Learning Resources

Abstract: Campus facility design is a complex process that involves many sources of opinion and influence. Educational environments must enhance evolving pedagogies, support learning, administrative, and social functions, and accommodate ever-changing institutional needs. The systematic use of standardized evaluation tools for assessment of higher education facilities provides comprehensive insight into occupant experience from diverse, unique perspectives for informed and integrated planning decisions. In this session, we'll share practical strategies for conducting occupant evaluations across all types of facilities, as well as occupant outcome findings and the resulting planning decisions.

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: The pandemic has underscored the importance of building systems, cultures, and tactical infrastructure that allow organizations to adapt, challenging us to rethink our priorities. We'll demonstrate a unique approach to strategy execution that ensures accountability and increases institutional investment by empowering all organizational units to understand how their work contributes to the success of a strategic plan. In this session, you'll learn how to mitigate risks to strategic priorities early and effectively, bridge the chasm between strategy creators and executors, while simultaneously creating a shared experience where everyone feels responsible for facilitating meaningful progress.

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: 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: As higher education operates in an increasingly complex world, charting a path forward requires a clear vision. An inclusive, comprehensive strategic planning process for educational programs is both just and necessary for institutions to stay relevant. We'll present a three-phase expedited, practical, inclusive approach that Tufts University used to lead a strategic planning process and develop an educational vision. Join us for experiential, mixed methods to include all voices in the strategic planning process, build community across schools in a decentralized university, and participate in a simulated co-design session.

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: 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: 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: Water-related disasters pose a serious risk to an institution's mission, physical assets, and reputation. While the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Galveston is largely resilient to its harsh weather conditions, some critical threats remain. Its challenging path to water resilience serves as roadmap for other institutions seeking to mitigate risk and increase safety. This session will discuss UTMB's in-place campus climate resilience, its remaining challenges, how its revised master plan sets the course to mitigate flood and water service risks. Join us to discover how this ambitious but practical journey is applicable to all institutions subject to water-related events.