Learning Resources

Abstract: There is increased demand to provide facilities that encourage student success. But how do you know if a space "works"? We will focus on how you can link your facilities planning to measurable student success. After reviewing broader national trends, we'll discuss metrics for student success and how space contributes to student success. Finally, we'll focus on tools and solutions that your institution can incorporate into its facilities planning process to ensure your learning spaces contribute to student success.

Abstract: 89% of employers say colleges are not adequately preparing students for the workforce. This session explores critical education/workforce gaps in higher education and how they can be addressed through academic planning and learning environments. We'll share data from 11 national studies and our longitudinal research that identifies critical workforce competencies where colleges have an opportunity to raise their value proposition. You will learn innovative strategies and processes to realign academic programming, support services, and physical facilities with critical competencies for post-graduation success.

Abstract: Nationally, many campuses are finding innovative pathways to achieving carbon neutrality that are feasible enough for others to build on. We will share how two universities charted paths to carbon neutrality and have become living laboratories where new ideas can be tested, refined, and prototyped. This session will provide tools and techniques to comprehend a campus's carbon profile, set carbon reductions goals, and explore alternative solutions to carbon-intensive practices in campus and space planning, infrastructure, and operations.

Abstract: The Okanagan Charter: An International Charter for Health Promoting University and Colleges provides a common language, principles, and framework for integrating complex issues of health, wellbeing, and sustainability on campuses. This session will show how planners can use the Okanagan Charter as a framework to promote health and wellbeing in the built environment, along with policies and culture. We'll also talk specifically about how the quality and design of the physical environment plays a critical role in the promotion of health and wellbeing.

Abstract: Master planning often assumes "what should we build next?" without looking at how we can better use what we have now. Before its master plan, The University of Puget Sound assessed its learning environments to test how existing buildings could be better utilized or improved. The team will share how they used software tools to assess and improve the utilization of their learning environments.

Abstract: FLEXSpace—The Flexible Learning Environments eXchange—and the Learning Space Rating System (LSRS) are tools that can help you plan, design, assess, and improve learning spaces on your campus. In this session, you will learn about the newly released FLEXspace 2.0 along with the LSRS. We'll cover the features and benefits of both tools and how they can be incorporated into the planning process. Come learn how to use these tools to inform designs and support end users from planning through post occupancy.

Abstract: The path to carbon neutrality is clear: electrify everything and procure renewable energy. How to get to 100% electric power is less clear. Stanford University has been focused on this challenge, committing to all-electric buildings by June 2019. This session will give attendees a clear road map and strategies for converting the energy your buildings use from gas to electric—whether the energy heats the building, glass beakers, or dinner.

Abstract: As institutions vie for enrollment, states divest in funding for higher education, and student needs are growing, it is imperative that senior leadership, especially the chief academic officer (CAO) and chief business officer (CBO), work in tandem and build the culture together. Join this interactive session to hear what CAO and CBOs need to focus on together, how to support each other, tools to use, tips for success, and how you can help.

Abstract: Interdisciplinary scientific research is the new normal in academia. Campus planning for interdisciplinary research requires special tools and analytics that align the needs of increasingly diverse research environments with existing facilities capabilities and new characterizations of research neighborhoods. To remain relevant within the world-wide scientific community, campuses must free research space planning from traditional boundaries in order to promote collaborative synergies. This session will introduce new analytical assessment tools, organizational principles, and planning strategies supporting interdisciplinary research. Come learn how to create an open-ended, actionable, and living planning document that ensures long-term relevance and viability.

Abstract: FLEXSpace—The Flexible Learning Environments eXchange—and the Learning Space Rating System (LSRS) are tools that can help you plan, design, assess, and improve learning spaces on your campus. In this session, you will learn about the newly released FLEXspace 2.0 along with the LSRS. We'll cover the features and benefits of both tools and how they can be incorporated into the planning process. Come learn how to use these tools to inform designs and support end users from planning through post occupancy.