This document presents the Department of Urban & Regional Planning’s Strategic Plan for its graduate Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program. This Plan is prepared in accordance with the 2017 Standards of the Planning Accreditation Board.[1] Though the Plan strictly follows the format required for accreditation, it also expresses our faculty’s intentions for the next accreditation period but subject to periodic review and revision.
This is the Plan only for our department’s Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program, which has its own distinct mission, to be described below. Our department also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design, a Master of Science in Architecture (Historic Preservation), a Master of Science in Real Estate Development, and a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning, which have separate mission statements, available on request.
This is meant to be a flexible document, subject to evolving deliberation. The plan is designed to be responsive to considerations that include changing faculty composition (such as new hiring or temporary faculty leaves), school-wide strategic planning, and university plans and priorities. Since our department is a constituent part of the School of Architecture and Planning, this Plan is consistent with, and reinforces, the School’s “Mission and Vision Statement.”
Consistency of mission with strategic goals: Urban planning as a professional field emerges from multiple disciplinary sources, has a potentially vast scope, includes a plethora of subfields, and contains divergent visions of the future. While we provide below a general mission statement for professional education, we know that we cannot hope to convey our field’s direction in its entirety. Therefore, in this Plan we endeavor to fashion a distinct identity: our strategic goals correspond to our faculty capabilities and interests, our urban and regional location, our academic location, our projected student needs, and our vision for urban planning education.
Stakeholder input: This Plan emerges from consultations both formal and informal during the fall 2019 semester. Our consultations included meetings with current faculty and outreach to school administration. We held in-person stakeholder engagement meetings with current students, professional planners, and WNY APA Section members and leadership. We also hosted an online discussion with alumni, conducted via web conference. Departmental faculty moderated the stakeholder meetings, which included a discussion of goals drafted for the strategic plan as well as the opportunity for open-ended discussion and comments about the MUP program. Documented results of these meetings are included in Standard 1B.
Dissemination: We have distributed this Plan internally to our faculty and school administration. We have also shared the final version with students, alumni and professionals who participated in stakeholder meetings. The Plan is available to the public and is accessible via our departmental web page.
Evaluating Progress and Making Improvements: In the Self-Study Report in which this Strategic Plan is included, we lay out a plan for evaluating progress and making improvements. That plan provides program benchmarks and time frames for achieving the goals.
Our MUP program has as its mission to prepare students for the professional practice of planning, for the applications of planning knowledge in allied careers, and for potential advanced study leading to the PhD. We provide particular depth in a number of specializations, which may evolve over time. We pride ourselves on our teaching that brings to bear advances in planning research, scholarship, and technology—for which our faculty’s own involvement in research is essential. We are also committed to teaching that involves students in service to our community and region. In view of the many urgent challenges that cities and regions face, our aim is to educate planners recognized for their professional excellence, practical insight, ethical practice and commitment to social and racial justice. We are dedicated to doing so through integrity in scholarship, academic freedom, and openness to debate. In keeping with the rest of our school, we are also committed to meaningful public engagement and to creating more equitable, just, sustainable, and well‐designed environments, and to inclusion, equity, and diversity in student body, faculty, and staff.
1. HISTORY & THEORY
Develop knowledge of planning theory, history and empirically-based concepts to inform futures and future planning interventions. Integrating perspectives from the social sciences and design fields, critically examine relationships between society and the built environment using lenses of equity and inclusion.
2. PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE
Develop practical knowledge about how social, economic, political and cultural institutions function in the context of planning and socially-inclusive outcomes with a view toward implementation of plans and policies.
3. ANALYTIC METHODS
Use analytic and inferential reasoning methods to understand complex social, economic and environmental and spatial community conditions. Cultivate ability to critically analyze data, employ culturally-appropriate and cutting-edge tools and methods that illustrate inequities across race, class, gender, ability, sexual orientation and other forms of social separateness.
4. PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Develop plan-making, policy-making and regulatory compliance and design skills in United States and international contexts. Critically interrogate how these practices intentionally and unintentionally exclude on the basis of race, class, gender, ability, sexual orientation and other forms of social separateness.
5. ETHICS & ENGAGEMENT
Gain professional planning and ethical practice experience, through engaged learning domestically and abroad. Cultivate ability to apply planning knowledge and tools in ways that are sensitive to culture and power dynamics, and enhance equity and inclusivity.
We have identified seven goals, a primary goal (Goal 1) and five additional goals (Goals 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6), which are not priority-ordered.
TO ACHIEVE DISTINCTION AS A PROGRAM THAT FOSTERS PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND PRACTICE THROUGH CRITICALLY AND THEORETICALLY ENRICHED ENGAGEMENT.
