Survey Says...

Earlier this summer, College Planning & Management sent out a readers’ survey, asking for your feedback on what we’re doing right, what we could do better, what topics you’d like us to cover more often or more in-depth, and how you want to receive this information from us. I want to thank all of you who took the time to respond to the survey and add that you are welcome at any time to contact me with your suggestions, observations, article ideas, requests, compliments, and complaints. You are the reason this publication exists.

From your responses, I’ve learned that some topics you are very interested in learning more about are trends (especially design trends), facilities-related matters (construction, maintenance, sustainability), staffing (models, management, diversity), funding, and case histories (what’s happening on other campuses). You are especially keen to hear from your peers in order to learn what they’re doing and how their initiatives are working out.

Other suggestions on content you’d like to see include more international submissions, more about mailing, event planning, resiliency, risk management, and cybersecurity. These are all good suggestions and provide me with ideas for future content.

Now that I have this input in hand from you, I’m going to ask for more. Knowing that your peers want to learn about what is working on other campuses, for other administrators, please send me an email or give me a call and tell me about an initiative you are proud of, that is a success for your campus community, and that you would be excited for others to know about. I will find a way to share your story. For those who indicated on the survey that you would like more information on trends, please let me know what form of trends intrigue you. Design was mentioned a number of times, but what others? Construction? Curriculum delivery? Benchmarking? Sustainability? Fundraising? Public-private partnerships? I will look into what you’re interested in, see what’s out there, and present it you through this resource.

College Planning & Management works best when we work with you as well as for you. Thanks for being in touch through the survey; please keep in touch so that we can continue to be a helpful resource for you as you go about the important business of higher education.

This article originally appeared in the College Planning & Management September 2019 issue of Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • Illinois District Boosts Security at High-School Stadium

    Richmond-Burton Community High School in Richmond, Ill., recently announced that it has completed the redesigned entrance to its high school stadium with a new focus on school security and community engagement, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects and Engineers on the project as part of District #157’s year-long facilities master plan.

  • University of Rhode Island, Gilbane Partner for Three New Residence Halls

    The University of Rhode Island in Kingston, R.I., recently announced a public-private partnership with construction development firm Gilbane, according to a news release. Gilbane will soon start construction on three new residence halls with a total of 1,100 beds: two with apartment-style suites in northwest campus, and a reconstruction of the Graduate Village Apartments for graduate students.

  • Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, OR

    Preserving Legacy, Designing for the Future

    As historic academic buildings age, institutions face a difficult decision: preserve and adapt or demolish and rebuild. How do we honor the legacy of these spaces while adapting them to meet the needs of modern learners?

  • California K–12 District Completes Elementary School Campus Replacement

    The West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) in Richmond, Calif., recently announced the completion of a replacement campus for Lake Elementary School, according to a news release. The school has capacity for 470 students between Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and sixth grade.