ARCH 3314-002
Contemporary Issues in Architecture
Design Thinking
2022 Spring Semester

ARCH 3314-002 Education Room 317 T R 12:30-1:50 pm
Associate Professor Robert D. Perl, AIA, LEED AP
  Texas Tech University  College of Architecture  Robert D. Perl  3314   updated 05/02/2022
TTU President email to students January 5, 2022
"As we begin 2022, we continue to navigate the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last week, we’ve seen a rapid increase in positive cases in Lubbock driven by the Omicron variant, and we anticipate these increases to continue through January. The CDC-approved vaccinations and the wearing of masks while indoors continue to be our best measures to prevent the spread of the virus and keep our university community safe and healthy.
We look forward to welcoming you back to campus for the spring semester on January 12, as scheduled. As we did last fall, to provide greater flexibility in our response to COVID-19, we have authorized deans in each college to make temporary changes in course modalities.
If needed, faculty can make temporary changes to course delivery (in-person, hybrid, or online) for up to three weeks, ending no later than February 4.
Your course instructor will communicate any changes to course modalities to you directly. Please check your email and online sites for messages from your instructors.
We have also asked faculty and staff across campus to consider postponing in-person events through February 4.
Our on-campus COVID-19 testing locations re-opened January 4. On-campus vaccination clinics will be available on January 7 and January 10 and beginning January 14. Vaccination clinics hosted by TDEM are slated for Fridays. All testing and vaccination sites are open to students, faculty, and staff.
The COVID-19 website is updated with the latest CDC guidance and we have resumed daily reporting on our COVID-19 dashboard of new cases and recoveries.
Our guidance for students, faculty, and staff who have a known exposure or tested positive has been updated and is consistent with the CDC guidance:
 • Anyone with a known exposure should wear a mask for 10 days and should seek a COVID-19 test on day five after exposure. Quarantine is no longer necessary.
 • If you test positive or develop symptoms, you should immediately isolate and seek a COVID-19 test.
 • Anyone who tests positive is required to self-isolate for five days. It is important to make a plan for self-isolation now, in the event you do test positive.
 • Following the five-day isolation period, if you are asymptomatic or your symptoms are resolving, you may return to work but should wear a mask for five additional days.
 • All positive tests should be reported through our campus reporting system.
With the arrival of cold and flu season, it’s important to stay at your place of residence if you don’t feel well, regardless of whether you have a diagnosis for the flu or for COVID-19. Be in communication with your instructors about this.
Your health and well-being of is our top priority – that means your mental health too. If you find that you’re having a difficult time, please visit our Beyond Okay site to connect with people on campus who can help.
We appreciate your flexibility and patience as we continue to work through the challenges presented to us by this pandemic. I hope you have a successful spring semester, and I wish you and your family a healthy and prosperous new year.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Schovanec
President, Texas Tech University"
  TTU President email to students January 5, 2022 PDF format











ARCH 3314-002 Contemporary Issues in Architecture Design Thinking is planned to meet online for the first three weeks of the semester.
     
CoA pandemic-related guidance  
TTU policies and guidance have been updated for Spring 2022: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/communications/emergency/coronavirus/  
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are strongly encouraged by the university and the CoA. The Omicron variant is spreading across our state and the best way to protect your health and the health of others is to get vaccinated. If you were unable to obtain a vaccination prior to your arrival on campus, the COVID-19 vaccine is available at Student Health Services by appointment. You can also find more information about the vaccines here:  https://www.ttu.edu/commitment/covid-19-vaccine/  
Face coverings
Face coverings are welcome and encouraged by the CoA. They are optional in TTU facilities and classrooms but, based on CDC guidelines, are recommended and welcome, especially for those who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 or who may have susceptibilities to the virus. Disposable face coverings will be available at the CoA should you forget yours.  
If you feel ill or have been exposed, get tested https://www.ttu.edu/commitment/testing/  
On campus-
 Sam’s Poolside (Leisure Pool)- 1/4/22 to 3/17/22 (closed Sundays)
Off campus-
 City of Lubbock- https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/health-department/covid-19/covid-19-testing-location
 CVS Pharmacy- https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/clinic-locator/tx/lubbock/coronavirus-testing.html
 Numerous Urgent Care clinics in Lubbock  
If you test positive for COVID 19, report to the TTU Dashboard https://ttucovid19.ttu.edu/User/Consent  
Potential Changes: The University will continue to monitor CDC, State, and TTU System guidelines in continuing to manage the campus implications of COVID-19. Any changes affecting class policies or delivery modality will be in accordance with those guidelines and announced as soon as possible. If Texas Tech University campus operations are required to change because of health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is possible that this course will move to a fully online delivery format. Should that be necessary, students will be advised of technical and equipment requirements, such as web cam, microphone, and remote proctoring software.
   
