University Innovation Fellows - User contributions [en]

Priorities:Sophia University Student Priorities

2021-10-22T09:25:49Z

Giulinagai: /* Strategy #1 Innovation Sparker: Design Thinking Intensive Program */

=2021 Strategic Priorities=

==='''Strategy #1 Innovation Sparker: Design Thinking Intensive Program'''===

===='''Background:'''====
After analyzing the Landscape Canvas, it seems that Sophia University does have have many programs or events offered to students that emphasize and focus on innovation and critical thinking from the mindset of the real-world. University students sometimes can be seen as being enclosed within an academia bubble whereas when they graduate and start looking for ways to make an impact outside of their community, they don't know where to start. Not exposing students to opportunities that could open up their perspectives on innovation is preventing many from help testing their knowledge, abilities, and potential to make a greater impact. According to some answers we received from the interviews and surveys conducted, it is noticeable many students have some knowledge in I&E but do not know where they can apply it. By creating a 3-week long education program on Design Thinking followed by a 5-week consulting and creation period, an environment where students can apply their learned knowledge to solve real-life problems, network with industries, and take the first step into the path of change-making.

===='''Structure:'''====
3-Week Online Design Thinking Crash Course --> 5-Week Project Development and Mentoring --> Competition (theme-based)

The 3-week long bilingual (Jap/Eng) Design Thinking program would be limited to Sophia University students and staff/faculty teaching the basics of design thinking applications and analyzing the resources available within campus. After completing the program, participants can choose to either continue the full program or stop just at the crash course. Those who choose to continue will be introduced to the theme for the competition where the projects they will develop must address and provide solutions to the given problem. During the 5-week project development and creation period, students are free to work with either English/Japanese students to build their projects.Thgroughout this period all students will have access to mentoring and support from the program. After completing their projects participants would face each other in the Innovation Sparker Competition where external groups may also sign up as long as their project fits the theme. This competition would serve as a gateway for university-industry collaborations since businesses/companies could invest in potential employees by providing support through monetary means or by becoming judges of the competition. Participants would then pitch their project/solutions to a panel of judges consisting of: companies, professors, guest speakers, students, president, aluminis. In addition to getting the chance to experience the entire process of how to bring an idea into fruition, winners would also receive prize money, recognition from the companies and the university, a wider web of networking, the opportunity to get scouted by companies, and/or graduation credits. The curriculum for the program can be seen below:

Curriculum: (1 Quarter= 8 weeks= Length of Summer break)

First Week:

- Design Thinking Introduction: What is its purpose? its effect? Why is it important? where it can be used/applied?

- Explain the steps to design thinking.

Second Week:

- Design Thinking Brainstorming

- Analyze a Design Thinking Model Projects and how creators applied their knowledge to problem-solve

- Guest Speaker Invitation

Third Week:

- Analysis of competition theme

- Introduced to the resources the university provides

- Group Brainstorming

End of Base Design Thinking Introduction Program

Fourth-Eighth Week

Group Check-Ins, Prototyping, Testing, Refining, Preparation for competition, creating presentations, slides

Competition Week

===='''Steps:'''====
1. Conducting further research to accurately determine the desirability of program

2. Consult with Sophia University professors if they'd be interested in helping host the program or becoming guest speakers

3. Contact some industries interested in partnering up with Sophia University to help support a program like this. Gage their interest in hiring winners of the program and sponsoring some students as well.

4. Propose idea to Sophia University and see if the school is willing to support the program financially, publicly, and/or academically (considering the program a graduation credit course)

5. Contact UIF fellows to ask if some would like to become guest speakers for the program

6. Perform trial programs to test out teaching methods and how long to execute a project.

7. Release program and start accepting applicants.

==='''Strategy #2: Sophia Interdisciplinary Forum'''===

===='''Background:'''====
At Sophia University, I&E resources are limited and tend to be more easily accessible to specific students, such as those studying science and technology, business, economics, and management. Students in other departments – particularly those studying the humanities – have fewer opportunities to engage with innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity. This has created a gap between students. In addition, through the research we conducted for the Landscape Canvas, we determined that the I&E and creativity culture at Sophia was a 3 out of 10. As this number indicates, Sophia has not provided the best environment for students to grow their innovative or creative minds. Through the Interdisciplinary Forum, we aim to bring together Sophia University’s wide range of faculties and graduate schools in both the sciences and humanities and provide a space where students and faculty members can connect, exchange ideas, and build collaborative relationships.

===='''Structure:'''====
The Interdisciplinary Forum will take place on a quarterly basis (once every three months) for students and faculty at Sophia University to discuss topics and themes related to I&E. To facilitate this forum, we will need to organize a group of students, faculty, and staff who can decide the quarterly themes, invite guest speakers, manage the social media platforms for advertising the forum, and oversee other important matters. Through these forums, we hope to influence students to become more open to new ideas, collaborate with different students from a wide range of departments and faculties, and achieve a more interdisciplinary community at Sophia.

