Classroom Master Plan earns national recognition for excellence in planning
This is an example of a classroom that includes spaces for students to work together. The Classroom Master Plan includes adding more spaces for students to work together, the ability for students to move about the room and more projection with whiteboards. Photo provided by Purdue Brand Studio.
Purdue University’s Classroom Master Plan is receiving national recognition for its focus on comprehensive, strategic campus planning.
The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) recently announced the Classroom Master Plan has earned an honorable mention for the organization’s annual Excellence in Planning Award category.
The Classroom Master Plan was endorsed by the Board of Trustees in 2022. The goal of the plan is to enhance classrooms across campus with flexible, active learning spaces that help foster meaningful student experiences.
“We understand that the classroom experience can significantly impact student engagement, faculty performance and learning outcomes,” said Amber Chellis-Omedo, senior director of Campus Planning and Architecture and university architect. “Earning this award is a true testament to the university’s commitment to student success.”
The university continues to follow the plan and is working to renovate classrooms that need updated. The renovations include changing furniture types and room layouts to provide flexibility and mobility for students, adding whiteboards, painting rooms and replacing flooring.
Some of the highlights provided by SCUP when considering the Classroom Master Plan for this award include the utilization of data to assess nearly 300 classrooms on campus, universal design, engagement with experts and test fits to utilize existing space for learning at scale.
Campus Planning and Architecture is a department within Physical Facilities and Public Safety, which is one of the units that makes up the Administrative Operations organization. The organization provides safe, reliable and transformative services. Transforming the classroom experience to better support student success is just one of the many ways the organization helps power Purdue.