Learning Resources

Abstract: Applying design thinking to strategic and academic plan development can help identify innovative priorities and create a sense of ownership at the individual level, establishing buy-in through the planning process. In this session, we'll explore how a regional comprehensive university incorporated design thinking throughout the development of its strategic and academic plans. Come learn how to employ design thinking to actively engage diverse stakeholders in the planning process, creating alignment and laying the groundwork for an integrated approach to implementation.

Abstract: A new, statewide accessibility policy along with rapidly changing technology spurred Washington's community and technical colleges to develop and adopt a more collaborative strategic planning process. This session will review a statewide technology accessibility planning process, how it was jumpstarted, and demonstrate tools that you can use to lead more collaborative planning processes at your institution.

Abstract: Literature points out that big data and analytics (BDA) still fails to positively influence institutional planning—even though it's promoted as a novel approach to improving efficiency and effectiveness. What limits the usefulness of BDA? Researchers point to a lack of conceptual models that translate information into meaningful signals. Nonsense! We're using a metrics-based planning framework that's producing remarkable outcomes. We'll share our framework and how you can apply this concept at your institution.

Abstract: FLEXSpace—The Flexible Learning Environments eXchange—and the Learning Space Rating System (LSRS) are tools that can help you plan, design, assess, and improve learning spaces on your campus. In this session, you will learn about the newly released FLEXspace 2.0 along with the LSRS. We'll cover the features and benefits of both tools and how they can be incorporated into the planning process. Come learn how to use these tools to inform designs and support end users from planning through post occupancy.

Abstract: To thrive in turbulent, financially challenged times, institutions will need to develop dynamic, long-term collaborations and integrated planning practices that push innovation. We will focus on two institutions that reimagined their value propositions and business models in pursuit of aggressive goals, thanks to their multifaceted partnership and transformative strategies. Presidents from these institutions will share how integrated planning, strategy crafting, and collaboration helped their institutions re-imagine mission and encourage entrepreneurship.

Abstract: Green infrastructure uses the landscape to manage stormwater. This session will explore the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) successful pilot green infrastructure project. We'll review the characteristics and benefits of green infrastructure in general, along with the accelerated design and construction process for this project in particular. We'll also share measurable results from the green infrastructure, and how the project has impacted the campus.

Abstract: Environmental features can have a profound impact on social, mental, and physical health and wellness. This session will provide an in-depth look at integrated planning initiatives to create a framework of policies, systems, and environments that advance campus health and wellness. You will learn one campus's holistic approach to wellness for its students, staff, and faculty, and how master planning and landscape design efforts aligned to wellness initiatives.

Abstract: All learners are different. These differences—also known as neurodiversity—impact learning. Fortunately, the design of learning spaces does not have to be one-size-fits-all. We will discuss how learning spaces can be flexible and easily adapted to students' needs across the spectrum of neurodiversity, whether or not they are on the autism spectrum, manage learning disabilities, or have a mental health condition. Come learn how flexible learning space design can improve the experience of all learners.

Abstract: Introverts constitute a large percentage of campus populations, especially in STEM institutions, yet the higher education climate is moving towards an extroverted pedagogy. Much of campus design today is centered on an extroverted conception of engagement and community. How do you design for both personalities? This session will explore the introvert’s voice in creating these shared living and learning environments. Come learn how to plan and design a campus environment that provides a sense of layering—from refuge to public engagement—to address the needs of all students.

Abstract: Many institutions are engaged in concurrent, overlapping institutional change initiatives. Being able to plan and align improvement efforts while including all stakeholders without duplicating effort requires new tools and skills. We will share how Olympic College used the planning for a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to design improvements in our student-facing systems. You will practice different techniques and tools to visualize institutional processes and identify alignment. We will discuss the use of traditional business management tools to map institutional structures, create cross-departmental capacities, and guide cross-functional teams.