===='''Steps:'''====
1. Share our ideas with students and professors in order to collect feedback on specific matters, such as how to structure the forum and what themes to include.
2. Define what makes this forum distinct from other gatherings at Sophia.
3. Contact students and faculty members who might be interested in organizing and/or participating in the forum, such as students and professors belonging to SPSF.
4. Organize a group of students, faculty, and staff who can act as the core facilitators.
5. Decide what some of the quarterly themes for the forum could be (e.g., I&E and sustainability).
6. Decide whether this forum will be conducted online or in person (if in person, where?)
7. Invite guest speakers to participate in the forum.
8. Advertise on social media and the university bulletin boards (including Loyola).

==='''Strategy #3: Improving the Sophia University Bulletin Board on the Loyola web platform'''===

===='''Background:'''====
While doing our research for the landscape canvas, we noticed that although Sophia University provides a lot of information for its students, it may be difficult to access that information if not delivered directly to the student. This seems especially to be the issue in regards to Innovation and Entrepreneurship. For students to get interested in I&E, it is important that the information about the opportunities the University provides is easily accessible to the students. Our assumption is that the Web Platform (Loyola) where most information is collected on a bulletin board, is not working as well as it should. It can be difficult to search for specific information, and there also seems to be a language barrier, as some information is not available in English. Therefore, one of our goals is to improve the information delivery of Sophia, mainly through improvement of the Loyola bulletin board.

===='''Structure:'''====
We will need to have a dialog with the web Admins at Sophia to discuss what possibilities there are to improve the existing platform. However, on the basis of our findings, we see that although some students are satisfied with the current system, there have been identified some common problems through prototype testing, along with the feedback we have gotten from students via a questionnaire. Therefore, we believe that some minor modifications, and the addition of some functions, can have a significant impact on how students perceive the Loyola bulletin board, and in that way make important information even more accessible than it is now. Some of the changes we want to make to the Loyola Bulletin board includes:
- An own category for I&E
- The possibility to save posts
- Filter to separate posts written in English and Japanese
- Add more information written in English and make it easy to find
- Add more specific categories and a way to filter them.
- The ability to customize the type of information students receive on email.

===='''Steps:'''====
1. Create a first prototype, a vision of how we imagine it can look like. Furthermore, we have gathered feedback from students on their experiences and opinions about the Bulletin board’s functions.
2. Based on the feedback, make a more detailed list of improvements we want to make.
3. Get in touch with the web administration at Sophia and explain to them the wishes of the students, and find out if they are willing to work with us to improve the Bulletin board.
4. Make adjustments based on possible limitations of the Loyola site.
5. Launch the new, improved Loyola Bulletin board.

=2020 Strategic Priorities=

==='''Strategy #1: Central Innovation/Opportunity Hub'''===

===='''Background:'''====
Sophia, as one of the represented schools in Japan, has provided opportunities and experiences for students to explore in their student lives. However, this information is often hidden in the school system, the websites, and bulletin boards. Often platforms for communication are filled with daily information such as school notifications and updates. Moreover, some program based opportunities are often communicated verbally by professors who do not show in the school online resources. Therefore, there is a need for students to have a central location where they could easily access this opportunity information to empower themselves and their school life. In other words, there is a need for Sophia university to have a virtual landscape that provides students with the latest programs/events where they can challenge themselves.

===='''Structure:'''====
This platform requires support from professors, the administration and students. These key roles are crucial users of this hub, and considering ways of implementation is necessary. Not only do we want to communicate information about opportunities that we have, but also take the most efficient process and output to make it into a user-friendly platform. We aim to create a process that can be sustainably managed after we graduate, but also something easy to use for the next generation who will be operating the system.

===='''Steps:'''====
1. In order to create this central hub, gathering as much information from professors, administrations, and from students/student organization is important. 2. Considering the information gathered, we would prototype a design of the website/platform that we would use for the hub. 3. Create the platform and implement functions for more efficiency of the platform. 4. Create templates and quick steps for those who will be adding information in the platform. 5. Try out the system with the information gathered. 6. Share it with a couple of students and revise the feedback points. 6. Open it to professors and students once updating the latest information. 7. Advertise the platform to the administration to be shared in the orientation for freshmen. 8. Advertise the platform to professors and students in class. 9. Fill in certain opportunities that are lacking or additional functions to adjust the diverse users in Sophia university.

==='''Strategy #2: Pop-Up I&E Workshop'''===

===='''Background:'''====
One of the core opportunities we have identified is the aspect of the community as a birthplace for innovation at Sophia University. We have particularly noticed the lack of opportunities for student’s to dive into I&E and the missing point of contact for I&E interested students. Even though there are students who would like to explore their interest in I&E, a central location or platform to take the first bite-size experience is provided.
To address this opportunity, we would like to introduce a beginners pop-up I&E workshop for all people in the Sophia ecosystem. This workshop will be a three-hour crash course for participants to experience I&E basics by going through a Design Thinking process. Over one year, we will introduce a framework and guideline for the workshop that can be adopted by future UIF leadership circles and workshop graduates. Our workshops will be open to all people of Sophia, and we will aim for diverse teams in this concept. The workshop participant sizes could vary from 20 to 50 people.