     
Update to Pandemic Related Teaching and Classroom Guidance
Reviewed & updated: Jan. 4, 2022; Dec. 20, 2021; Issued: Aug. 13, 2021
   
     
Guidance to Instructors of Record in Face-to-Face and Hybrid Courses When Notified by a Student that the Student Has Tested Positive for COVID-19
Reviewed & updated: Jan. 2, 2022; Dec. 20, 2021; Issued: Aug. 27, 2021
   
     
TTU Catalog
3314. Contemporary Issues in Architecture (3).
Contemporary issues in architectural theory and history utilizing precedents from early 20th century to present. May be repeated for credit.
Section 002: Design Thinking
 

TTU Catalog Course Descriptions
     
   
^
The Storm of Creativity by Kyna Leski is the primary textbook.
< Autographed book title page.
<< Poster for Kyna Leski lecture at Texas Tech CoA  November 4, 2016.
     
Course Description
Section 002, Design Thinking, addresses methods of design, ways of thinking, and means of design thinking through multiple experiences of reading, discussing, and writing. It positions design thinking within the discipline of architecture, explores the role of design within the profession of architecture, and considers the place of creativity in design processes. The course will make students more conscious of their current design, thinking, and communications skills and assist them in developing new abilities in these areas. 

The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) describes Design Thinking Skills as one of their Student Performance Criteria (2014). "A.2 Design Thinking Skills: Ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test alternative outcomes against relevant criteria and standards."

ARCH 3314 fulfills the "Written Communication" portion of the College of Architecture's Communication Literacy Plan.
   
     
Student Learning Objectives
 ▪ Increase understanding of the role of contemporary architectural issues in "future design practice" and "knowledge of the discipline for the benefit of society"
 ▪ Increase abilities to discover, read critically, interpret, and evaluate contemporary architectural issues
 ▪ Increase abilities to interpret, organize, and analyze data and precedents to create useful information
 ▪ Increase abilities to communicate contemporary architectural issues
 ▪ Increase abilities to write, edit, and rewrite
 ▪ Increase understanding of contemporary architectural issues in evidence-based design methods
 

College of Architecture Mission Statement
     

NAAB Student Performance Criteria (2014)
A.1 Professional Communication Skills:
Ability to write and speak effectively and use representational media appropriate for both within the profession and with the general public.

 

NAAB 2014 Conditions
NAAB 2014 Conditions for Accreditation (pdf)
Pages 15-18.
Foxit Reader download
Adobe Reader download
NAAB Criteria secondary topics (2014)
A.2 Design Thinking Skills
A.3 Investigative Skills
A.4 Architectural Design Skills
A.5 Ordering Systems
A.6 Use of Precedents
A.8 Cultural Diversity and Social Equity
B.1 Pre-Design
C.1 Research
C.2 Integrated Evaluations and Decision-Making Design Process
C.3 Integrative Design
D.1 Stakeholder Roles in Architecture
  2014 NAAB lists
8 Criteria in Realm A: Critical Thinking and Representation,
10 Criteria in Realm B: Building Practices, Technical Skills, and Knowledge,
3 Criteria in Realm C: Integrated Architectural Solutions, and
5 Criteria in Realm D: Professional Practice.
     
