Learning Resources

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: 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: Since the average presidential tenure is now fewer than six years, campuses need to design and implement circumspect planning which will prove stable even in the event of leadership changes. Using examples from eight institutions across the U.S., this session explores the challenges to campus strategic planning when new leadership arrives. Campus constituencies will be able to weather the uncertainties of a presidential transition through a detailed understanding of commonly experienced impacts on campus planning.

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.

Abstract: Designing a forward-thinking research building without identified occupants is a bold undertaking. Through an integrated planning and data-driven process, North Carolina State University (NCSU) designed a flexible academic research building, inspiring cross-functional collaboration which has led to increased industry partnerships and innovation. This session will highlight how a collaborative team enabled decision-making throughout the design process to create a future-proofed, energizing hub for academic research. Come learn how to leverage benchmarking, analytics, and an integrated planning process to design successful and innovative buildings on your campus.

Abstract: Planning for certainty in higher education's unpredictable climate is impossible. The living framework, a geographic information system-based (GIS) tool, gives institutions agency to adjust scenarios and measure impacts against set metrics to facilitate decision making and guide capital plans. Georgia Institute of Technology (GT) applies this integrated planning process for long-term relevancy as campus priorities and external factors evolve, the impacts of hybrid work emerge, and unexpected ideas develop. You can use GT's innovative planning tools and strategies to meaningfully respond to dynamic stakeholder needs, manage institutional complexity, measure sustainability and growth outcomes, and build an effective governance model.

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.