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The Conveniences of Home: Campus Kitchens and Laundry Rooms

Residence hall amenities include laundry and kitchen facilities, but where are they, and who maintains them?

Having an Impact on Learning

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

Renewable Energy Solutions

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

Measuring Student and Teacher Success

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

Using BIM to Optimize the Building Envelope

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

What Will They Do Under Stress

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

Meeting the Challenge: M&O Budgets

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

Maintenance and Operations: Brilliant Ideas Needed

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,

Converging Security Technologies

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

Enrollment Technologies Attract Students

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.

Breaking Down Universal Design

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.

Alternative School Construction Methods

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

Unexpected Side Effects

Success is not achieved through creative budgeting or being frugal, it is achieved by simplifying, focusing our efforts, leveraging untapped resources, building in flexibility and being innovative. Focus only on the short-term, and you run the risk of sti

Color Your World

While the research is varied it is conclusive; the use of color can have a significant impact on emotion, which can ultimately influence an individual's working and studying. In fact, studies on emotion and color show a direct link between color and posit

Modular Construction's Advantages in the LEED System

The Modular Building Institute recently commissioned me to provide a report that specifically aligned the modular building industry with the Prerequisite and Credit requirements imbedded in the United States Green Building Council's (USGBC's) Le

Selecting a Security Systems Integrator

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

Effective Responses Come From Great Preparation

If you face a crisis next year, your efforts today will determine how your response unfolds during that crisis. This is particularly true in two areas that are often not fully addressed in school crisis planning — integration of the National Incident

Earth, Wind, and Fire

Colleges and universities across the country and around the globe are finding that it is easy being green when they integrate ecologically sensitive practices into daily campus life. Protecting and conserving natural resources — and learning from tho

Piecing It Together

Choosing the right building envelope involves taking many variables into consideration. Ease and cost of construction, the time frame allowed, the desire for energy efficiency, and even the construction season all come into play. Depending on your school&

Tough Times Require IT's Best

In the midst of challenges, information technology organizations have unprecedented opportunities to make a difference for their institutions. Responsibilities and opportunities to do so can be grouped into three categories, with accompanying examples.

Go Green, Think Blue

Sustainability starts with one idea — think blue to be green. In other words, ask yourself: will the choices I make have a positive or negative effect on rain and its aftermath?

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