Data-driven strategies to support growth without new construction

This session looks at how two higher education institutions leverage data in different ways to achieve both short- and long-term campus goals that ultimately support the strategic allocation of funds on campus. Like many higher education institutions, both Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo and the University of Washington have access to large quantities of data to inform campus planning. Working with Cal Poly, Danielle Buttacavoli illustrates the role of data analytics to determine building renovation versus replacement candidates, along with an approach to identifying and repositioning underutilized spaces on campus to increase instructional capacity at competitive cost per seat compared to new construction to address short-term needs. Working with UW, Elizabeth Moggio features a second case study with a longer-term data-informed plan that allows campus leaders to better prioritize projects and reduce ongoing deferred maintenance needs. The human experience – strategic engagement with stakeholders – was critical to the success of both projects.