===='''Structure:'''====
For the pop-up workshops, we will not require significant support from Sophia University staff. Depending on the format, the UIF team will be able to facilitate the workshop entirely by themselves. In case of a physical format, we hope to receive support from the University for well-ventilated rooms on the Sophia campus. Additionally, we would require an innovation toolbox with resources that would need to be restocked regularly after every workshop. We will test out the workshop with various groups (product development students, global studies students and potentially freshmen) before opening doors to the entire Sophia community. For now, we will start with virtual workshops for classroom students and in-person workshops for first-year students, under the supervision of the University administration, which will allow us to adhere to COVID-19 pandemic regulations. For the project to gain momentum, we will also post updates on a social media account to bring students to our workshops in later phases. Key will be to train students in our guidelines so that they can be official workshop facilitators to ensure continuity at Sophia.

===='''Steps:'''====
1. Prepare a questionnaire to find out student needs for the workshop framework in a virtual and physical setting. Based on questionnaire results develop basic guidelines, that can be adopted by Sophia (approved by Sophia Administration for on-site workshops), 2. Set vital target groups for the Y1 and set pop-workshop amount (present details to University), 3. Set up meetings with target group representatives (e.g. Prof. Maruyama with FGS, Dean Nakano for FLA, Dean Shimomura for FSE), 4. Draft one pop-up workshop guideline for beginners, 5. Create a marketing campaign that proposes this workshop as something accessible and available to all., 6. Use a test group in Horizon to test out workshops before implementation on campus, 7. Start with workshops. Ensure diversity numbers for the workshop., 8. Train students in workshop guidelines

==='''Strategy #3: I&E Project Development Summer Camp'''===

===='''Background:'''====
Sophia University is home to many students who are passionate about learning about international cooperation. Many courses offered in Sophia encourage students to explore topics such as poverty, equality, gender and global warming. At the same time, Sophia University has established partnerships with many universities in different areas of the world. It offers students several overseas program opportunities in which the participants take classes which are provided by the local institution focusing on a specific topic.
Students who participate in these overseas programs perceive these as opportunities to find new areas of interest. They do so by observing diverse perspectives and talking to people who are at the frontline of their field of study. However, despite the skills and knowledge they gain, many students feel a lack of output from their learnings.
One student who cooperated with us in the UIF interviews had enrolled in a 3-week overseas program in Paris, France to study EU environmental law. However, she found it disappointing and wasteful that she was not able to implement her learnings into a real-life after her return. The student believed that her newly acquired knowledge could be utilized to improve environmental policies in Japan. The sense of disappointment is the opportunity we would like to address. Our project is a summer program which takes place in Sophia University to provide students with the platform of outputting the ideas earned in the overseas program.

===='''Structure:'''====
There are three roles in this program, the organizing committee, the participants and the judge. The program is entirely run by the organizing committee, which consists of students who have participated in overseas programs before. The organizing committee and the judge suggests a topic problem, which the participants will develop solutions for in teams. The solution ideas generated by the participants will be voted in by the judge, and the top 3 solution ideas will be applied to Sophia University campus.

===='''Steps:'''====
1. Form an initial program planning committee led by UIF fellow members., 2. Research overseas programs offered in Sophia University currently., 3. Interview the participants of the past overseas programs with the following questions. a) What were the new ideas you learned in the program? b) How would you want to apply the original idea in real life? 4. Collect the responses to the questions and research if the application environment respondents wished is offered in Sophia., 5. Invite more students to the program planning committee and brainstorm how the environment provided can be improved and design a program model., 6. Invite professors who will be the judge in the program., 7. Pitch the program model to the office and get an approval., 8. Make an official organizing committee consisting of students who have participated in an overseas program before., 9. Test run of the program model, reflection and adjustment.

==='''Strategy #4: Open Walls For Innovation'''===

https://universityinnovation.org/wiki/File:Storyboard_of_Open_Walls_for_Innovation.jpg

===='''Background:'''====
Sophia has one of the most internationally diverse and unique students in Tokyo. While the university is well known for its reputation of the humanities departments, when it comes to Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sophia has been lacking behind other universities in Tokyo. The reason behind it does not necessarily mean the institution hasn't really invested in I&E, but rather that students never had the opportunity to engage with I&E and to actually practice it in order to truly grasp the potential of I&E.
Thus, before investing in any innovation labs, I&E boot camps, or I&E courses, students, as well as the institution as one, should work towards dismantling the narrative that I&E is only for the elite few, and work together towards understanding how innovation is for everyone. By introducing the Open Walls For Innovation Week, any open wall on campus becomes an innovative and entrepreneurial place for ideation, conversation, or to simply have fun. The goal is to create an innovative environment where students including the faculty, such as professors, are invited to share everything they have got to share, which they usually cannot do. This is would be extremely powerful since many students in Japan do not have the opportunity to truly engage with each other and to share ideas. Open Walls For Innovation wants to change that.

