Learning Environment

Build a World Class Learning Environment

Shenandoah university will aggressively seek to provide facilities, infrastructure and a supportive culture to facilitate and inspire transformative learning and student success.

As Measured by: 

1. Strategically invest in signature new construction and the transformation of legacy facilities to provide a world-class, competitive environment that inspires learning and supports student success.
   1. Strategically invest in signature new construction and the transformation of legacy facilities to provide a world-class, competitive environment that inspires learning and supports student success.
   2. By 2030, increase usable academic and residential square footage by 10%, prioritizing the completion of the Center for the Arts, a new parking garage, a Student Success Hub, an expansion to the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics and Events Center, additional large classrooms, and upgraded research facilities.
   3. By 2028, conduct a campus master plan to build or expand residence hall facilities, to relocate the childcare center onto the main campus, and to optimize space utilization of the existing campus footprint.
   4. By 2028, ensure that 90% of existing facilities are integrated into a comprehensive Life-Cycle Costing model and modernization roadmap that prioritizes energy-efficient upgrades and environmental stewardship, supported by a dedicated recurring budget for proactive renewal.
   5. By 2029, invest in legacy facilities by replacing 90% of outdated classroom technology and refreshing 50% of classrooms and offices that are more than ten years old.
2. Make available technologies and data, undergirded by effective training and support, that will be most beneficial for Shenandoah in providing transformative learning and ensuring student success.
   1. By 2028, increase the percentage of all full-time faculty and staff completing university-provided training on new educational technologies and data privacy to 80%.
   2. By 2028, ensure that 95% of students and faculty report having access to the necessary specialized technology and data resources for their programs/areas.
   3. By 2028, develop a plan to leverage AI, technology and data to optimize campus energy use and climate resilience, as well as reduce emissions.
3. Strategically integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) across university operations to enhance learning, improve efficiency, prepare students for an AI-driven world, and advance Shenandoah University’s mission with increased support for effective and ethical AI utilization.
   1. By 2027, 95% of new students, faculty, and staff will participate in mandatory AI ethical use training.
   2. By 2029, 90% of all undergraduate and graduate degree programs will have formally reviewed and incorporated AI literacy, ethical use, or application-specific AI skills into their comprehensive curriculum.
   3. By 2028, implement AI-driven solutions in at least three high-volume administrative processes to improve operational efficiency.
   4. By 2030, launch the “AI for the Valley” initiative.