Learning Resources

Abstract: Assessment people speak their own (important) language, and if you're not in assessment, it can be hard to keep up with critical assessment-related terminology and trends. This session will help you define assessment-related terms (i.e. goals, outcomes, objectives, standards, etc.) and will provide an overview of assessment and accreditation trends that could impact your institution. Whether you're brand new to assessment or need a refresher, this session will bring you up to speed quickly.

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: As institutions vie for enrollment, states divest in funding for higher education, and student needs are growing, it is imperative that senior leadership, especially the chief academic officer (CAO) and chief business officer (CBO), work in tandem and build the culture together. Join this interactive session to hear what CAO and CBOs need to focus on together, how to support each other, tools to use, tips for success, and how you can help.

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: The consolidation of administrative services into a centralized shared services model is increasingly common. Unfortunately, this move can be a rocky one, often encountering resistance and skepticism. Our session will focus on the implementation and optimization of a shared services model for academic services from both sides of the change—a person on the team leading the change and a key stakeholder undergoing the change. This session will provide you with information, skills, and approaches to ensure a pain-free implementation of a shared services model.

Abstract: With climate change bringing dramatic demographic, economic, and weather changes, universities and colleges must be prepared for risks to the campus's buildings, landscapes, and infrastructure that could disrupt operations. This session explores the intertwined concepts of risk management and resilience planning. You will learn about best practices in campus resilience planning, and try a simple resilience assessment tool for identifying, prioritizing, and planning for potential risks. You can take this useful Excel-based tool back to your institution to identify the top risks that should be prioritized in campus planning efforts.

Abstract: The Okanagan Charter: An International Charter for Health Promoting University and Colleges provides a common language, principles, and framework for integrating complex issues of health, wellbeing, and sustainability on campuses. This session will show how planners can use the Okanagan Charter as a framework to promote health and wellbeing in the built environment, along with policies and culture. We'll also talk specifically about how the quality and design of the physical environment plays a critical role in the promotion of health and wellbeing.

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.