NAAB 2020 Conditions and Procedures March 10, 2021
Shared Values of the Discipline and Profession

V.1 Design:
Architects design better, safer, more equitable, resilient, and sustainable built environments. Design thinking and integrated design solutions are hallmarks of architecture education, the discipline, and the profession.
 

Guidelines to the Accreditation Process
2020 Conditions and Procedures
March 10, 2021
(pdf)
Pages 6-13
Program Criteria
PC.2 Design:
How the program instills in students the role of the design process in shaping the built environment and conveys the methods by which design processes integrate multiple factors, in different settings and scales of development, from buildings to cities.
  NAAB 2020 Conditions and Procedures lists
6 Shared Values of the Discipline and Profession,
8 Program Criteria, and
6 Student Criteria.
Student Criteria
SC.5 Design Synthesis:
How the program ensures that students develop the ability to make design decisions within architectural projects while demonstrating synthesis of user requirements, regulatory requirements, site conditions, and accessible design, and consideration of the measurable environmental impacts of their design decisions.
   
     
Teaching Methods
Most weeks of the semester will have a similar sequence of activities. Before every class, each student will study an assigned reading and identify several of the author's important ideas. During class, every student will first discuss the author’s perceived intentions, and then explore implications of those topics with more speculative discussion. After Thursday's class, each student will continue to think about those topics via writing and their personal interpretation. The last portion of the semester each student will be guided to plan, draft, and finalize a paper on a Design Thinking topic of their choice.

Class periods will utilize multiple active-learning modes. A Seminar format will be used regularly to discuss the required readings and demonstrate rigorous critical thinking. A Lecture will be given occasionally where students listen and construct personal understanding. A Studio format will be utilized during several class periods for quick hands-on exercises emphasizing design process. A Tutorial format, similar to studio desk crits, will be used when students are writing their paper. Questions are always welcome. One-on-one interaction during office hours or by appointment is encouraged.
   
     
Evaluation
Deliverables:
 · Weekly written assignments (including weekly progress submittals during the Final Paper process)
 · Daily classroom participation
Assessments:
 · Evidence of learning in the form of three sentences of thoughtful student-generated "author's important ideas" for each reading.
 · Evidence of learning in the form of a thoughtful student-generated "elaboration" paragraph each week. 
 · Evidence of learning in the form of a thoughtful student-generated Final Paper (including weekly progress submittals during the Final Paper process)
 · Evidence of learning in the form of participation in classroom discussions
   
     
Grading
Weekly written Pages: 75%  (15 at 5% each)
Final Exam Paper: 10%
Daily Participation: 15%  (throughout the semester)
Work will be graded A:90-100, B:80-89, C:70-79, D:60-69, F:50-59, or Missing:0. At the discretion of the instructor some work may be graded Pass:100, Fail:50, or Missing:0.
All weekly work must be completed and emailed to the instructor on or before the indicated times and dates.
Late work will be penalized 10 points per day.
   
     
Required Texts
We will read the entire textbook during the semester.
The Storm of Creativity

By Kyna Leski
2015 MIT Press
publisher page
TTU Library page TTU Bookstore page
Amazon page Barnes & Noble page

Other required readings will be distributed as PDFs from the Readings page.
   
     
Course Requirements
Most weeks will follow a Read > Discuss > Write sequence.
Before each class, each student will
read the assigned reading,
select
three of the author's important ideas,
write one sentence about each idea, and
bring the written sentences to class.
During each class, we will
discuss the reading,
refer to the author's important ideas, and
refer to the student's written sentences.
After Thursday's class, before the Pagexx deadline, each student will
submit their Tuesday and Thursday written sentences and
write a 300-word elaboration on one of the author's important ideas.
 

