SCUP
 

Learning Resources

Your Higher Education Planning Library

Combine search terms, filters, institution names, and tags to find the vital resources to help you and your team tackle today’s challenges and plan for the future. Get started below, or learn how the library works.

FOUND 14 RESOURCES

REFINED BY:

  • Tags: Learning Commonsx

Clear All
ABSTRACT:  | 
SORT BY:  | 
Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
July 17, 2025

Featured Image

Co-Locate and Consolidate to Create Connected Campuses

Grow in Place Rather Than Add More Space Where Students Will Succeed

By: Elliot Felix, MArch

You can share spaces, support services, staffing, and technology systems within your institution and with external partners. This reduces costs while improving outcomes such as retention, graduation, and career placement rates.

From Volume 53 Number 3 | April–June 2025

Abstract: Colleges and universities have a traditional way to meet new needs. When there is a new research initiative, degree program, or student support function, institutions add space. Despite good intentions, their siloed structures, poor strategic planning, and history of continuous expansion mean that institutions adapt by adding. The result: Campuses are overbuilt and underutilized. Instead of shared spaces and seamless, supportive experiences, we’re left with sprawling campuses and spiraling costs. With enrollments, research funding, and our climate all changing, it’s time for a new model and a new mantra: Grow in place rather than add more space.

Member Price:
Free  | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Conference Presentations

Published
May 20, 2025

Delivering a Renovated Learning Commons for an Engaged Academic Community

Abstract: Integrated planning is essential for delivering campus facilities that support institutional vision and create a strong student academic experience. Juniata College was at a crossroads related to vision and curriculum direction while it was launching a comprehensive campaign that prioritized a library renovation. This session will focus on one provost's vision for planning and designing a learning commons around a new curriculum and share post-occupancy data to define what worked. Come learn how the planning, funding, and design process behind this inclusive facility has dramatically increased library use by students, faculty, and outside groups.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Partner Content

Published
October 1, 2022

Featured Image

Use Evidence to Plan Facilities That Drive Student Success

By: Elliot Felix

In this article, the author draws upon research from his book How to Get the Most Out of College to highlight the evidence that campus planners and designers can use to help drive student success.
Abstract: Colleges and universities are in the midst of a transition from an access mindset to a success mindset, and campus facilities can play a role in this shift. Institutions don’t have to guess at how—a large body of research can and should inform how we plan, design, and operate our campuses. In this article, the author draws upon research from his book How to Get the Most Out of College to highlight the evidence that campus planners and designers can use to help drive student success.

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

Webinar Recordings

Published
September 21, 2021

Featured Image

Libraries in Shaping the Future of Higher Education

Part Three: Libraries as Place in Institutional Transformation

By: Nicholas Santilli (Host), Society for College and University Planning | Lynn Priddy (Moderator), Claremont Lincoln University | Adriene I. Lim, University of Maryland College Park | Brian Smith, Boston College | Elliot Felix, brightspot strategy

In what ways will libraries continue to be the intellectual hubs where users interact with ideas in both physical and virtual environments to expand learning and facilitate the creation of new knowledge?
Abstract: In what ways will libraries continue to be the intellectual hubs where users interact with ideas in both physical and virtual environments to expand learning and facilitate the creation of new knowledge? The pandemic has illustrated the power of place and the need for the post-pandemic campus to integrate academic activities for lifelong learning and research.

This conversation will explore the place of the library to convene people for impactful connections, and the new emerging and transformational role of libraries as learning commons that shape the overall campus as a network for collaboration.

This is part three of a three-part webinar series.

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

Conference Recordings

Published
July 16, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

Supporting the Whole Student

New Models for Integrated Learning Centers

By: Jonathan Eldridge, College of Marin | Kelly Sanford, brightspot strategy | David Schnee, Group 4 Architecture Research | Stacey Thompson, Chabot College

In this session, we’ll share how the College of Marin and Chabot College's integrated learning centers are serving changing student populations using an inclusive library design approach.
Abstract: Even as 'non-traditional' students become the norm at community colleges, too many campus spaces and services fail to meet their needs. Inclusive engagement strategies can help ensure that we design for today's students. We'll share how the College of Marin and Chabot College's integrated learning centers are serving changing student populations using an inclusive library design approach. You'll learn how incorporating inclusive engagement and outreach in your planning process can result in facilities that allow students to better navigate the 'hidden curriculum' of college life and strengthen campus cohesion.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Recordings

Published
March 16, 2020

2020 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2020

Mid-century Make-over

Creating a 21st Century Learning Center and Student Hub

By: Richard Gluckman, FAIA, Founding Partner, Gluckman Tang | Nancy Trainer, FAIA, University Architect and Associate Vice President for Facilities, Drexel University | Thomas Amoroso, PLA, ASLA, Principal, Andropogon

As part of repositioning for the 21st century, Drexel University renovated the Korman Center, a 1950s library, and the academic quad to serve as a 24/7 student hub and interdisciplinary academic study center that encourages student collaboration.
Abstract: Addressing current student expectations on campuses with mid-century buildings and a tight budget requires collaboration between the client and design team as well as creative placemaking solutions. As part of repositioning for the 21st century, Drexel University renovated the Korman Center, a 1950s library, and the academic quad to serve as a 24/7 student hub and interdisciplinary academic study center that encourages student collaboration. You will learn how to develop practical, sustainable, and design-forward solutions for updating mid-century buildings and spaces that will attract and retain a diverse student population.

Member Price:
$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Presentations

Published
June 17, 2019

2019 Mid-Atlantic Symposium | June 2019

The Informal Learning Environment

What’s It Look Like? (by Elizabeth Mahon)

By: Elizabeth Mahon

One of three presentations in a collection of informal learning environment imagery presented in twelve minutes or less by campus design leaders. Topic: Community College of Philadelphia’s Library Learning Commons.

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

Conference Presentations

Published
June 17, 2019

2019 Mid-Atlantic Symposium | June 2019

The Informal Learning Environment

What’s It Look Like? (by Michael Schade)

By: Michael Schade

One of three presentations in a collection of informal learning environment imagery presented in twelve minutes or less by campus design leaders.

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

Conference Presentations

Published
June 17, 2019

2019 Mid-Atlantic Symposium | June 2019

Designing Libraries for Learning

By: Peggy Seiden

One of three presentations in a collection of informal learning environment imagery presented in twelve minutes or less by campus design leaders.

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
October 1, 2018

Featured Image

Change and Renewal for Existing Campus Libraries

Successful Strategies and Lessons Learned

By: Ned A. Collier

Renovating an existing academic library to meet 21st-century needs requires rethinking both its program and design to create a vibrant, welcoming campus hub for all.

From Volume 47 Number 1 | October–December 2018

Member Price:
Free  | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access