Real-world Experience Enters the Classroom Through UrbanPlan Project
The University of Texas at Arlington is one of the few universities to offer a unique opportunity to students at the College of Business through the Urban Land Institute. UrbanPlan harnesses the power of experiential learning to drive students to engage more deeply in the complex nature of land-use decisions and inspire them to take an active role as engaged citizens to create better communities. This project-based team curriculum allows students to role-play positions and tasked to redevelop a six-block urban area.
Participants learn from volunteer Dallas-Fort Worth land use professionals trained on the project by the ULI UrbanPlan National Director. Phillip Bankhead, a volunteer coordinator, has found the experience personally rewarding and impactful for students. "The purpose of UrbanPlan is to expose the students to the challenges of smart growth in an urban environment. The applied skills of critical thinking, team building, and effective communication are useful in any line of employment." Bankhead added, "As DFW has grown over the last 15 years, today's students are more familiar with urban development in general. They perhaps better understand how place-making affects the lives and behaviors of residents and workers in the immediate and surrounding area."
Dr. Andrew Hansz, a finance and real estate professor, implements the UrbanPlan project in his Real Estate Finance course. When asked why this project is important, Hansz responded, "One of the reasons that I value this project is that we work on our presentation skills. The students get valuable practice making a formal sales presentation and thinking on their feet. Student presentation skills have improved over the years. We have had some creative presentations recently."
Christian Wikoff, a UTA student project winner from Fall 2022, said, "You feel like you're receiving real-world experience. As I graduate this semester, it's hands-down the best and most fun project I had the honor of being part of. If you are, in any way, interested in real estate, I highly encourage the UrbanPlan Project."
About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the institute has more than 45,000 members worldwide representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines. For more information on ULI, please visit uli.org, or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn,
and Instagram. Learn more about University Partners at uli.org/universitypartners, and find other opportunities for faculty, students, and institutions at uli.org/universities