The
Classxx webpage will list the required reading and specify details of "the author's important ideas" and the "300-word elaboration on one of the author's important ideas".
ARCH 3314 fulfills the "Written Communication" portion of the College of Architecture's Communication Literacy Plan.
"WRITTEN COMMUNICATION: Critically analyze contemporary issues in architectural history and theory utilizing precedents from the early twentieth century to the present through a series of writing exercises and assignments."
"WRITING: Students will partake in a variety of writing exercises and assignments throughout the semester that demonstrate the students-abilities to analyze, integrate, synthesize, and communicate in writing. These may include reviews of scholarly articles or well known architecture, analytical essays or position papers."
A grading rubric uses these four criteria: "Context of and Purpose for Writing, Content Development, Sources and Evidences, Syntax and Mechanics".
  "Each student will produce at least 4,000 words (approximately 10 pages) of finished academic prose, although the required amount of un-graded, informal, or draft writing may be much higher. Although these 4,000 words are the finished product, this number assumes that the student has rewritten each assignment at least once."
College of Architecture
April 24, 2012
This course is an upper-division course. Upper-division academic quality is expected.   Upper-division academic quality applies to class participation and work submitted for grading.
Upper-division academic quality is expected of your attitude towards learning also. Upper-division education is about getting the MOST education for your investment of time and money.
Academic Regulations section of the TTU Catalog:
"Semester Hours and Course Loads. The semester hour is the unit of measure for credit purposes.
The student is expected to spend a minimum of two hours in preparation for each hour of lecture or recitation."
 

        3 hours in class 
+2 x 3 hours outside class     = 9 hours total per week
Students are expected to fully participate in each class. The assigned readings must be completed before the start of class, and each student must be prepared to engage in meaningful discussion about the readings.

During class, electronic and paper-based reading, writing, note taking, and reference materials are permitted and encouraged to the extent they assist learning.

Most class sessions will utilize a seminar format. Be prepared to be called upon. Thoughtful participation will increase everyone's learning.
  "A seminar... has the function of bringing together small groups for recurring meetings, focusing each time on some particular subject, in which everyone present is requested to participate. This is often accomplished through an ongoing Socratic dialogue with a seminar leader or instructor... It is essentially a place where assigned readings are discussed, questions can be raised and debates can be conducted."
A portion of most class sessions will utilize a critique format. Be prepared to be called upon. Thoughtful participation will increase everyone's learning.   "Critique is a method of disciplined, systematic study of a written or oral discourse. Although critique is commonly understood as fault finding and negative judgment, it can also involve merit recognition, and in the philosophical tradition it also means a methodical practice of doubt. The contemporary sense of critique has been largely influenced by the Enlightenment critique of prejudice and authority, which championed the emancipation and autonomy from religious and political authorities.
... critique is
never personalized nor ad hominem, but is instead the analyses of the structure of the thought in the content of the item critiqued."
     
"A grade of C or better is required for all courses included in the architecture degree plan. In the college, a C is equivalent to a grade of 70-79."      
"Retention of Work
I give the College of Architecture and Texas Tech University, and/or Texas Tech University System (herein, "Texas Tech") the absolute right and unrestricted permission to collect, use, publish, reproduce, edit, exhibit, project, display and/or copyright work created by me during the course of my education at Texas Tech, through any form (print, digital, physical model, broadcast or otherwise) at any campus or elsewhere, for art, advertising, future accreditation, visiting committees, recruitment, marketing, fund raising, publicity, archival or any other lawful purpose."
   
Every class is important. If absence is unavoidable, ask reliable classmates for class content, lecture and discussion notes, etc.
Credit for late work will be
considered only with advanced official notification and/or medical or authorized leave documentation.
   
"[More than 10% of class meetings] absences are considered excessive and constitute cause for having the student drop the class or receive a grade of 'F', or 'I' when appropriate."   College of Architecture Attendance Policy
     
INSTITUTIONALLY REQUIRED INFORMATION
RELIGIOUS HOLY DAY STATEMENT:

"Religious holy day" means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Texas Tax Code §11.20. A student who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that intention known in writing to the instructor prior to the absence. A student who is   absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence. A student who is excused under section 2 may not be penalized for the absence; however, the instructor may respond appropriately if the student fails to complete the assignment satisfactorily.
   
