution.

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.