Learning Resources

Abstract: Institutions usually spend more on providing courses for some academic programs than others. Stakeholders need to decide where and how to allocate resources to support instruction. This session introduces recent best practices using the Delaware Cost Study data to facilitate 1) the identification of under-resourced academic programs and 2) decision making in faculty budgeting and staffing. You will leave this session ready to re-evaluate the metrics you use to support instructional budgeting decisions so you can identify under-resourced programs and accurately understand faculty hiring needs.

Abstract: Determining where to invest in terms of academic programming and staffing can oftentimes be difficult due to competing interests by academic programs as well as a lack of resources. This session will describe how one university sought to improve academic planning and resource allocation within their academic units, and the software solution they used to do it. We'll discuss the university's example and broader best practices for reviewing metrics in research, finances, benchmarking, and predictive modeling as well as staffing and resource allocation related to academic planning.

Abstract: In 2015, Oregon State University's 300- and 600-seat arena classrooms welcomed their first students. Now, we have detailed analysis that measures the effectiveness of these classrooms. This session will discuss optimal pedagogical strategies for round classrooms, explain the IT infrastructure that makes these spaces successful, and provide insight into how data is analyzed for meaningful feedback. We'll share initial research on academic impact, faculty feedback, lessons learned, and next-generation trends in arena classroom design.

Abstract: Interdisciplinary scientific research is the new normal in academia. Campus planning for interdisciplinary research requires special tools and analytics that align the needs of increasingly diverse research environments with existing facilities capabilities and new characterizations of research neighborhoods. To remain relevant within the world-wide scientific community, campuses must free research space planning from traditional boundaries in order to promote collaborative synergies. This session will introduce new analytical assessment tools, organizational principles, and planning strategies supporting interdisciplinary research. Come learn how to create an open-ended, actionable, and living planning document that ensures long-term relevance and viability.

Abstract: The boom-and-bust cycle of North Dakota's economy creates a difficult environment for physical planning. We will examine University of North Dakota's (UND) response to the decline in public funding along with a state mandate to increase space utilization and decrease deferred maintenance, demonstrating how it provided the impetus to focus investment on high impact, transdisciplinary projects. You will learn how compromise in a planning process can help achieve both individual and collective goals as well as contribute to a more holistic university vision.

Abstract: Nationally, many campuses are finding innovative pathways to achieving carbon neutrality that are feasible enough for others to build on. We will share how two universities charted paths to carbon neutrality and have become living laboratories where new ideas can be tested, refined, and prototyped. This session will provide tools and techniques to comprehend a campus's carbon profile, set carbon reductions goals, and explore alternative solutions to carbon-intensive practices in campus and space planning, infrastructure, and operations.

Abstract: Preparing graduates for the workforce requires higher ed to work more closely with industry and organize academic opportunities around real-world problems, not departments. We will detail how the University of Kansas (KU) strategically used new campus building developments to do both develop industry partnerships and interdisciplinary collaborations. You will learn how to design, build, and operate a new and transformative campus development with an integrated approach to facilities, courses, and management, including strategies to gain industry partnerships.

Abstract: Master planning often assumes "what should we build next?" without looking at how we can better use what we have now. Before its master plan, The University of Puget Sound assessed its learning environments to test how existing buildings could be better utilized or improved. The team will share how they used software tools to assess and improve the utilization of their learning environments.

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: The path to carbon neutrality is clear: electrify everything and procure renewable energy. How to get to 100% electric power is less clear. Stanford University has been focused on this challenge, committing to all-electric buildings by June 2019. This session will give attendees a clear road map and strategies for converting the energy your buildings use from gas to electric—whether the energy heats the building, glass beakers, or dinner.