Renewal: Connecting the University Campus to Improve Student Success

Author

• Micah L. Wood

Files

Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Architecture

College

Arts and Sciences

Department

Architecture

Faculty Advisor

Ganapathy Mahalingam

Studio Coordinator

Stephen Wischer

Faculty Chair

Susan Kliman

Publisher

North Dakota State University

Rights

NDSU policy 190.6.2

URI

https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/190.pdf

Abstract

The modern university increasingly faces many challenges such as competition to get and maintain students, relevance in a digital world and beyond. But what if we take a deeper look into how the built environment influences and has potential to improve student success. To do this, we must understand one of the main reasons campuses still exist beyond education, which is community. Most things that can be achieved from a university could be received in a digital format, but human connection is increasingly important. It is important to realize that, through the built environment, we can help empower campus communities.

Furthermore, through an investigation of universities with higher retention rates, a method of analysis of the overall campus community network was developed. Through this analysis, it was found that stronger community networks are often found in universities with higher student success metrics. Taking this information into account, a systematic masterplan concept was developed based on connecting campus entities into community networks. The test site for this concept was the North Dakota State University (NDSU) campus. This proposal takes modern campus needs and combines the needs in such a way that it renews the campus community and thus creates the potential to improve student success in the long term.

Recommended Citation

Wood, Micah L., "Renewal: Connecting the University Campus to Improve Student Success" (2026). Architecture Theses. 81.
https://digitalcommons.ndsu.edu/architecture-theses/81