Learning Resources

Abstract: The role of data-informed decision-making can't be overstated. By leveraging advanced data visualization techniques, these dynamic dashboards provide real-time insights into key performance indicators, enabling informed and strategic decision making. We'll embark on a visual journey into the heart of data-informed decision making with a focus on exceptional dashboards, delving into visual analytics to illuminate the transformative impact they have on leadership and student success. Come learn about the transformative impact that Binghamton University's dashboard creation and visual analytics has on academic leadership, departmental efficiency, student success initiatives, and institutional excellence.

Abstract: As populations grow and housing supply falls behind, campuses across North America must consider housing solutions as an important element of recruiting and retaining academic talent. This is collectively known as academic workforce housing. In this session, we'll outline the five tools of academic workforce housing: assisting with the cost of housing, building housing, buying real estate, lending, and empowering employees to become educated about available options and programs. We will also review several examples of successful academic workforce housing programs, both large and small.

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: 2024 has been an incredibly busy and difficult year for U.S. higher education. Policymakers must look closely at numerous current issues impacting the campus, including free speech and DEI, the cost of college and federal student aid programs, as well as various federal regulations impacting our institutions, such as Title IX. This session will provide an overview of what has been happening in Congress, with the U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies, and what the 2024 elections might mean for higher education.

Abstract: Climate commitments and carbon neutrality are becoming top priorities for many campuses. Since building engineering systems account for seventy-to-eighty percent of carbon production, all campus stakeholders are contributors to the future success of emissions goals. Despite established infrastructure, reliance on city utilities, high deferred maintenance, and financial constraints, the University of Louisville (UofL) is pursuing carbon neutrality and is on track to achieve a sixty percent reduction by 2030 and one hundred percent by 2050. This session will share necessary master planning strategies for pursuing carbon neutrality at the campus level, emphasizing the need for rigorous, multi-disciplinary stakeholder engagement.

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.

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: Many institutions are rethinking the presence of vehicles on campus and facing a need for more sustainable and multi-purpose circulation spaces. Once a traditional city street running through the University of Oregon campus, this session will examine Thirteenth Avenue's re-imagining as a multi-modal open space that supports student life. This is a transformative concept grounded in rigorous analysis and integrated planning. We'll encourage you to think critically about existing campus corridors, renew circulation systems and residual open spaces to support student life, and inform design approaches to your unique campus development challenges.

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.