===='''Structure:'''====
This project will not require any staff, since the people who will work the most are basically everyone who walks along the walls of Sophia. However, we would require a small team responsible for re-stocking resources of the innovation toolboxes. Since we will start out with a trial, at only one designated place, instead of everywhere, it will be easier to manage and calculate how many post-its, sharpies, and utilities will be used. As for now due to the COVID-19 pandemic students are not allowed to enter the campus, thus, this is the ideal time to plan, manage, and ask for help. In order for the project to gain momentum, we will also establish a social media account, as well as, an online platform for students who cannot come to campus to participate.

===='''Steps:'''====
1. Conduct two pieces of research: Firstly, to understand whether students would participate and show interest in such a project. Secondly, to find sponsors or funds for the innovation toolboxes.
2. Formalize a Mission and Vision with the collected data
3. Organize a trial run for the project for two to three days to collect feedback and find the ideal locations.
4. Pitch the project to the administration to ask for funds and approval.
5. Create an online presence for the project.
5. Pilot Open Walls For Innovation Week

{{CatTree|Sophia University}}
[[Category:Student Priorities]]
[[Category:Sophia University]]

Fellow:Giuli Nagai

2021-10-11T03:08:42Z

Giulinagai: Updated Bio page

{| class="wikitable" style="border: 5px ridge grey; float:right;"
|-
|[[File:Giui_Nagai_UIF_Profile_Pic.JPG|300px]]
|-
|
;Name:Giuli Nagai
;School (Cohort):Sophia University (2021 cohort)
;Majoring in:Green Science in Materials and Life Sciences
;Country:Japan
;Email:[[Special:EmailUser/Giulinagai]]
|}

==Bio==
Giuli Nagai is an undergraduate student at Sophia University in Japan where she is studying Green Science in Materials and Life Sciences in the Faculty of Science and Technology. She was born and raised in Brazil, had most of her education in Chicago, Illinois and is now pursuing one of her life-long dreams of studying and living in Japan. Hence her studies, Giuli holds great interest for sustainability and environmental sciences. One of her biggest motivations for participating in University Innovation Fellows was so that she could learn the skills necessary to make change and then apply her knowledge to areas related to innovation in sustainability.

During her time as an undergraduate student, Giuli is working as a research assistant under a professor in Sophia's Program for Sustainable Futures and as an intern of a company that strives to accelerate access to sustainable living. She is an active member of a student-run organization called KASA Sustainability where she helps lead sustainable projects such as campus farming/composting events and host Sustainable Campus Forums. Some additional hobbies include Japanese language learning and badminton.

Volunteering has always been a passion for Giuli, earning her the Ambassador Award from the United Nations Association for 100+ hours of volunteer service during her years in high school. In the future, Giuli hopes to attend graduate school and specialize herself in the field of environmental science and business.

<br />

[[Category:Sophia University (2021 cohort)]]
[[Category:Student Contributors]]

{{CatTree|Sophia University}}

Priorities:Sophia University Student Priorities

2021-09-25T05:19:35Z

Giulinagai: /* Structure: */

=== '''Strategy #1: Central Innovation/Opportunity Hub''' ===

==== '''Background:''' ====
Sophia, as one of the represented schools in Japan, has provided opportunities and experiences for students to explore in their student lives. However, this information is often hidden in the school system, the websites, and bulletin boards. Often platforms for communication are filled with daily information such as school notifications and updates. Moreover, some program based opportunities are often communicated verbally by professors who do not show in the school online resources. Therefore, there is a need for students to have a central location where they could easily access this opportunity information to empower themselves and their school life. In other words, there is a need for Sophia university to have a virtual landscape that provides students with the latest programs/events where they can challenge themselves.

==== '''Structure:''' ====
This platform requires support from professors, the administration and students. These key roles are crucial users of this hub, and considering ways of implementation is necessary. Not only do we want to communicate information about opportunities that we have, but also take the most efficient process and output to make it into a user-friendly platform. We aim to create a process that can be sustainably managed after we graduate, but also something easy to use for the next generation who will be operating the system.

==== '''Steps:''' ====
1. In order to create this central hub, gathering as much information from professors, administrations, and from students/student organization is important. 2. Considering the information gathered, we would prototype a design of the website/platform that we would use for the hub. 3. Create the platform and implement functions for more efficiency of the platform. 4. Create templates and quick steps for those who will be adding information in the platform. 5. Try out the system with the information gathered. 6. Share it with a couple of students and revise the feedback points. 6. Open it to professors and students once updating the latest information. 7. Advertise the platform to the administration to be shared in the orientation for freshmen. 8. Advertise the platform to professors and students in class. 9. Fill in certain opportunities that are lacking or additional functions to adjust the diverse users in Sophia university.

=== '''Strategy #2: Pop-Up I&E Workshop''' ===

==== '''Background:''' ====
One of the core opportunities we have identified is the aspect of the community as a birthplace for innovation at Sophia University. We have particularly noticed the lack of opportunities for student’s to dive into I&E and the missing point of contact for I&E interested students. Even though there are students who would like to explore their interest in I&E, a central location or platform to take the first bite-size experience is provided.
To address this opportunity, we would like to introduce a beginners pop-up I&E workshop for all people in the Sophia ecosystem. This workshop will be a three-hour crash course for participants to experience I&E basics by going through a Design Thinking process. Over one year, we will introduce a framework and guideline for the workshop that can be adopted by future UIF leadership circles and workshop graduates. Our workshops will be open to all people of Sophia, and we will aim for diverse teams in this concept. The workshop participant sizes could vary from 20 to 50 people.

