Learning Resources

Abstract: The study presented in this article investigated the state of the diversity budget at the nation’s flagship institutions during an economic recession. The sample included higher education administrators who oversaw a diversity budget at their respective institution and who were familiar with the state of budget cuts. Results indicate that 53 percent (17) of diversity units have experienced some type of cut in their operating budget. While many experienced some form of budget cut, when compared with other areas within the institution, the amount of the cut in diversity areas was not as significant as that in other areas.

Abstract: Beautiful buildings are built for schools from kindergarten through higher education. Why do we insist on designing our learning settings based on just the question, “How many ‘bums’ in seats do you need?” and the response, “Oh, we have a template for that” (i.e., row-by-column seating with X numbers). The world of education is being turned upside down by the “entrepreneurs” of education—the K–12 arena—as changes to pedagogy, technology, and space are being made and children’s brains are actually being altered due to the digital age. Higher education’s educators and the designers who develop educational solutions are hereby issued a wake-up call to change.

Abstract: The LEED® Green Building Rating system was designed to transform the American building industry. Colleges and universities have become important contributors to the green movement, and today higher education represents one of LEED’s largest user groups. This article investigates the popularity of LEED in higher education—probing strengths, weaknesses, and issues of cost—and identifies trends in universities’ use of the rating system. The article also identifies trends in campus construction and discusses planning practices that can help university administrators who seek to foster transformational change and organizational learning. The article concludes with recommendations for improving LEED and the way institutions use it.

Abstract: This article examines current trends in campus development in China. The context of ancient cultural symbolism is juxtaposed with the often-expressed intent to emulate Western campus design precedents. The apparent complexity and seeming contradictions of Oriental culture are reviewed in comparison to attitudes about historic campus development in America. A case study design for a new campus in China illustrates how symbolic narrative may be expressed in the physical environment. The importance of genius loci or a distinctive sense of place is reaffirmed with a call for multi-dimensional considerations to inform and advance ecologically sensitive and meaningful campus designs everywhere.

Abstract: The challenges of managing physical space in public higher education are often left unspoken and underresearched. This article is based on a multiple-case study of three urban universities; decision-making processes are examined with particular attention to who has institutional decision-making authority. Effective and efficient space management is important because the use of space on campus can contribute to research and practice by promoting innovation and collaboration, or it can isolate individuals and departments in silos. This study identifies three distinct challenges related to space management on campus: the quality of space, the location of space, and the quantity of space. The research findings accentuate the importance of (1) having a well-defined decision-making process, (2) having knowledgeable decision makers, (3) delegating decision-making authority, and (4) having accurate quantitative and qualitative data to inform decisions.

Abstract: This article covers an approach to the housing master planning process through work performed at The University of Alabama and The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The unique outcomes and recommendations derived from each plan will be explained through four facets: (1) existing conditions, including why the time was right for master planning; (2) the strategic vision/mission of each institution; (3) market realities; and (4) final recommendations/next steps. Distinctive recommendations and findings show that housing master plans should not follow a boilerplate template but instead follow the individual institutional mission and direction. Finally, the article shows that although the two housing master plans differ, they both provide value by helping to inform future housing decisions at their respective institutions.

Abstract: A popular response to meeting the diverse spiritual and religious needs of constituents of educational campuses is to provide a multi-faith space. Users of these facilities have a wide range of cultural and aesthetic expectations for worship space. For planners, administrators, and designers, this variety of space needs and expectations can be daunting. Historic examples of multi-faith centers may not serve well as models since they were often designed for just Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish faiths. This article identifies the components necessary in today’s culture to create and evaluate a successful multi-faith space located on a campus of higher education.