Educational institutions across the nation are faced with rising living costs and a shortage of attainable housing options that have left students, faculty, and staff competing with the general population. This not only drives up prices but also leaves institutions unable to meet the unique needs of their communities. As a result, many prospective students, faculty, and staff are choosing institutions in other regions with better housing solutions.
The Student & Workforce Housing Development Conference is designed to address these challenges head-on. Over the course of two days, housing and facilities leaders, financial experts, and real estate professionals will come together to explore transformative solutions. This program highlights innovative strategies and showcases successful projects where institutions have seamlessly integrated residential, academic, and community spaces to meet housing demands on and off campus.
Participants will benefit from engaging panel discussions, roundtable dialogues, and interactive workshops. With a focus on peer-to-peer learning, attendees can connect directly with institutional housing leaders, financial and budgeting experts, and asset management professionals. From groundbreaking project delivery models to actionable best practices, this conference offers invaluable insights for institutions looking to remain competitive and forward-thinking.
In addition to the rich learning experience, the conference provides dedicated networking opportunities, enabling attendees to forge meaningful connections with peers and industry leaders. Whether you're focused on K-12 or higher education, this event offers an unparalleled platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the exchange of innovative ideas.
Join us for two days of professional development, transformative insights, and lasting connections as we tackle one of the biggest challenges in education: creating housing solutions that secure the future of our institutions and their communities.
Exploring innovative strategies for developing student and workforce housing across diverse campus environments, including:
With 30+ sessions covering a wide range of topics, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore what interests you most. Please note that sessions may be added or adjusted as we continue to refine the program to provide the most up-to-date and relevant content.
As universities nationwide grapple with student housing shortages, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is pioneering a transformative solution. In partnership with FullStack Modular, Cal Poly is launching one of...
As Generation Alpha begins to reach college age, institutions must prepare for a new cohort with distinct characteristics, expectations, and needs. Born into a fully digital world, Gen Alpha has...
The lack of affordable housing for graduate students, faculty, and staff has been an ongoing challenge for higher education institutions. Many universities have been responding to this challenge by sponsoring...
The demand for campus housing remains urgent across the country, and that demand has extended beyond undergraduate and advanced degree student groups to include the need for faculty, staff, and...
The goal of improving and measuring student success has a direct relationship to the access of services and amenities on campus. Robust services that universities provide are sometimes not maximized...
Securing financing for student and workforce housing requires a diverse mix of funding sources to navigate today’s economic and political landscape. This session will explore key financing strategies, including direct...
The path to increased retention and graduation rates at Community Colleges has been studied extensively and the key findings point to; access to affordable campus housing, holistic student support including...
The Design Build model of project delivery has developed over the last thirty years and it has taken all of that time for Owners, Designers, and Contractors to adapt to...
Public and private higher education institutions have explored partnerships with private developers and not-for-profit entities to provide upfront capital, address deferred maintenance, implement capital improvements, and deliver property management services...
Here’s a sneak peek at the 100 incredible speakers featured in our agenda. Visit our speakers page to explore the full lineup!
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Renowned college and university housing leaders will share key success factors for delivering high-quality student and workforce housing.
The 30+ sessions offered at the conference gives you the opportunity to delve deep into key topics. You’ll find fresh perspectives and actionable insights to inform your decision-making.
Peer-to-peer learning through real-life case studies and best practices designed to help college and university leaders maximize the success of student and workforce housing projects that meet the long-term needs of their campus communities.
Hands-on sessions where attendees share techniques and provide feedback.
Informal gatherings to discuss and learn about a topic of mutual interest.
College and university representatives from across the country come together at the conference to share their housing development visions and connect with future partners to advance student and workforce housing initiatives.
Daily receptions and networking breaks bring you together with distinguished professionals from across the industry. Make connections that will help you set your sights on new horizons.
Featuring the latest technology and solutions, the exhibit hall provides valuable opportunities to explore new partnerships to further your agencies mission and conduct business with the exhibiting companies.
FEATURED SESSION
The rising cost of housing presents a significant barrier to students and faculty, impacting recruitment, retention, and overall well-being. This panel will explore innovative solutions to address affordability challenges in student and workforce housing, focusing on strategies that leverage financial innovation, public-private partnerships, and nonprofit-driven initiatives.
Our expert panelists—comprising owners, financial advisors, nonprofit 501(c)(3) housing providers, developers, and property managers—will discuss best practices for developing and sustaining affordable housing options tailored to the needs of students and faculty. Topics will include creative financing structures, tax-exempt bonds, university partnerships, and operational strategies to ensure long-term affordability and quality management.
