Learning Resources

Abstract: There are many internal and external forces that impact higher education; how can you be intentional about examining and understanding these trends? From demographic shifts, politics, and social movements to the evolving economy and new technologies, regular environmental scanning can help your institution make better, more strategic decisions—both in planning and day-to-day.

Abstract: Breastfeeding has well-known health, economic and social benefits. As mothers continue to work, play, learn, travel and live their lives in all environments, the need for breastfeeding spaces continues to expand. However, a key detriment to engaging in safe and private breastfeeding is the lack of dedicated lactation space. While there have been regulatory strides to support nursing mothers, businesses and employers are not required to create a permanent and dedicated space for breastfeeding mothers. Little research has examined the essential building specifications of these spaces.

Airports are one of many environments that have been overlooked for requiring a lactation space. A total of 130 US airports, categorized by hub size and region, were analyzed for the following features: website source, photos, amenities description, and location/access. Findings conclude that while many airports are addressing the issue of mothers and breastfeeding, more could be done to provide quality accommodations.

Abstract: There is a growing interest in examining the relationship between active learning spaces and development of soft skills. The overall goal of this research was to evaluate the gains, if any, in the collaboration skill development of students who experienced part of their undergraduate or graduate learning within active learning spaces at Thomas Jefferson University, and to attempt to pinpoint the factors contributing to that.

To meet the goal, the researcher designed a study to assess perceived impact of use of active learning spaces, targeting alumni. Although many such studies rely on reflections from current students during or shortly after their use of learning spaces, the unique contribution of this research is that it gathered impact perceptions of learning spaces from persons after they experienced collaborative work activities in their career settings beyond academia.

Abstract: In underserved communities, higher education can visibly and accessibly integrate into a suite of critical community-based programs. In this session, we will discuss how to successfully plan campus facilities that accommodate place-specific educational content for non-traditional and underrepresented students as well as lifelong learning for community members. Come explore our roadmap for success with an increasingly relevant sector of higher education that addresses marginalized communities.

Abstract: Until recently, the campus and the institution were the same organisms, as shell and snail. The campus was an analog reflection of the institution's mission and scale. Mission was linked to place and size of place linked to scale. The institution required physical places for all its students, faculty, and staff. This link began to fray in the last decade of the 20th century, as the placeless, non-physical potential of a digital world became more obvious and increasingly functional. What are the physical consequences of these fraying relationships? How must campuses adapt? What remains after the environmental forces of a digital world?

Abstract: Medical student and resident education greatly benefits from immersive on-the-job training that integrates research and treatment. In this session, we will show how a successful design process integrates an academic medical center with a private hospital campus (including a Level 1 trauma center), simultaneously advancing education for students and improving patient outcomes. We will share tools and strategies with you for integrating different learning spaces and cultures to create a comprehensive approach to education and patient care.

Abstract: Come dive into the world of e-scooters and other micro-mobility options, which are on the rise nationwide. We will discuss current micro-mobility trends, benefits, challenges, and ways that planners can integrate micro-mobility safely, aesthetically, and strategically into their campus environments. With foresight and planning, micro-mobility can fill gaps in traditional campus transportation modes while mitigating challenges such as rider injury, pedestrian safety, and unsightliness. You will learn about micro-mobility trends, strategies, and policies you can apply and adapt to your campus infrastructure and reap their benefits.

Abstract: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and biophilic design principles may often seem at odds, but great ideas for integrating security and wellness for your facilities may come from unexpected sources...as long as you engage users early on in planning and design. Illustrating the latest security, wellness, and biophilic design integration strategies, this session will provide you with essential tools for evaluating both prospective designs and existing conditions on your campus.