Significant Campus Trends, from College Planning & Management

Amy Milstein describes several trends in higher education that planners may want to know about. It begins with SCUPer George Mathey on what is going to get built, what is not; a trend to optimize existing space, esp. in high profile spaces such as libraries; and the increasing importance of community colleges. Other topical areas covered include: online learning, mergers and acquisitions; carbon planning; then e-books, handhelds, and mobiles:

“The real expansion has been in the public institutions,” reported George Mathey, principal, Dober Lidsky Mathey. “Some specialized privates — like faith-based colleges — have seen some growth, but that is a small slice of the overall picture.”

Schools may do some planning, but Mathey doesn’t anticipate any major construction projects coming up in the next two to three years. Instead, institutions will attempt to make the most of what they have now by optimizing and enhancing existing spaces. “The environment is still being used to recruit and retain students,” he continued. “So construction won’t come to a complete halt.”

SCUP's Trends to Watch in Higher Education is published twice a year. The current issue is available only to members of the society, but archived issues can be downloaded by anyone.

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