Planning, Architecture and Real Estate (PARE) welcomed higher education planning professionals to Ohio State in September for the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) North Central Regional Conference, bringing colleagues from across the region together to exchange ideas and explore the role of campus planning in building stronger communities.
“It was an honor to host the SCUP North Central Regional Conference at Ohio State and welcome colleagues from across the region to our campus,” said Chris Potts, director of facility planning for PARE. “The conference provided a valuable opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas and learn from one another as we work together to shape the future of higher education planning.”
Held at the Ohio Union, the conference was the culmination of a year of planning and collaboration by PARE team members. More than 300 people registered for the event, which was the largest attendance for the North Central Regional Conference. It featured 21 sessions and three sold-out campus tours that gave attendees an opportunity to experience Ohio State firsthand.
The conference theme, “Community: Rooted in Place, Powered by People,” explored how thoughtful planning, design and leadership can foster connection, strengthen a sense of belonging and support student success. Sessions encouraged participants to share experiences, challenge assumptions and consider how campus environments can strengthen relationships between higher education institutions and their surrounding communities.