The justifications for this goal include:
Objective A: Pursue excellence in engaged education through planning studio courses. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Maintain current levels of studio education in the MUP curriculum. | Number of studio courses offered per academic year. | Reported annually. |
Enhance quality of studio instruction measured by products of studio courses. | Number of completed project reports receiving awards (local, regional, national). | Reported annually. |
Number of completed project reports receiving media coverage. | Reported annually. | |
Number of completed project reports adopted for implementation by local organizations. | Track projects for five years after completion to track long-term impact. Provide impact via narrative evidence (e.g. examples of construction, adoption for policy, communication from clients or interest group). | |
Student satisfaction with preparation for professional life from studio experience, as reported in alumni survey. | 89% are satisfied (2019 survey results). |
Objective B: Implement engaged teaching throughout the curriculum, as demonstrable through syllabi. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Increase problem-based instruction and case studies. | Syllabus review. | Reported annually. |
Increase field trips, site visits, community-engaged exercises, guest speakers from community, and exposure to clients and officials. | Syllabus review. | Reported annually. |
Increase students’ exposure to applied research and professional projects. | Syllabus review and student reports. | Reported annually. |
Objective C: Pursue academic excellence for instruction in professional skills for planners. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Maintain and refine the professional competencies courses. | Curricular planning and syllabus review. | Reported annually. |
Prepare students for professional practice, emphasizing quantitative methods and data analysis. | Student satisfaction with preparation for professional life from data analysis instruction in the program, as reported in alumni survey. | 79% are satisfied (2019 survey results). |
Students demonstrate mastery of MUP program-wide learning objectives. | Macro-level assessment of student outcomes in final capstone projects (URP697). | Reported annually and results used for curricular planning. |
Objective D: Incorporate critical discourse and theory into studios and other practice-oriented elements of the curriculum. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Ensure provision of facilitation/coaching sessions on critical discourse | Course syllabus contain learning objectives that exemplify and provide exercises in critical practice. | Reported annually. |
Objective E: Increase graduates’ satisfaction with our program’s preparation for planning and related professions. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
MUP graduates’ 2nd through 5th year satisfaction. | Satisfaction levels as measured in annual alumni survey. | 90% are satisfied (2019 survey results). |
Objective F: Increase graduates’ rate of employment in planning and related fields. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
MUP graduates’ 2nd through 5th year satisfaction. | Satisfaction levels as measured in annual alumni survey. | 90% are satisfied (2019 survey results). |
TO FOSTER TRANSDISCIPLINARY EDUCATION—centered on issues of racial, social, and environmental justice—through collaborative teaching models.
The justifications for this goal include:
Objective A: Foster close interaction with allied disciplines through joint courses, joint teaching, and joint studios. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Number of cross-listed or jointly offered courses between MUP program and partner programs (architecture, law, public health, real estate development). | Curriculum plans and departmental course offerings. | Reported annually. |
Number of cross-listed or jointly offered courses between MUP program and architecture programs. | Curriculum plans and departmental course offerings. | Reported annually. |
Objective B: Enhance multi-disciplinary learning and research opportunities with other academic programs. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Student participation in joint programs with MUP. | Enrollment in MS in International Development, MUP/MPH, MUP/JD, MUP/MArch, Advanced Graduate Certificates in Historic Preservation and Sustainability. | Reported annually. |
Number of courses cross-listed with other programs. | Departmental course offerings. | Reported annually. |
Number of joint degree programs. | Departmental plans and new joint degree proposals. | Reported annually. |
Number of collaborative research projects between urban planning faculty and scholars in other fields. | Annual faculty reports. | Reported annually. |
Objective C: Examine MUP specializations and advanced graduate certificates and consider realigning with student interests and industry needs. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Number of MUP specializations in current MUP curriculum. Number of specializations after possible revision. | Departmental administration and curricular plans. | Examination of specializations completed within one year after 2020 accreditation visit. Full implementation within three years after 2020 accreditation visit. |
Number of advanced graduate certificates in current MUP curriculum. Number of advanced graduate certificates after possible revision. | Departmental administration and curricular plans. | Examination of advanced graduate certificates completed within one year after 2020 accreditation visit. Full implementation within three years after 2020 accreditation visit. |
TO BUILD THE INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER OF OUR PROGRAM.