FIRESIDE CHAT
Join us for an insightful fireside chat on pioneering solutions to the nation’s workforce and student housing challenges. With a track record of developing and managing holistic housing communities, Mr. Bayless will share his vision for fostering student success, supporting universities, and leveraging innovative financial models to create sustainable, high-impact housing solutions. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on the future of student and workforce housing for education institutions.
LUNCH DISCUSSION
Join Victor Van Zandt, CEO & President of Irvine Campus Housing Authority (ICHA) for an insightful discussion on the growing role of Academic Workforce Housing in recruiting and retaining top academic talent.
This session will explore five key tools that institutions can use to support faculty and staff: assisting with housing costs, building housing, acquiring real estate, lending, and empowering employees through education.
Learn from real-world examples of successful programs, both large and small, and gain valuable insights into how campuses can strategically invest in housing to strengthen their academic workforce.
Navigating the Future of Student Housing: Trends, Opportunities, and Strategies
We will explore trends in financing, deal flows, alternative product types, and enrollment patterns shaping the student housing market.
Addressing the Housing Affordability Crisis Through Creative Campus Development
This session will highlight case studies from California institutions that have leveraged public-private partnerships, tax incentives, and state grant programs to expand on-campus housing. Panelists will discuss innovative approaches to repurposing campus assets, securing alternative funding, and forming strategic partnerships to address the housing affordability crisis.
Innovating Student Housing: Design, Finance, and Partnerships
Learn how higher education housing leaders approach the development and redevelopment of on-campus and off-campus housing, focusing on architectural and financial strategies.
Strategic Development in Student Housing: Where, What, and How Much?
Examining where development and value-add opportunities make sense amid rising construction costs, shifting demographics, and investor expectations. Gain insights into navigating challenges and identifying growth opportunities in the evolving student housing market.
Scalable Solutions for Workforce Housing: Meeting the Needs of Essential Education Personnel
Providing affordable housing for middle-income education personnel is essential but often challenging for institutions. We will explore innovative, scalable housing models designed to meet workforce needs and strengthen communities.
Design Build Novation: Blending Collaboration with Project Efficiency
A deep dive into a innovative project delivery model that fosters collaboration by engaging designers with the Owner/Developer in the early phases, then transitioning them to work under the Contractor to complete design and construction. This session will explore the model’s contractual dynamics, team relationships, and real-world applications, providing tools for effective implementation.
Leveraging Housing Partnerships to Improve University Balance Sheets
Discover how universities are using partnerships with private developers and 501(c)(3) entities to recapitalize on-campus housing, address deferred maintenance, and enhance liquidity.
The Student Life Ecosystem: Rethinking the Higher Education Business Model for Student Success
This session explores how rethinking the higher education business model can improve student success by prioritizing access to essential services and amenities.
Choosing the Best Delivery Model: How Institutions Can Meet Workforce Housing Needs
Learn how to evaluate and select the most effective delivery model for workforce housing projects, aligning with institutional goals and workforce priorities.
Credit Implications: Evaluating How Housing Projects Affect Institutional Credit Ratings
Explore how housing development projects impact institutional credit ratings and learn strategies to minimize financial risk while maintaining credit strength.
Innovative Subsidies: Exploring Non-Traditional Funding Options for Housing Development
Explore creative and non-traditional subsidies that institutions can leverage to develop sustainable student and workforce housing solutions.
Adapting Design and Development to a Changing Market
We will explore how industry leaders are adapting to evolving operational challenges, shifting consumer expectations, and rising construction costs in the student housing market. We will share strategies for designing and delivering cost-effective housing solutions while addressing financial constraints and market demands.
Intersegmental Housing: A Model for Affordable, Connected Student Living Highlighting the innovative intersegmental housing partnership between UC Riverside and the Riverside Community College District designed to provide affordable, apartment-style housing for students from both institutions.
Risk Management Strategies for Design and Construction Teams
Develop strategies to mitigate risks during the design and construction phases of student housing projects while ensuring successful outcomes.
Lessons Learned: Key Takeaways from Recent Student and Workforce Housing Projects
Gain insights from recent campus housing projects, highlighting successes, challenges, and best practices for future initiatives.
Early-Stage Project Development
Dive into critical considerations for planning and executing early-stage housing projects, balancing risk, opportunity, and stakeholder expectations.
Considerations for Early-Stage Project Planning
Learn how to identify potential risks and opportunities in project development while aligning strategic goals with institutional priorities.
Maximizing Capital Opportunities in Student Housing
A review of the latest trends and strategies in debt financing, offering insights into how owners, operators, and developers can identify and secure the best capital solutions to meet their unique business needs.
Sustainability in Housing: Enhancing Value and Community Impact
Learn how to incorporate sustainability into housing projects to maximize community impact, operational efficiency, and long-term value.
