RDG Out & About: SCUP 2026 Annual Conference
At SCUP's annual conference, RDG's Jonathan Martin and Nick Schulz present on campus space management and how to make an equitable campus plan.
Event Details
Date: July 20, 2026, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Location: SCUP 2026 Annual Conference, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
Strategies To Navigate Campus Space Politics For Effective, Equitable Planning
Space management is never just about square footage — it's about people, culture, and institutional politics. This session explores how campuses can successfully implement space-optimization and planning initiatives by addressing the cultural barriers that often impede progress. Drawing on real planning frameworks and campus examples, we'll examine strategies to balance competing priorities, communicate transparently, make data meaningful, and build coalitions that move projects forward. Participants will leave with tools to navigate resistance, negotiate shared ownership, and translate planning recommendations into actionable, widely supported decisions.
Learning Outcomes
Identify political pressure points in space decisions and map stakeholders who influence outcomes.
Apply communication strategies that turn contentious planning recommendations into shared priorities.
Evaluate competing space claims using transparent, mission-aligned criteria to support decision-making.
Implement a structured, repeatable process to advance space optimization initiatives despite resistance.
Panelists include:
Patrick Brawley, University Architect & Assistant Vice President for Campus Planning, Loyola University Chicago
Nick Schulz, Senior Partner, Architect, RDG Planning & Design
Click here to learn more and register for the SCUP 2026 Annual Conference.
The Society for College and University Planning
SCUP is a nonprofit professional association that unites a wide cross-section of over 4,100 professionals who are looking to advance excellence in higher education planning.