To build the international character of our program, through more international (and global) content in our curriculum, more mentoring directed at international students, and sustained study abroad, including international studios. In addition to our own bi-national New York State – Province of Ontario region, particular emphasis will be on selected global areas, such as (1) Caribbean and Latin America, (2) Asia, from South Asia through East Asia, and (3) Sub-Saharan Africa. We will also connect our education programs to key global organizations—including the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations—as well as local grassroots organizations with global focuses. The justifications for this goal include:
Objective A: Develop foci for research and teaching in the Global South. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Number of locations in which faculty are engaged in internationally and in the Global South. | Faculty annual reports. | Reported annually. |
Number of faculty publications addressing the Global South. | Faculty annual reports. | Reported annually. |
Number of study abroad programs or international education collaborations addressing the Global South. | Departmental administration and curricular plans. | Reported annually. The department conducted an MUP studio in India in Spring 2020. |
Number of international research collaborations addressing the Global South. | Faculty annual reports. | Reported annually. |
Amount of course content addressing the Global South. | Syllabus review. | Reported annually. |
Number of enrolled students from the Global South. | Program enrollment. | Reported annually. In 2018, 23 out of 25 (or 92%) of applications from non-USA students were from the Global South. In 2019, 24 out of 28 (or 86%) of applications from non-USA students were from the Global South. In 2018, 8 out of 10 (or 80%) of enrolling non-USA students were from the Global South. In 2019, 7 out of 7 (or 100%) of enrolling non-USA students were from the Global South. |
Objective B: Increase level of international content, with reference to global areas identified in Goal 3, in MUP curriculum. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
International content in curriculum. | Faculty annual reports. | Reported annually. |
Number of study abroad programs or international education collaborations addressing the Global South. | Syllabus review to identify number of case studies and projects. | Reported annually. Within five years, international content should comprise at least 10% of material in non-studio courses in the curriculum. |
Objective C: Increase study abroad opportunities, possibly including international studios, by developing at least one ongoing relationship with a city (region) in Asia, possibly in India or China. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Establish formal relationships with universities abroad. | Number of MOUs or other agreements with international institutions. | Reported annually. |
Objective D: Increase students’ exposure to visiting scholars from other countries. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Increase the number of campus visits of external scholars who engage with international and global issues and experiences. | Invitees to SA&P lecture series and other guests. | Reported annually. Currently approximately 20%. Increase to 30% or within 3 years (subject to available resources). |
Objective E: Increase the share of international students in the program. Proactively recruit international students (partly through collaborations with universities abroad) | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Proactively recruit international students.
| Attend international recruitment events. | Reported annually. |
Students from international recruitment events apply. | Reported annually. | |
Total number of applications from international candidates. | Reported annually. In 2018, we received 25 applications from non-USA prospective student; in 2019, we received 28 applications from non-USA prospective students. In 2018, 10 non-USA students entered the MUP program; in 2019, 7 non-USA students entered the MUP program. | |
Establish formal relationships with universities abroad. | Number of MOUs or other agreements with international institutions. | Reported annually. |
TO INFORM MUP EDUCATION AND FUTURE PRACTICE WITH RESEARCH
To inform MUP education and future practice with research, including published scholarship and theoretical advances. The justifications for this goal include:
Objective A: Maintain rate of scholarly publication in planning equaling or exceeding peers in Association of American Universities. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Number of peer-reviewed scholarly publications per faculty member. | Number of articles per faculty member. | Reported annually. Our goal is to meet or exceed the average for AAU institutions. |
Measure of faculty contribution to each publication per faculty (publication/# of authors) | ||
Number of book chapters and books. | Number of books per faculty member. | Reported annually. Our goal is to meet or exceed the average for AAU institutions. |
Number of edited books per faculty member. | ||
Number of book chapters per faculty member. | ||
Research impact measured through citations of faculty members’ scholarly publications. | Web of Science (h-index), Google Scholar, and Academic Analytics. | Reported annually. |
Objective B: Sustain annual grant funded research at least in the level of several hundred-thousand dollars per year and demonstrate progressive growth in external applications and awards. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Number funded grants per faculty member. | Number of grant applications submitted, detailed in UB’s Sponsored Research Activity reports. | Reported annually. |
Number of grant applications awarded, detailed in UB’s Sponsored Research Activity reports. | Reported annually. | |
Aggregate annual research funds awarded (dollar amount), detailed in UB’s Sponsored Research Activity reports. | Reported annually.
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Objective C: Increase faculty scholarly activities and recognition domestically and internationally through fellowships, awards, and prestigious placement. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Faculty members receive fellowships and/or awards. | Number of fellowship and/or award applications submitted and/or nominated, detailed in faculty annual reports. | Reported annually. |
Number of fellowships and/or awards received, detailed in faculty annual reports. | Reported annually. | |
Aggregate annual fellowship and/or award funds received (in amount), detailed in faculty annual reports. | Reported annually.
