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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Alvernia University can provide inspiration for planners who must undertake the difficult task of transforming their institution in turbulent times. In four years, Alvernia University has raised $25 million in external support, garnered a $400 thousand grant, and raised enrollment by more than six percent. This session will detail Alvernia University’s transformation strategy, which has radically changed how the university educates students and supports regional economic development. The Alvernia approach offers a proven model that institutions can adapt for their own transformation efforts, cutting plan development and implementation time.

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 role of data-informed decision-making can't be overstated. By leveraging advanced data visualization techniques, these dynamic dashboards provide real-time insights into key performance indicators, enabling informed and strategic decision making. We'll embark on a visual journey into the heart of data-informed decision making with a focus on exceptional dashboards, delving into visual analytics to illuminate the transformative impact they have on leadership and student success. Come learn about the transformative impact that Binghamton University's dashboard creation and visual analytics has on academic leadership, departmental efficiency, student success initiatives, and institutional excellence.

Abstract: Community colleges are facing enrollment declines and demographic shifts. To overcome these challenges, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) are implementing innovative initiatives, partnerships, and projects that address declining enrollments and surplus space through integrated planning. In this session, we'll show how urban community colleges are working to attract and retain students while using spatial re-organization to deal with surplus space and leveraging vacant and aging facilities for student services and community spaces.