     
INSTITUTIONALLY REQUIRED INFORMATION
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT:

Academic integrity is taking responsibility for one’s own class and/or course work, being individually accountable, and demonstrating intellectual honesty and ethical behavior. Academic integrity is a personal choice to abide by the standards of intellectual honesty and responsibility. Because education is a shared effort to achieve learning through the exchange of ideas, students, faculty, and staff have the collective responsibility to build mutual trust and respect. Ethical behavior and independent thought are essential for the highest level of academic achievement, which then must be measured. Academic achievement    includes scholarship, teaching, and learning, all of which are shared endeavors. Grades are a device used to quantify the successful accumulation of knowledge through learning. Adhering to the standards of academic integrity ensures grades are earned honestly. Academic integrity is the foundation upon which students, faculty, and staff build their educational and professional careers. [Texas Tech University ("University") Quality Enhancement Plan, Academic Integrity Task Force, 2010]
   
"Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsifying academic records, misrepresenting facts, and any act designed to give unfair academic advantage to the student (such as, but not limited to, submission of essentially the same written assignment for two courses without the prior permission of the instructor) or the attempt to commit such an act."    Academic Integrity
Giving aid or receiving aid are both violations of academic integrity.    
All assignments submitted for grading shall be the exclusive work of the individual student unless collaboration is explicitly called for by an assignment.   This semester, no collaborative assignments are planned for this course.
     
INSTITUTIONALLY REQUIRED INFORMATION
CIVILITY IN THE CLASSROOM STATEMENT:

Texas Tech University is a community of faculty, students, and staff that enjoys an expectation of cooperation, professionalism, and civility during the conduct of all forms of university business, including the conduct of student–student and student–faculty interactions in and out of the classroom. Further, the classroom is a setting in which an exchange of ideas and creative thinking should be encouraged and where intellectual growth and development are fostered. Students who disrupt this classroom mission by rude, sarcastic, threatening, abusive or obscene language and/or behavior will be subject to appropriate sanctions according to university policy. Likewise, faculty members are expected to maintain the highest standards of professionalism in all interactions with all constituents of the university (www.depts.ttu.edu/ethics/matadorchallenge/ethicalprinciples.php).
 





Statement of Ethical Principles:
 · Mutual Respect
 · Cooperation and Communication
 · Creativity and Innovation
 · Community Service and  Leadership
 · Pursuit of Excellence
 · Public Accountability
 · Diversity
"These guiding rules and regulations are present to foster a sense of community and respect among all members of the university community."   TTU Code of Student Conduct
     
Schedule    
Before Class   During Class After Class
  Jan 13 Class01: Beginning Page01
       
Read: Pink, NAAB Jan 18 Class02: Course, Motivation  
Read: Wikipedia Jan 20 Class03: Design Thinking, Design Page02
       
Read: Nelson Jan 25 Class04: The Design Way  
Read: Lunsford QG Jan 27 Class05: Reading, Writing Page03
       
Read: Leski: pre Feb 1 Class06: overview  
Read: Hurson Feb 3 Class07: Repro., Productive Thinking Page04
       
Read: Leski 0-9 Feb 8 Class08: Creativity  
Read: B&E Feb 10 Class09: What's New? Page05
       
Read: Leski 10-33 Feb 15 Class10: Preconceptions  
  Feb 17 Class11: Thinking Hats Page06
       
Read: Leski 34-47 Feb 22 Class12: Problem Making  
Read: K&B I 8-21 Feb 24 Class13: Process Page07
       
Read: Leski 48-69 Mar 1 Class14: Gathering, Tracking  
Read: K&B II 66-73 Mar 3 Class15: Process Page08
       
Read: Leski 70-81 Mar 8 Class16: Propelling  
Read: Leski 82-101 Mar 10 Class17: Perceiving, Conceiving Page09
       
  Mar 15 Spring Break: No Classes  
  Mar 17 Spring Break: No Classes  
       
Read: Leski 102-119 Mar 22 Class18: Seeing Ahead  
Read: Leski 120-141 Mar 24 Class19: Connecting Page10
       
Read: Leski 142-166 Mar 29 Class20: Pausing, Continuing  
Read: BCW 107-121 Mar 31 Class21: Claim, Reasons, Evidence Page11
       
