The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) and the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing announced survey results from 114 US colleges and universities that help document the levels, quality, and availability of lactation spaces and supports across campus for breastfeeding faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors.
The survey was a collaboration between the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and SCUP. “To our knowledge, this is the first research that documents which stakeholders are involved in the planning of lactation spaces, and the amount of variation in the features these spaces have,” said Dare Henry-Moss, one of the research leads. “We hope it will help colleges and universities evaluate the accommodations they provide to breastfeeding mothers, including faculty, staff, students, and visitors.”
Study observations include:
— 90% of respondents reported that their institution had dedicated lactation spaces, but the study suggests that awareness of their locations should be improved.
— 68% of respondents reported a process or guideline for creating lactation spaces on campus with wide variation in approaches.
— collaborations are common; there are commonly between two and six different campus entities involved in the planning for lactation spaces.
The study also provides detail on the most frequent amenities designed into lactation spaces, including furniture, fixtures, and portable supports.“Through the excellent work of our research cohorts, this study will help higher education move toward a best planning practice for lactation spaces,” said Michael D. Moss, SCUP President.The research team was Dare Henry-Moss, MPH; Joyce Lee, FAIA, LEED Fellow; Diane L. Spatz, Ph.D., RN-BC, FAAN, and Principal Investigator; and SCUP.
For survey results: www.scup.org/wellness
Related Stories
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 11, 2017
Mid-size, multi-use arenas setting a trend for the future
While large 20,000-seat sports venues aren’t going away, mid-size venues provide advantages the big arenas do not in a time of budget constraints and the need for flexibility.
Giants 400 | Sep 7, 2017
Top 95 university construction firms
Turner Construction Co., The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., and Barton Malow top BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s largest university sector contractor and construction management firms, as reported in the 2017 Giants 300 Report.
Giants 400 | Sep 7, 2017
Mashup in the halls of ivy: Campus expansions put the emphasis on elevating the student experience
Today’s multi-functional buildings support a diverse range of academic programs, with transparent walls to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
University Buildings | Sep 5, 2017
Rohrer College of Business supports the schools academic programs with several key spaces
Designed by KSS Architects and Goody Clancy, the new facility opened prior to the fall 2017 school year.
University Buildings | Sep 1, 2017
The University of Texas receives boutique-style student housing complex
The Ruckus Lofts provide 46 furnished units and 165 beds for UT students.
Libraries | Aug 30, 2017
1850s library building is brought into the 21st century
The original building was updated and given a new extension and landscaping.
University Buildings | Aug 28, 2017
Just what the doctor ordered: St. Louis College of Pharmacy receives new student center
The $50 million building adds over 193,000 sf of space to the campus.
University Buildings | Aug 25, 2017
‘Chapel of food’ becomes one of Clemson’s go-to spaces on campus
The new dining hall is part of the school’s ongoing efforts to maintain its standing among the country’s top 20 public universities.
K-12 Schools | Aug 18, 2017
How to create healthy learning environments with active design
Active design can be incorporated into any facility or campus with a few simple steps.
University Buildings | Aug 8, 2017
Student center(ed): Is the student union the key to retention?
Studies indicate that the longer a student remains on campus—and in an academic mindset—the greater their chance for academic growth and success.