As today's urban colleges and universities rethink their place in the city, they shift their mindset from their own narrow needs to the greater public interest. They move from scientific enclaves to drivers of public agendas with great force. Accordi
Despite the recession, many colleges and universities have building and renovation projects planned or in progress. But, are the recession and shrinking budgets affecting the choices institutions make in these projects?
- By Christine Beitenhaus
- 08/01/09
Using key elements in the design of music therapy rooms will create bright, lively and inviting spaces for our children to continue on a positive path of growth and development. It is well known that music therapy rooms affect and change the lives of indi
- By Cathy Purple Cherry
- 08/01/09
Space management involves efforts to improve human supervision through placement of legitimate activities in an area of risk or, more commonly, through simply locking doors. Unlocked and unoccupied spaces on higher education campuses create opportunity fo
We are accustomed to wireless coverage, particularly for cell phones, that works well almost anywhere at anytime. However, there are still many areas where coverage is spotty, and college and university campuses are not immune. One solution is to install
Enhanced amplification is be a learning boon to all students, whether they have special needs or not. As companies have created new offerings over the years, the improved technology has also often resulted in greater ease of use and lower cost. It has als
- By Thomas G. Dolan
- 08/01/09
As you think about strategically positioning your presidency and your institution for regional leadership and beyond, consider ways in which your new alliances will add value, especially for alumni. How can you capitalize on potential partnerships to incr
- By Dr. Scott D. Miller, Dr. Marylouise Fennell
- 08/01/09
Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology is a software-based approach to building design that incorporates 3D data, performance data, and more. BIM is not new technology. It is, however, just now "rising to the consciousness of a substantial nu
Residence hall amenities include laundry and kitchen facilities, but where are they, and who maintains them?
- By Christine Beitenhaus
- 08/01/09
Facilities DO impact learning. Researchers have repeatedly found a difference of between five-17 percentile points between achievement of students in poor buildings and those students in above-standard buildings (when the socioeconomic status of students
While the goal of optimizing energy efficiency once required such straightforward considerations as the orientation of the building on a site or the installation of high-performance HVAC systems and flexible lighting controls, the range of alternatives to
- By Terrance R. Liette, Ian T. Hadden
- 08/01/09
On July 21st, Bill Gates spoke to the National Conference of State Legislatures meeting in Philadelphia about creating common national standards and data systems to measure and document student and teacher achievement. We spoke with Harry Barfoot about th
- By Christine Beitenhaus
- 08/01/09
Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology is a software-based approach to building design that incorporates 3D data, performance data, and more. BIM is not new technology. It is, however, just now "rising to the consciousness of a substantial nu
As important as proper school crisis plan development, distribution and training are, the methods used to properly equip staff to function under extreme stress are at least as important and, in some cases, are more important than the quality of crisis pla
In light of the turbulent economy, schools are finding it necessary to reduce or even slash budgets in order to achieve their mission. When an institution's budget is examined for cost-saving possibilities, the M&O budget is one are
- By Shannon O'Connor
- 08/01/09
Brilliant ideas are definitely needed in school maintenance and operations departments as budgets become more and more stringent in this current turbulent economic climate. Maintenance and operations managers share what they're doing to save money while,
A trend called convergence is all the rage today in the commercial security world. Convergence aims to integrate various forms of security: the physical security of people, physical facilities and network facilities; the security of information flowing ac
- By Michael Fickes
- 08/01/09
Institutions are realizing that paper messages simply don't work any longer when it comes to reaching this next generation of students. Enrollment numbers reflect more and more how well you embrace technology.
- By Julie Sturgeon
- 08/01/09
Perhaps the most difficult task of converting campus furniture to a universal design is grasping exactly what that term means in the first place. Universal design isn't something you can own or define in a strict contextual sense.
- By Julie Sturgeon
- 07/01/09
While traditional construction has its place, other methods may be more practical and appropriate for different circumstances and needs. In addition, these alternative solutions are being designed to offer energy efficiency, durability and design flexibil
- By Various Authors
- 07/01/09
The selection of a systems integrator is critical. As a key player in security operations/management, you want to be certain to make the right choice. Given the short- and long-term implications of the decision, it's in your best interests to follow