==== '''Structure:''' ====
For the pop-up workshops, we will not require significant support from Sophia University staff. Depending on the format, the UIF team will be able to facilitate the workshop entirely by themselves. In case of a physical format, we hope to receive support from the University for well-ventilated rooms on the Sophia campus. Additionally, we would require an innovation toolbox with resources that would need to be restocked regularly after every workshop. We will test out the workshop with various groups (product development students, global studies students and potentially freshmen) before opening doors to the entire Sophia community. For now, we will start with virtual workshops for classroom students and in-person workshops for first-year students, under the supervision of the University administration, which will allow us to adhere to COVID-19 pandemic regulations. For the project to gain momentum, we will also post updates on a social media account to bring students to our workshops in later phases. Key will be to train students in our guidelines so that they can be official workshop facilitators to ensure continuity at Sophia.

==== '''Steps:''' ====
1. Prepare a questionnaire to find out student needs for the workshop framework in a virtual and physical setting. Based on questionnaire results develop basic guidelines, that can be adopted by Sophia (approved by Sophia Administration for on-site workshops), 2. Set vital target groups for the Y1 and set pop-workshop amount (present details to University), 3. Set up meetings with target group representatives (e.g. Prof. Maruyama with FGS, Dean Nakano for FLA, Dean Shimomura for FSE), 4. Draft one pop-up workshop guideline for beginners, 5. Create a marketing campaign that proposes this workshop as something accessible and available to all., 6. Use a test group in Horizon to test out workshops before implementation on campus, 7. Start with workshops. Ensure diversity numbers for the workshop., 8. Train students in workshop guidelines

=== '''Strategy #3: I&E Project Development Summer Camp''' ===

==== '''Background:''' ====
Sophia University is home to many students who are passionate about learning about international cooperation. Many courses offered in Sophia encourage students to explore topics such as poverty, equality, gender and global warming. At the same time, Sophia University has established partnerships with many universities in different areas of the world. It offers students several overseas program opportunities in which the participants take classes which are provided by the local institution focusing on a specific topic.
Students who participate in these overseas programs perceive these as opportunities to find new areas of interest. They do so by observing diverse perspectives and talking to people who are at the frontline of their field of study. However, despite the skills and knowledge they gain, many students feel a lack of output from their learnings.
One student who cooperated with us in the UIF interviews had enrolled in a 3-week overseas program in Paris, France to study EU environmental law. However, she found it disappointing and wasteful that she was not able to implement her learnings into a real-life after her return. The student believed that her newly acquired knowledge could be utilized to improve environmental policies in Japan. The sense of disappointment is the opportunity we would like to address. Our project is a summer program which takes place in Sophia University to provide students with the platform of outputting the ideas earned in the overseas program.

==== '''Structure:''' ====
There are three roles in this program, the organizing committee, the participants and the judge. The program is entirely run by the organizing committee, which consists of students who have participated in overseas programs before. The organizing committee and the judge suggests a topic problem, which the participants will develop solutions for in teams. The solution ideas generated by the participants will be voted in by the judge, and the top 3 solution ideas will be applied to Sophia University campus.

==== '''Steps:''' ====
1. Form an initial program planning committee led by UIF fellow members., 2. Research overseas programs offered in Sophia University currently., 3. Interview the participants of the past overseas programs with the following questions. a) What were the new ideas you learned in the program? b) How would you want to apply the original idea in real life? 4. Collect the responses to the questions and research if the application environment respondents wished is offered in Sophia., 5. Invite more students to the program planning committee and brainstorm how the environment provided can be improved and design a program model., 6. Invite professors who will be the judge in the program., 7. Pitch the program model to the office and get an approval., 8. Make an official organizing committee consisting of students who have participated in an overseas program before., 9. Test run of the program model, reflection and adjustment.

=== '''Strategy #4: Open Walls For Innovation''' ===

https://universityinnovation.org/wiki/File:Storyboard_of_Open_Walls_for_Innovation.jpg

==== '''Background:''' ====
Sophia has one of the most internationally diverse and unique students in Tokyo. While the university is well known for its reputation of the humanities departments, when it comes to Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Sophia has been lacking behind other universities in Tokyo. The reason behind it does not necessarily mean the institution hasn't really invested in I&E, but rather that students never had the opportunity to engage with I&E and to actually practice it in order to truly grasp the potential of I&E.
Thus, before investing in any innovation labs, I&E boot camps, or I&E courses, students, as well as the institution as one, should work towards dismantling the narrative that I&E is only for the elite few, and work together towards understanding how innovation is for everyone. By introducing the Open Walls For Innovation Week, any open wall on campus becomes an innovative and entrepreneurial place for ideation, conversation, or to simply have fun. The goal is to create an innovative environment where students including the faculty, such as professors, are invited to share everything they have got to share, which they usually cannot do. This is would be extremely powerful since many students in Japan do not have the opportunity to truly engage with each other and to share ideas. Open Walls For Innovation wants to change that.

