Learning Resources

Abstract: For an integrated planning effort to succeed—particularly in higher education—collective commitment from all of the institutional stakeholders is critical.

To get that collective commitment, you need to do two things: 1) Design your planning process so it leverages your institution’s internal and external cultures, and 2) Involve your critical stakeholder groups in the planning process. Tapping into the stakeholder groups in meaningful ways will increase engagement, transparency, and commitment to the process and the products of integrated planning. Remember, institutional stakeholders are the carriers of your mission and institutional culture. Mission and culture are the key drivers of institutional success. If you do not respect your stakeholders, mission, and culture, your planning efforts will not yield a plan to enhance student success and institutional thriving.

This toolkit includes recommendations and worksheets to help you analyze your stakeholders and determine how to meaningfully engage them in the planning process.

Abstract: Institutions can inform their academic and facilities planning by studying labor markets as well as demographic and enrollment trends. In this session, we will share the Tennessee Board of Regents’ statewide demographic and labor market analysis, which examines demographic, enrollment, and job data to inform coordinated, statewide decision making for academic planning and facility expansions. Come learn how Tennessee's methodology can aid your institution in coordinating academic offerings and facilities investments among campuses.

Abstract: To achieve a sustainable campus, institutions must integrate sustainable practices across environmental, social, and economic boundaries. It is important that built environments responsibly utilize natural and financial resources as well as meet expectations for student and community wellbeing. Sustainability and green building experts will discuss critical lessons and tools they used to integrate sustainability at the University of Houston, allowing them to manage both long- and short-term decision making. Come learn about our strategic framework that will help your institution stay ahead of the curve on climate resiliency and provide sustainable facilities that allow student and community partnerships to thrive.

Abstract: During onboarding, it is critical that we provide a level of service that assesses each student's needs and customizes services to those needs. We will share new ideas to improve the student onboarding process and its impact on the organization, staffing, and use of existing (or new) student services space. Using Northwest Florida State College (NFSC) as a case study, you will learn about current trends in student needs and discuss how these trends drove change in NFSC's workflows, staff, space, furniture, and technology.

Abstract: Institutions have determined through surveys and research that building design and location significantly affect first-year student's happiness and academic success. In response, they are implementing significant changes to on-campus housing. Understanding how different housing models influence first-year students allows institutions to provide students with a strong social foundation that can significantly affect recruitment and retention. We will share examples of rapidly changing student expectations and prepare you to assess your student housing offerings and evaluate their relationships to student success.

Abstract: We will explore how The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) campus master plan will guide significant growth in research, enrollment, and partnership opportunities across multiple campuses and industry over the coming decades. UTSA is the largest public institution in the fastest-growing large city in the country. New university leadership is seeking to expand its reach and influence while remaining a community-serving institution with many first-generation students. Come find out what you need to consider when master planning for significant institutional growth and engaging the impacted community.

Abstract: Interdisciplinary learning thrives on a foundation of cross-departmental strength. Designing facilities that accommodate a variety of teaching modalities and allow different disciplines to share resources can have a positive impact on future learning, teaching, and research. The session examines how North Carolina A&T State University (NCA&T) created an interdisciplinary engineering research and innovation facility centered around maker and fabrication spaces. You will learn about our integrated project team approach, how we secured buy-in from stakeholders, and how we translated functional space needs into innovative places.

Abstract: With crowded research facilities, limited resources, and a strong need for innovative interdisciplinary teaching space, many institutions feel stuck. Purdue University College of Science's went from stymied to STEM lab in just four years through data-focused master planning and an accelerated design process. We will share lessons learned from Purdue University's college master plan and STEM building that you can use to clarify thinking, focus need, build a case for a new project, and set the stage for future growth.