Learning Resources

Abstract: This student panel will exchange ideas on the impacts of capital planning in three phases: on campus today, at graduation, and ten years in the future. An educator and design expert will join students from Philadelphia-based institutions to share their perspectives on how short and long-term visioning for campus planning can create more engaging, inclusive, and impactful student experiences. Planners are considering the experiences students seek while on campus, and how perceived impressions differ from the reality of renovations. This interactive discussion will offer live feedback on trends and issues around recruitment, retention, campus culture, and sense of belonging.

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: Championing excellence through campus initiatives, Morgan State University's Thurgood Marshall Hall centralizes diverse student services at the student's doorstep for a holistic focus on sustainability, wellness, and living-learning. We'll detail this facility's multi-phase, multi-story approach to densifying campus housing as enrollment soars, which preserves open space while integrating premier dining experiences. Join us to explore the financial, operational, experiential, and wellness outcomes of a hybrid housing and dining facility that encompasses multiple student services at one thriving HBCU, including planning and design aspects with scalable techniques for elevating campus life.

Abstract: Athletic and recreation facilities occupy a significant campus footprint but oftentimes master planning doesn't integrate these spaces holistically into the campus. Recreation and wellness are critical components of student life on campus, and proactive planning can create a seamless experience on game days and for everyday athletics. In this session, three universities will share their distinct approaches to how campus planning and sports planning intersect in the academic realm. We'll provide specifics associated with integrated sports master planning and explain how outcomes can direct campus growth in the long term.

Abstract: In order to reimagine and capitalize on the potential of its campus gateway, The Ohio State University (OSU) employed specific planning and development processes to achieve successful outcomes. A decade of public-private planning, land acquisition, rezoning, infrastructure upgrades, preservation, and academic and mixed-use development has transformed OSU's High Street entrance into an active and economically-viable campus gateway district. In this session we'll show you how to think beyond campus boundaries and traditional planning methods to transform town and gown interfaces.

Abstract: Institutions are struggling to increase retention and success for students from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds. Michigan State University's (MSU) Multicultural Center offers safe spaces for education, healing, community, and building solidarity with one other. From advocacy to implementation, the student-driven process behind multicultural center was authentic and inclusive, resulting in a multi-functional facility that serves a highly diverse set of cultural activities and promotes a sense of belonging and wellbeing. Involving students at the highest levels of project decision-making during planning and the design process can reinforce an institution's mission around education and commitment to creating authentic, inclusive campus environments.

Abstract: In a time of racial segregation and limited opportunity, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) became pillars of the African American community, fostering academic excellence and a sense of cultural identity. HBCU leaders will discuss their institutions' significant and dynamic journeys over the years, and how they have evolved through different historical contexts and social changes. Join us to hear critical stories of how HBCUs have leveraged physical, academic, financial, and operational strategies to enhance and strengthen their missions, from their early years, through the pandemic, and today.

Abstract: Aging campus buildings can have a negative impact on student retention and faculty ability to conduct modern research. At the same time, the effects of climate change add urgency to the challenge of managing these outdated campus facilities. We'll share insights from a nine-building comprehensive facility renewal planning effort to maintain the vitality of aging teaching and research facilities while addressing the physical and programmatic needs of contemporary education. This case study will provide a methodology for developing an actionable facility renewal and program enhancement plan that seamlessly incorporates into an existing sustainability and high-performance building framework.