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Faculty members are selected for prestigious placements. | Number of editorial placements per faculty, detailed in faculty annual reports. | Reported annually. |
Number of editorial board positions per faculty, detailed in faculty annual reports. | Reported annually. | |
Number of placements on national/global-level committees per faculty (for example, NSF, NIH, FAO, UN, Academy of Sciences), detailed in faculty annual reports. | Reported annually. |
Objective D: Enhance theoretical and empirical content across the curriculum, particularly in courses that engage students in applied work. This content should emphasize critical theory and planning perspectives that incorporate diverse viewpoints with social change goals. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Number of courses containing theoretical content. | Description of theories and concepts taught in courses. | Reported annually. |
Number of courses containing empirical content. | Description of case studies introduced in courses. | Reported annually. |
TO CREATE AND FOSTER INCLUSION, EQUITY, AND DIVERSITY AMONG STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF, AND IN OUR ENGAGEMENT WITH ALL OF OUR CONSTITUENCIES.
The justifications for this goal include:
Objective A: Pursue diversity objectives set out in the school-wide strategic plan. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Increasing diversity with respect to race/ethnicity (African-Americans, Latinos, and American Indians), socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation/gender identity, Veteran status, and disability. | Number of enrolled students from under-represented minorities and other groups. | Reported annually. In Fall 2019, 9 URM students entered the MUP program; in Fall 2018, 8 URM students entered the MUP program. (Our stated goal was 5 URM students.) |
Objective B: Expand course content focusing on equity and social justice across the curriculum. Students should be exposed to critical topics several times throughout the curriculum. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Increased engagement with equity and social justice. | Course planning and syllabus review. | Reported annually. |
Increased level of engagement with equity and justice in selection of applied projects and studio topics. | Course planning and syllabus review. | Reported annually. |
Increase the number of campus visits of external scholars who engage with equity and social justice. | Invitees to SA&P lecture series and other guests. | Reported annually. During AY19-20, the entire SA&P lecture series was devoted to diversity and inclusion. |
TO FOSTER EXCELLENCE AMONG MUP STUDENTS AND GRADUATES BY TRAINING STUDENTS FOR REGIONAL, NATIONAL, AND GLOBAL LEADERSHIP.
The justifications for this goal include:
Objective A: To support their professional development by increasing participation in APA and other professional competitions, increase the number of MUP students participating in the AICP Candidacy Program, and successfully obtaining AICP licensure. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
AICP candidacy participation. | Percentage of participating students as reported by the local APA chapter. | Reported annually through leadership of APA chapter. |
AICP licensure. | Number of graduates passing the AICP exam, as reported by APA. | Reported annually. The pass rate of UB graduates is 66% according to the latest information from PAB. Aspiration: raise to 80% within 5 years. |
APA and other professional awards | Number of students receiving awards from the APA and other professional organizations. | Reported annually. |
Conference participation | Number of students presenting posters and talks at professional conferences. | Reported annually. |
Objective B: Increase level of communication to students about internship opportunities and career opportunities. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Communication to students about internship opportunities and career opportunities. | Number of email messages sent to students containing internship and job notices. | Reported annually. |
Number of job postings viewable by students. | Reported annually. | |
Participation in career opportunity engagement. | Number of students who participate in career guidance and networking. colloquia, career trips and other events | Reported annually. |
Objective C: Expand professional experience opportunities for students by increasing internship placements for students in local, regional, state, national, and global settings. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Increase the number of internship opportunities circulated to students. | Departmental and school communications channels. | Reported annually. |
Increase the number of students who complete a professional internship. | Departmental enrollment information and student self-reporting. | Reported annually. |
Objective D: Incorporate professional skills and preparation for the job market into the curriculum. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Revised course or courses that deliver career preparatory skills. | Syllabus review. | Reported annually. |
Student portfolio development | Number of students who participate in portfolio development via UB e-portfolio. | Reported annually. |
Objective E: Increase the number of students in leadership positions in the professional careers. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Job acquisition and career advancement. | Professionals positions held by alumni, as reported in the alumni survey. Information also available from LinkedIn. | Number and type of positions, time to first placement from alumni survey, reported annually. |
Objective F: Increase student exposure to diverse perspectives and communities across the curriculum to prepare them for planning in an increasingly diverse society. | ||
Indicator | Metric | Benchmark |
Community project-based engagement. | Syllabus review. | Number of courses involving projects in diverse communities, reported annually. |