Learning Resources

Abstract: Intentional leadership is necessary for moving an organization from a revolving state of reactive whirlwind into a future with integrated strategic focus. This session will discuss leadership principles for moving an organization strategically forward during a period of unprecedented challenge and change. You'll gain insight into using futuring and vision in tandem with internal and external scanning to develop strategic focus, and consider a change-responsive institutional planning framework and strategic planning approach. Come discover how you can help generate the lessons learned and leadership tactics for an intentional future.

Abstract: No two individuals are 'wired' to process information or stimuli in their environment in the same way, yet the design of campus environments often focuses on the 'norm'. Meeting diverse needs on a spectrum of neurodiversity is an emerging concern for educational planning and design. We'll explore how physical environments can impact the educational experience by planning for neurodiversity and identify planning considerations that support equitable, inclusive campus environments to meet diverse social, emotional, and cognitive needs. This session aims to increase awareness, fluency, and sensitivity to assist planning efforts addressing neurodiversity that positively impact the built environment and the holistic experience and wellbeing of the campus community.

Abstract: Portland State University's (PSU) integrated planning process involved multiple departments, coalesced institutional and strategic goals, bolstered educational and industry ties, and focused on diversity to dismantle barriers within STEM disciplines. PSU pioneered a planning and design process for its new science building that amplified underrepresented voices to diversify the STEM workforce, dramatically shifting design outcomes and student pathways. This session will address how institutions can prioritize broad engagement in planning, and how foregrounding input from underrepresented groups can alter preconceptions and reveal the challenges that exist in institutional operational norms that inhibit student success.

Abstract: As the University of Houston (UH) plans for its second century, the campus is looking to the 'space between' buildings, such as landscape and public space, for innovative opportunities to expand cross-disciplinary discovery. This session will share how and why UH is remaking its arrival experience, central quad, and campus woodlands to foster social, physical, and mental wellbeing for the campus community. We'll discuss how to balance a 100-year stewardship planning framework with the pace of accelerated research and new buildings, demonstrating how both frames of reference can contribute to a campus's strategic objectives and an innovation mindset.

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: 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.