==== '''Structure:''' ====
This project will not require any staff, since the people who will work the most are basically everyone who walks along the walls of Sophia. However, we would require a small team responsible for re-stocking resources of the innovation toolboxes. Since we will start out with a trial, at only one designated place, instead of everywhere, it will be easier to manage and calculate how many post-its, sharpies, and utilities will be used. As for now due to the COVID-19 pandemic students are not allowed to enter the campus, thus, this is the ideal time to plan, manage, and ask for help. In order for the project to gain momentum, we will also establish a social media account, as well as, an online platform for students who cannot come to campus to participate.

==== '''Steps:''' ====
1. Conduct two pieces of research: Firstly, to understand whether students would participate and show interest in such a project. Secondly, to find sponsors or funds for the innovation toolboxes.
2. Formalize a Mission and Vision with the collected data
3. Organize a trial run for the project for two to three days to collect feedback and find the ideal locations.
4. Pitch the project to the administration to ask for funds and approval.
5. Create an online presence for the project.
5. Pilot Open Walls For Innovation Week

=== '''Strategy #5: Innovation Sparker: Design Thinking Intensive Program''' ===

==== '''Background:''' ====
After analyzing the Landscape Canvas, there does not seem to be an emphasis on the importance of I&E within Sophia University, resulting in many students end up never being exposed to its mind-opening teachings. On the other hand, there may be students who have some knowledge on I&E but don't know where they can apply it for the greater good. By creating a 3-week long education program on Design Thinking followed by a 5-week consulting and creation period, an environments where students can test their abilities and apply their learned knowledge about innovation to create significant impact not only within campus but also within their communities and potentially working industries can be created. This program is the same length as one quarter, therefore it could be taken during the school year of over the summer break depending on the preferences of participants.

==== '''Structure:''' ====
The project itself would be a 3-week long Design Thinking program limited to Sophia University students teaching the basics of design thinking applications and providing support for innovative projects and ideas. 3 week program held in English and Japanese. Students are free to work with either English/Japanese students for the 5-week project creation. The full program would be concluded with an Innovation Competition where anyone is free to participate to create a project that pushes for social, economic, cultural, or environmental impact. The competition would be a gateway for university-industry collaborations as businesses/companies could provide support through monetary means or by becoming judges of the competition. Participants would then pitch their project/solutions to a panel of judges consisting of: companies, professors, guest speakers, students, president, aluminis. In addition to getting the chance to experience the entire process of how to bring an idea into an actual tangible project and futuristically-speaking impact, winners would also receive prize money, recognition from the companies and the university, a wider web of networking, the opportunity to get scouted by companies, and/or graduation credits. The curriculum for the program can be seen below:

Curriculum: (1 Quarter= 8 weeks= Length of Summer break)

First Week:
Design Thinking Introduction~
- What is its purpose? its effect? Why is it important? where it can be used/applied? Explain the steps to design thinking.
Second Week:
Design Thinking Brainstorming~
- Analyze a few Design Thinking Projects and how they applied their knowledge and problem-solved challenges (Include Guest Speakers)
Have a brainstorm/discussion session for participants to get to know each other and talk about interests and what they found was cool about the presented examples
- Students can start thinking about who they would like to participate with. Maybe fill out a google forms and then groups are assigned through preferences mentioned in the google forms
Third Week:
Group Assignment and Explanation of School Resources:
- Participants are introduced to the resources the university provides.
- Groups get to discuss and start planning what they would like to do

End of Base Design Thinking Introduction Program

Fourth Week:
Group Check-Ins
- Groups define what problem they would like to solve and start brainstorming solutions
Fifth Week:
Prototyping

Sixth Week:
Testing

Seventh Week:
Refining

Eighth Week
Preparation for competition, creating presentations, slides

Competition Week

==== '''Steps:''' ====
1. Conducting further research to accurately determine the desire for a program like this
2. Consult with Sophia University professors if they'd be interested in helping host the program or becoming guest speakers
3. Contact some industries interested in partnering up with Sophia University to help support a program like this. Gage their interest in hiring winners of the program and sponsoring some students as well.
4. Propose idea to Sophia University and see if the school is willing to support the program financially, publicly, and/or academically (considering the program a graduation credit course)
5. Contact UIF fellows to ask if some would like to become guest speakers for the program
6. Perform trial programs to test out teaching methods and how long to execute a project.
7. Release program and start accepting applicants.


{{CatTree|Sophia University}}
[[Category:Student Priorities]]
[[Category:Sophia University]]

Priorities:Sophia University Student Priorities

2021-09-25T05:18:46Z

Giulinagai:

School:Sophia University

2021-09-19T15:01:32Z

Giulinagai:

[[File:Sophia University Logo1.png|thumb]]
[[File:Sophia University Logo.jpg|thumb]]

== 1. A general overview of Sophia University ==

Sophia University (Jouchi Daigaku 上智大学) is one of the most prominent private universities in Japan. Founded in 1913 by the Roman Catholic religious order of the Society of Jesus, it has grown from its three original departments of Philosophy, German Literature, and Commerce to nine undergraduate faculties and ten graduate schools, with over 13,900 students in total.

