The pandemic put a pause on renovations and new construction across the county. As the industry is returning, Universities are asking that projects are directly tied to overall university goals. This program will focus on renovations and new construction at the fastest growing university in Texas. Auxiliary Services has put 6 buildings on campus from design to finish in 10 years.
A new Student Union, residence halls, dining hall, retail stand alone and a Welcome Center have changed to look and feel for the campus community and has seen an increase in campus commerce in some areas by 200%. All of which are based in the concept of sense of place and belonging. Where students go to “see and been seen.”
The program will connect concepts of design and interior design to student engagement and experience economy theory. The experience economy is a concept that refers to the selling of memorable experiences to customers. Student engagement is the degree of involvement, attention, curiosity, interest, optimism and passion that students show when they are learning or being taught. This program will provide insight on how to connect experience and engagement with the outcome of increased retention and revenue.
Attendees will review the construction/renovation of Eagle Landing Dining Hall, Clark Bakery, UNT Welcome Center and Auxiliary Offices, Joe Greene Residence Hall and the Student Union at UNT. The program will cover the process from design to opening and why it is important for Auxiliary professionals to drive the design to a finished product.
The program will look at how design impacts sales and service. Discussion will include selecting the right brands to operate and how it will have an impact on the campus culture. Plus, the program will discuss the critical knowledge base that professionals need as they go into design.
Finally, the program will include discussion opportunities for attendees to discuss challenges that they face on campus with new projects.