George Fox University Student Priorities
From University Innovation
Contents |
Project Pitch Video
Overview
Many of the student priorities at George Fox University are centered around the Maker Hub. We want this space to live up to its name as a "hub" of innovation and entrepreneurship on campus, and to ensure that it is being used to its fullest potential. We also want interdisciplenary students to be able to take advantage of this resourse, so that students with different talents can pool their resources and make something truely special.
Strategy #1: Advertise the Maker Hub
Description
The engineering staff envision the Maker Hub as a space for everyone in the University to use, not just engineers. Currently, all engineering students are exposed to resourses available to them in the Maker Hub through online and one on one trainings as part of their Freshman curriculum. The staff is prepared to offer these same opportunities to students outside the major, but those students lack both the knowledge that these resources exist and a reason to learn about them.
Tactic #1
Hold pop-up classes, such as how to use a 3D printer or how to develop a prototype. The Maker Hub's position next to a popular on-campus cafe will be beneficially in spontaniously attracting attention to the classes
Tactic #2
Develop a student organization focused around making. Give students a problem to solve and a small amount of time to do it and turn them loose. Placing students under pressure will encourage experimentation and promote creativity.
Tactic #3
Advertise the Maker Hub in campus publications to encourage students to try it out. Make sure that the entry process is inviting, but tight enough to ensure that students won't abuse the resources.
Strategy #2: Promote Connections Between Students Across Disciplines
Description
There is a major gap between the departments at our school. Both the faculty and students know about it and want to close it. We can help by creating opportunities for those students to be in the same room. Over time, proximity will lead to the exchange of creativity and the pooling of resources and skills.
Tactic #1
Develop an interdisciplinary club where students meet for guest speakers, socializing, or design challenges.
Tactic #2
Hold a startup weekend for students of different disciplines to work together on a project.
Tactic #3
Develop an online resource for students to use to connect with peers of similar interest.
Strategy #3: Get Everyone Making
Description
We believe that the key to developing an innovative mindset is hands-on experience. It's one of the core values of the engineering program, as evidenced by our Freshman engineering program. The Maker Hub containes all kinds of incredible equipment for making. All that is required is student engagement
Tactic #1
Themed design challenges to get students working towards a specific problem
Tactic #2
A maker club for students who enjoy working with their hands
Tactic #3
Live, spontanious demonstrations of Maker Hub equipment for anyone interested
Strategy #4: Develop a Proving Ground for New Ideas
Description:
A major gap in our I&E ecosystem is that students lack the support necessary to launch new ideas. We may be able to develop those resources to demonstrate that an idea has merit beyond the walls of the University
Tactic #1
Use off campus connections to bring in industry mentors from outside the university.
Tactic #2
Provide students with the resources necessary to fail quickly and often, to test and refine their idea.
Related Links
Fall 2017 Fellows:
Fall 2016 Fellows:
Fall 2015 Fellows:
