Learning Resources

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: 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: 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: How can we demonstrate that integrated institution effectiveness (IIE) is worthwhile? Daniel Seymour offers a straightforward three-part narrative that links “designing IIE” to the act of “creating coherence” which then enables an institution to “demonstrate its responsibility” to its stakeholders.

Abstract: Do you call it a “goal,” “objective,” or “priority”? The terms used to describe planning vary from campus to campus. That’s why it’s critical that your college or university creates a shared language around planning that everybody understands. The SCUP Integrated Planning Glossary gives you a place to start. Use our list of common planning terms and our definitions to begin conversations about your institution’s unique planning language. Updated July 2024.

Find this helpful? Creating a common language is one of the many vital points discussed in the SCUP Planning Institute workshop—designed to help you and your team move from goals to implementation together.

Abstract: Institutional data trends over time is important to show progress or areas of concern. It can be equally important to compare oneself to like institutions. Have you ever thought about how a peer group gets determined? If you have a peer group, have you ever wanted to evaluate the group using data? You will learn an approach for developing a data-informed peer group and how benchmarking with a peer group can inform your institution's governing board and be linked to mission.

Abstract: We look through an array of different lenses to gain some perspective on issues and opportunities that appear to be on the horizon—or at our doors.

Abstract: Benchmarking surveys assist programs with measuring performance and are widely used in a variety of organizations and disciplines, including institutions of higher education. One challenge facing institutions concerns a lack of shared metrics among those with similar programs. This article details the history and creation process of developing a benchmarking survey for an international academy. The purpose is to highlight the need for shared metrics between institutions, and to provide an account of the approach used for developing a benchmarking survey for academic programs. A detailed narrative of survey creation, refinement, and data collection associated with four survey iterations is included. Recommendations are provided for benchmarking development processes that may be beneficial for various institutions and disciplines regarding survey development, survey deployment, and survey project team composition.

Abstract: Data is only as powerful as your understanding around it. Analytics makes possible new understandings of students and their needs, and creates an advanced ability to improve student success through use of new software being implemented on campuses around the world.

This handbook is designed to help any higher ed leader unleash the power of data that is always available but seldom leveraged. It helps to answer the questions, (1) How does a campus strategically develop a plan for use of analytics in better supporting their students? (2) Once a culture is in place, how do leaders effectively move new evidence into action? This primer walks readers through each step of the analytics adoption.