Learning Resources

Abstract: Students have long valued a holistic post-secondary experience. It is important to look beyond capacity building and invest in spaces that create an engaging campus culture. This session will look critically at contemporary trends in student center planning, programming, and design as well as their outcomes, both intended and in use, drawing on findings from a recent post-occupancy evaluation of a new student life center. We'll provide you with the opportunity to reflect analytically on programming and design assumptions in the context of actual in-use building outcomes, and offer successful examples of student engagement and feedback mechanisms.

Abstract: The growth of the University of Calgary's Veterinary Medicine program has been a catalyst for several initiatives on campus, including the development of a long range plan, creation of an inclusive program, and development of micro degrees. The process of engagement, programming, and design at Vet Med was critical for understanding the urgent needs of the profession and students while being mindful and respectful of the history of place and the indigenous community. This session show how connecting the history of place at a campus master planning and programming level fosters opportunities, success, health, and wellbeing for each student.

Abstract: Breathing new life into old buildings is one of the most sustainable available campus strategies and offers benefits beyond carbon reduction. Renovation and adaptive reuse support a triple bottom line of environmental, financial, and social wellbeing. This session will explore renovation at Trinity University from campus, design, and building perspectives, outlining strategies for enhancing the character and performance of buildings, districts, and the campus. Join us to gain a multi-dimensional understanding of the risks and rewards of renovation and adaptive reuse to help strategically guide comprehensive environmental, financial, and campus planning efforts for colleges and universities.

Abstract: Effective means and methods for building projects result in campus environments that advance institutional missions and goals, ensure student success, and support campus communities working for change. This session will demonstrate how administrators, planners, and designers joined forces to coordinate an integrated project delivery to build a new medical school that promotes success for a diverse student body. We'll highlight strategies for prioritizing during the decision-making process, including identifying physical space needs to support program initiatives, developing planning guidelines for those needs, and enacting a design-build process to meet those needs in the built environment.

Abstract: This session will delve into the evolving landscape of university enrollment, focusing on the impacts of demographic changes. We will explore key trends such as declining birth rates, increasing diversity, academic readiness and shifting socio-economic factors that influence student enrollment patterns. By examining current data, we aim to provide foundational understanding for universities to adapt to these changes, ensuring sustainable enrollment and fostering inclusive educational environments. Join us to engage in a dynamic discussion on addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by these demographic transformations.

Abstract: Building consensus is challenging, but planners who are empowered by knowledge of their campus's space can make informed decisions on how to plan for its most efficient usage. Through an integrated, inclusive, and tactile study of space, we'll share how diverse groups can help build a new baseline of knowledge. Come learn how to develop a grassroots approach on your campus by applying a space occupancy and utilization study that uses actual data and analytical graphics to aid in decision making and strategic planning on a small and large scale.

Abstract: Colleges and universities are seeking to engage in equitable planning and design processes that uphold institutional values and reflect the needs of broad, diverse audiences to create spaces that inspire innovation. In this session, we'll share how to successfully construct and implement an integrated planning, programming, and design process for the delivery of innovation spaces that extend the mission of community-based campus programs and resources. By developing a planning and design process that partners with key stakeholders, institutions and designers can create interdisciplinary spaces that foster collaboration, innovation, and access for the benefit of students, faculty, and the community.

Abstract: Institutions can no longer be effective when resources, data, ideas, and people are siloed. A complete picture of institutional health requires planning leaders to break down silos and confront challenges using a shared language and an integrated and wholistic view across institutional functions. In this session, we'll discuss the integrated institutional effectiveness model, a rubric for the model, and approaches that allow planners to lead across silos.

Abstract: Developing a flexible master plan is critical for keeping up with the pace of education, increasing enrollment, and improving the surrounding community. This session will share tools for creating a planning framework to facilitate discussion and decision-making in the ever-changing landscape of higher education. A master plan that approaches the campus from a holistic perspective can provide the flexibility to plan and execute projects for years into the future. Come learn how Metropolitan Community College’s (MCC) master plan considers campus goals, space utilization, public and private partnerships, and overall community impact to provide a solid framework for future planning.

Abstract: How can institutions measure the efficiency of campus space use and communicate to stakeholders to create buy-in and lead to better use of facilities and resources? University of Central Florida (UCF) conducted a comprehensive space utilization analysis and took a bold stance on making the best use of existing space to implement institutional priorities. This session will delve into UCF's steady enrollment, growing research, underutilized space, and evolving work policies. Come learn how to develop integrated data and metrics to measure teaching, office, and research space utilization, and how the process and navigating campus politics lead to successful outcomes.