Learning Resources

Abstract: Campus decarbonization requires flexible and adaptable approaches at all scales. Determining the appropriate mix of action plans helps campuses prepare for an increasing number of existing building performance and carbon reduction policies. The University of Minnesota's (U of M) multi-campus system, one of the largest in the U.S., is planning and taking actions to become net zero. This unconventional approach addresses decarbonization across regional climates, campus-systems, and building scales. In this session, we'll provide transferrable decarbonization planning processes, best practices, and lessons learned from actions across geographical regions, diverse campus-wide energy systems, and existing facilities net zero strategies.

Abstract: Traditional, siloed faculty offices are no longer the best option for serving student and staff needs. Open-concept faculty neighborhoods benefit staff by creating a collaborative working environment, and they benefit students by providing space for them to speak openly with professors. This session will demonstrate how innovative faculty neighborhoods increase collaboration and dialogue, supporting the working and learning experience for faculty, students, and the whole institution. We'll demonstrate how you can get the most out of your campus working environments by implementing creative layouts that are designed to boost collaboration and connection while retaining space for personal reflection and rejuvenation.

Abstract: Recent years have seen mobility pattern shifts, new micromobility devices, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, and surging traffic deaths. Higher education campuses are uniquely placed to implement best-practice pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, but they face different opportunities and constraints. This session will discuss how Northwestern University and Illinois Medical District approach transportation challenges and strategies for campus mobility planning and policy development around adapting and improving safety. Come delve into these two campuses' mobility planning efforts to discover best practices for planning processes, policy language, infrastructure design, and integrated implementation and operations strategies.

Abstract: Housing insecurity is becoming a more and more frequent issue across many colleges and universities. The University of California System, the largest in the nation, reported that eight percent of their undergraduate population lacks a safe, regular, and adequate nighttime place to stay and sleep. Join our diverse panel of student housing experts to discuss critical impacts, observations, policies, and considerations around the ever-expanding cost burden in accessing a college degree.

Abstract: The constraints that universities face in terms of capital, declining enrollment, and surplus capacity in campus facilities causes escalation of deferred maintenance costs. The University of Kansas (KU) master plan focuses on the value and impact of right-sizing the campus through change management and the implementation of a data dashboard. This session will share a sustainable path to establish a culture of transparency in decision making, stakeholder engagement, and environmental stewardship. We'll outline a data-driven process and lessons learned for leveraging resources, enacting policies that enable change management, and meeting the challenges of implementing a bold cultural shift.

Abstract: Institutions are constrained by housing modern programs within aging facilities. Cornell University's College of Engineering addressed these challenges while collecting programs and enhancing the user experience. This session will explore project goals that resolve pragmatic challenges of aging facilities and evolving programs with interventions that help support the future of academic programs and impact the overall cohesiveness of the larger campus. We'll identify opportunities to solve programmatic and utilitarian challenges within the confines of aging facilities while helping to improve the student experience, recruit researchers, and make connections between buildings and across the campus.

Abstract: Transforming older campuses into healthy, walkable green environments with high-impact programming requires investments in infrastructure, circulation, and buildings? All while addressing legacy assets? Is a major challenge for institutions today. The University of Maryland College Park's (UMD) campus plan sets a visionary yet achievable roadmap for key institutional goals, enabling the evolution of a suburban flagship campus into a vibrant, urban, multi-modal, and carbon-neutral innovation center. This session will offer practical strategies for planners to align diverse interests and stakeholders from across the campus community, clear decision-making hurdles, and balance long-range strategic goals with near-term needs.

Abstract: The cost of building and operating research space continues to increase alongside the profile of these spaces on campus. Space management practices can help to enhance institutional reputation by growing research on a more affordable and sustainable basis. This session will examine Arizona State University's (ASU) process of managing research space in new and existing buildings, the research funding and facilities ecosystem, common metrics for productivity, and justifications for space management. We'll provide data-driven insight into ASU's implementation, ideas for translating the process to your institution, and justification for implementing our research space management and optimization practices.

Abstract: Many institutions face challenges in evolving traditional, and often ineffective, planning processes into fully participatory systems that use collaborative methods and techniques for improving outcomes. We'll illustrate how Northern Michigan University (NMU) is using Strategic Doing methodology to advance strategic action plan tactics, organize loosely connected networks, and increase collaboration and effectiveness. Come learn how to use a structured methodology with loosely affiliated cross-functional teams to drive greater results, increase accountability, and support impactful strategic plan implementation.

Abstract: With a growing population of neurodiverse students, Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS) acts as a national prototype for institutional change to increase engagement and success of autistic students through purpose-built environments and programs. Using the RCAAS as a case study, we'll present an interdisciplinary approach for addressing complex issues around autism through the organization's college support program, psychological services clinic, and intensive outpatient clinic. Come learn how to leverage the campus setting, transit, recreation, and jobs to integrate autistic students, provide clinical experience, and design for a vulnerable population, resulting in better environments and wellbeing for all.