Five trends shaping campus environments
We sat down with our in-house higher education expert, Daniel Lacy, Vice President, Operations, to get the 411 on the trends shaping college campuses across the region.
Collaborative Curriculum.
Academics are understanding that to be successful in industry students often need a broader education. Blending curriculum from multiple majors focuses on collaboration and gives students a wider base knowledge and the tools to cross topics. The Raven Precision Agriculture Center at South Dakota State University is the first in the nation to offer degrees in precision agriculture, which integrates agricultural engineering, plant science, computer programming and global positioning technologies to increase agricultural efficiency and productivity. With courses that include data analytics, GPS-GIS technology, soil sciences and plant pathology students will receive an integrated, collaborative degree that crosses disciplines and sets them up for success.
Performance Nutrition.
Student athletes’ performance depends on more than just their skills on the field. Coaches are teaming with dietitians to expand training programs beyond just practice. Fueling our student athletes with balanced nutritious meals is a top priority and makes a difference on game days. At the University of Kansas performance nutrition is based on four main pillars: whole foods, nutrient timing, hydration and recovery. The Anderson Family Football Nutrition Center serves the KU football program helping to keep student athletes at the top of their game.
Simulation-Based Medical Teaching.
Experiential medical training is on the cutting-edge of health education. Taking a hands-on approach using simulation mannequins gives future physicians and nurses a more comprehensive education through immersion, reflection, feedback and practice without the risks inherent in a similar real-life environment. Studies have shown that this innovative curriculum technique increases best standards of care, patient safety, patient autonomy and resource allocation. At the KU Medical Center Health Education Building simulation-based curriculum recreates key aspects of reality that creates repetitive practice and reflection, giving students the ability to continuously hone their skills so they are prepared to deliver the best care possible to patients.
Innovative Funding.
Public Private Partnerships are a real way for universities to procure funding for those out-of-reach projects. Most often used for revenue-generating facilities, P3s are a go-to for housing, parking and stadium projects. But, more recently the innovative funding source has brought to life classrooms, campus utility plants and laboratories. At the University of Kansas the Central District Development came to fruition due to a partnership with Edgemoor Infrastructure and Real Estate to deliver an entire district that reaches beyond the typical public, private partnership type project.
Consolidated Services.
Making life more convenient for students is a top priority for many institutions. And the Kansas City Art Institute is holding true on that promise. With the construction of Paul and Linda DeBruce Hall the college’s student services are being consolidated into a one-stop-shop for student services. Once spread widely across the campus their new home will promote integration and synergies between departments as well creating a convenient experience for students.
Interested in learning more? Check our other higher education projects and sign up to receive newsletter.