While physically located in the heart of Tokyo, right across the Imperial Palace, Sophia University is also close to the socio-economic and political core of Japanese society. From its early days the University has been a center for internationalization and to this day continues to act as a bridge to the wider world. Many of its graduates find their way into fields such as the media (national broadcasters like NHK), global development (international organizations like the United Nations), or global business (multinational corporations).

== 2. Promoting student innovation and entrepreneurship: ==

Sophia University is continuously developing as a higher education institution. In recent years, it has shifted away from a classical discipline-based institution to one that aims to be more innovative and student-centered. An example is the Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA), which offers English-taught undergraduate degrees. This faculty has increased interactions between Japanese and international students, and many of its professors have been at the university’s forefront in adopting innovative teaching methods.

Recently, Sophia University has been increasingly focused on the environment and sustainable development. Many of its programs have conscientiously incorporated courses related to the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs (a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015). As a prominent institution for research and higher education in the fields of social sciences, humanities and natural sciences, Sophia University was one among 37 Japanese universities to be selected for the “Top Global University Project” – a funding project initiated by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to support the innovation and internationalization efforts of universities. Based on this project, Sophia University launched a new English-based undergraduate program called “Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures” (SPSF) in the fall of 2020. This program brings together seven different disciplines (journalism, education, sociology, economics, management, international relations, and area studies) and is designed to foster interdisciplinary and action-oriented learning.

Another English-taught degree program known as the Faculty of Science and Technology aims to educate future scientists and technologists to become productive members of the global community. Students at the Faculty of Science and Technology seek a deeper understanding of human development and harmonious coexistence with people and nature.

Overall, the university’s core values of respect for equality, diversity, and contribution to the larger social good are captured into its motto: “Men and Women, With Others, For Others.” These values permeate not only its academic curriculum but also guide students in their extracurricular activities. Students undertake many volunteer activities run inside and outside the university, but also beyond Japan, such as the support activities focused on refugees, or the areas damaged by the Great Tohoku Earthquake, to name a few. Extracurricular clubs that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity include Horizon (a student empowerment organization committed to inspiring youth to create innovative solutions for social change) and Sophia Start-up Club (Sophia University’s first entrepreneurship organization established in 2021). Other programs that generate awareness and fundamental elements of I&E include TEDxSophia and Sophia University Future Center.

== 3. Encouraging faculty innovation and entrepreneurship: ==

Responding to the need to further develop as a “university in line with the world,” Sophia University has been taking bold steps in rethinking the old approach to teaching and learning. Through various initiatives, it has sought to reform “towards a qualitative change in university education to build a new future” for Japanese society and foster a “knowledge-based independence, collaboration, and creative model” which “cultivates independent thinking and creativity” (Report of the Central Equation Council, August 2012).

However, while Sophia University has focused on working in the areas of innovation in recent years, the institution lacks resources for promoting entrepreneurship. There continue to be limitations, such as not having offices, faculties, or organizations that are specifically focused on encouraging students to explore I&E. Sophia University hopes to improve on these areas in the near future through new programs such as SPSF.

== 4. Actively supporting the university technology transfer function: ==

Sophia University is active in funding and supporting research programs through the Sophia Research Support Organization. The Organization has been exploring the possibility of further expanding its research support system and providing enhanced support for faculty to commercialize their research. They aim to act as an incubator that would facilitate successful technology transfers, licensing, and innovation projects. In this way, Sophia University is working to advance development projects through collaboration between industry, government, and academia.

In addition, Sophia University has several seed funding sources for students’ activities. For extracurricular activities, Sophia University provides grant support for projects of Sophia University’s official extracurricular activities for each semester. Students go through the process of examination by submitting a proposal and having an interview to receive the grant and report the usage and the impact of the project. Likewise, despite not being a group specifically for Sophia University, many of its students actively utilize a social incubator for movements and change-makers called Social Innovation Japan where students join its community to get information and opportunities regarding topics they are passionate about.

In 2021, Sophia University joined the renewable energy university league. The universities that joined this community are aiming to make the university campus’ energy 100% renewable sometime between 2030 and 2040. Sophia is trying to create an ecosystem in which students take action to make actions regarding renewable energy and decarbonization.

== 5. Facilitating university-industry collaboration: ==
Recognizing Japan’s industry-academia collaboration in Japan is poor compared to western countries, Sophia University Faculty of Science and Engineering created the “Sophia Science & Technology Liaison Office” in November of 2001 that aims to transfer research breakthroughs easily into society through its position as an industry-academia collaborative organization. Unfortunately, this organization is no longer in operation within the university but its impacts have left a strong impression on the I&E community and students involved in its mission.