Apr 5 Class22: Paper: Diverging  
  Apr 7 Class23: Paper: Converging Page12
       
  Apr 12 Class24: Paper: Claim, Reasons, Evidence  
  Apr 14 Class25: Paper: Claim, Reasons, Evidence Page13
       
  Apr 19 Class26: Paper: Draft  
  Apr 21 Class27: Paper: Draft Page14
       
  Apr 26 Class28: Paper: Full Draft  
  Apr 28 Class29: Paper: Near-Final Draft Page15
       
  May 3 Class30: Paper: Near-Final Draft  
  May 10
Tues
Final Exam: Paper 
due: 4:00 pm
Final
       
     
Declaration of Commitment to Learning
I declare my commitment to learn at the ____ level in ARCH 3314 Contemporary Issues in Architecture, 2022 Spring Semester.
I understand this requires a corresponding investment of consistent efforts to:
 ▪ motivate myself to learn,
 ▪ focus on learning during all class hours,
 ▪ concentrate on processes as well as products,
 ▪ read, reread, and study thoroughly all course materials,
 ▪ participate meaningfully in discussions and critiques,
 ▪ work effectively on writing, editing, and rewriting, and
 ▪ approach architecture education with an open mind.

___________________________________________________
signature                                            date
 

TTU Catalog Academic Regulations
"The grades used, including plus and minus, with their interpretations, are
A, excellent;
B, good;
C, average;
D, inferior...;
F, failure;
P, passing;
PR, in progress;
I, incomplete;
W, withdrawal..."
"The student is expected to spend a minimum of two hours in preparation for each hour of lecture or recitation."
     
INSTITUTIONALLY REQUIRED INFORMATION
ADA STATEMENT:

Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor’s office hours. Please note: instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, please contact Student Disability Services in West Hall or call 806-742-2405. 
   
INSTITUTIONALLY REQUIRED INFORMATION
DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE STATEMENT:

Texas Tech University is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from gender and/or sex discrimination of any kind. Sexual assault, discrimination, harassment, and other Title IX violations are not tolerated by the University. Report any incidents to the Office for Student Rights & Resolution, (806)-742-SAFE (7233) or file a report online at titleix.ttu.edu/students. Faculty and staff members at TTU are committed to connecting you to resources on campus. Some of these available resources are: TTU Student Counseling Center, 806-742-3674, https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scc/ (Provides confidential support on campus.) TTU 24-hour Crisis Helpline, 806-742-5555, (Assists students who are experiencing a mental health or interpersonal violence crisis. If you call the helpline, you will speak with a mental health counselor.) Voice of Hope Lubbock Rape Crisis Center, 806-763-7273, voiceofhopelubbock.org (24-hour hotline that provides support for survivors of sexual violence.) The Risk, Intervention, Safety and Education (RISE) Office, 806-742-2110, https://www.depts.ttu.edu/rise/ (Provides a range of resources and support options focused on prevention education and student wellness.) Texas Tech Police Department, 806-742-3931, http://www.depts.ttu.edu/ttpd/ (To report criminal activity that occurs on or near Texas Tech campus.)
   
INSTITUTIONALLY SUGGESTED INFORMATION
LGBTQIA SUPPORT STATEMENT:

Faculty and staff members at TTU are committed to connecting you to resources on campus. Some of these available resources pertaining to sexual orientation and/or gender identity are: Office of LGBTQIA, Student Union Building Room 201, www.lgbtqia.ttu.edu, 806.742.5433 Within the Center for Campus Life, the Office serves the Texas Tech community through facilitation and leadership of programming and advocacy efforts. This work is aimed at strengthening the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) community and sustaining an inclusive campus that welcomes people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
   
  Texas Tech University  College of Architecture  Robert D. Perl  3314   copyright © 2022
"All materials on this course website are for the exclusive use of students enrolled in ARCH 3314-002 Contemporary Issues in Architecture during 2022 Spring Semester and are protected by copyright of their respective authors."
Associate Professor Robert D. Perl, AIA, LEED AP
AH 1002D Office Hours: T R 2:00-3:30 pm or by appointment 
(806) 834-6624

robert.perl@ttu.edu