Another way the university emphasizes University-Industry Collaboration is through the Bulletin Board of Information found in Sophia University’s student portal where many scholarship opportunities and university-business collaborations in the form of programs are posted. Some of these scholarships and programs sometimes offer students opportunities to engage with industries and learn some I&E skills by working directly with the area of work of these industries. Not only are students given a chance to expand their range of experiences by applying to these activities, but they are also able to build their own network webs for their future career. On the other hand, some of the posts within this Bulletin Board of Information are related to research labs and research funding. Sophia University highly values quality research and the involvement of students in developing new technologies and thus often offers these openings to all its student body.

Although Sophia University’s history with innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) is short, the institution’s efforts such as opening new programs and opportunities for innovation to faculty and students have become more apparent in the past few years. Over time a growing number of faculty members have become active in organizing events and activities where they encourage students to incorporate entrepreneurial elements.

== 6. Engaging with regional and local economic development efforts: ==
Sophia University has been promoting educational and research activities based on a spirit of charity and globalism through encounters and dialogues with people of diverse backgrounds in the hope to bring forth solutions to the many problems that torment our world today. Through its participation in the Inter-University Exchange Project called the “Collaborative Online International Learning,” Sophia University offers programs towards Human Security and Multicultural Coexistence which allow students in Japan to connect and learn together with other students at institutions in Japan and abroad.

In November 2015, the University signed the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) supported by the United Nations with the aim to realize a sustainable society. These principles advocate for the incorporation of environmental, societal, and corporate governance concerns into investment decisions. As a private corporation that operates education and research institutes, and as a responsible asset owner, Sophia University assumes its responsibility and contributes to solving the various issues facing our global society through its ESG investment.

In addition to that, the Sophia School Corporation is currently conducting the construction of a new ‘green’ building on campus to be used for various purposes, including community events and academic gatherings for working professionals. The Corporation also plans to establish a disaster prevention warehouse that is accessible to the public.

To conclude, Sophia University is located at the center of one of the busiest metropolitan areas in the world. It also gathers together the best and the brightest domestic and international students and faculty, giving it unique advantages and opportunities. Maximizing them will continue to require innovative and creative thinking. This is where the mindset and skills of the UIF Community can potentially make a meaningful contribution.


{{CatTree|Sophia University}}

[[Category:Schools]]
[[Category:Sophia University]]

School:Sophia University

2021-09-19T14:51:57Z

Giulinagai: /* 4. Actively supporting the university technology transfer function: */

School:Sophia University

2021-09-19T14:48:48Z

Giulinagai: /* 3. Encouraging faculty innovation and entrepreneurship: */

School:Sophia University

2021-09-19T14:45:59Z

Giulinagai: /* 2. Promoting student innovation and entrepreneurship: */

School:Sophia University

2021-09-19T14:45:27Z

Giulinagai: /* 2. Promoting student innovation and entrepreneurship: */

School:Sophia University

2021-09-19T14:43:53Z

Giulinagai: /* 1. A general overview of Sophia University */

Topic:Wetie9tinmjchjnp

2021-08-18T09:12:38Z

Giulinagai (talk | contribs) commented on "Why We Study" (Having just completed two semesters of university myself, I was witness of what a curriculum with no creative stimulation can do to stude...)

User:Giulinagai

2021-08-15T12:42:19Z

Giulinagai: Redirect to Fellow Page

#REDIRECT [[Fellow:Giuli Nagai]]

Fellow:Giuli Nagai

2021-08-15T12:42:18Z

Giulinagai: Created Fellow Page - 2021

{| class="wikitable" style="border: 5px ridge grey; float:right;"
|-
|[[File:Giui_Nagai_UIF_Profile_Pic.JPG|300px]]
|-
|
;Name: Giuli Nagai
;School (Cohort): Sophia University (2021 cohort)
;Majoring in: Green Science in Materials and Life Sciences
;Country: Japan
;Email: [[Special:EmailUser/Giulinagai]]
|}

==Bio==
Giuli Nagai is an second-year student at Sophia University where she is studying Green Science in Materials and Life Sciences. She was born and raised in Brazil, had most of her education in the states (specifically in the suburbs of Chicago), and is now pursuing one of her life-long dreams of studying and living in Japan. Hence her studies, Giuli holds great interest for sustainability and environmental sciences which is why she is currently interning under "mamoru", an app that aims to connect sustainable businesses in order to protect the society and the environment. Along with her studies, Giuli is a sustainability student researcher, gardening volunteer, and a badminton athlete for her university. She hopes to apply to graduate school in the future to discover potential linkages between our society's environmental needs with economic desires.

==Achievements==
- Accepted into Grainger School of Engineering, Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering Program (WYSE) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Member of National Honor Society for 4 years
- Helped lead a school World's Fair that united ethnicities of 100+ different countries
- Joined Varsity Badminton during Sophomore year
- Received UN Ambassador Award for 100+ hours of volunteer service

==Social media profiles==
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giulinagai/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/giuli-nagai-260787203
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giuli.nagai/

[[Category:Sophia University (2021 cohort)]]
[[Category:Student Contributors]]

{{CatTree|Sophia University}}

File:Giui Nagai UIF Profile Pic.JPG

2021-08-15T12:07:39Z

Giulinagai: Giuli Nagai UIF Candiate Picture

== Summary ==
Giuli Nagai UIF Candiate Picture