University Innovation Fellows - User contributions [en]

School:Sophia University

2020-11-13T23:32:19Z

Magdalenaionescu1: /* 4. Going forward */

[[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.

Physically located in the heart of Tokyo, right across the Imperial Palace, it is also close to the socio-economic and political core of Japanese society. From its early days the university has been a centre 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 such as NHK), global development (international organizations like the United Nations), or global business (multinational corporations).

== 2. Core features and its unique contribution to society ==

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, for instance, the support activities focused on refugees, or the areas damaged by the Great Tohoku Earthquake, to name a few.

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.

Recently, as an institution, it has been increasingly focused on the environment and sustainable development. Many of its programs have conscientiously incorporated courses that relate to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations in 2015).

In November 2015, it also signed the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) supported by the United Nations, aiming to realize a sustainable society. These principles advocate 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 assumes its responsibility and brings its contribution to solving the various issues facing our global society through its ESG investment.

== 3. Recent developments/achievements in research and education, with a focus on education ==

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 the Japanese society, fostering a “knowledge-based independence, collaboration and creative model” which “cultivates independent thinking and creativity”. (Report of the Central Equation Council, August 2012)

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. Students in Japan connect and learn together with other students at institutions in Japan and abroad.

As a prominent institution for research and higher education in the fields of social sciences, humanities and natural sciences, the University has been selected by the Japanese Ministry of Education to be one of 37 universities to receive funding for its innovation and internationalization efforts through its “Top Global University Project”. Based on this project, the University launched in the autumn semester of 2020 an innovative English-based undergraduate “Program for Sustainable Futures” that brings together seven different disciplines: journalism, education, sociology, economics, management, international relations and area studies.

== 4. Going forward ==

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.

Sophia is located at the centre 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

2020-10-27T22:29:12Z

Magdalenaionescu1: /* 4. Going forward */

[[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.

Physically located in the heart of Tokyo, right across the Imperial Palace, it is also close to the socio-economic and political core of Japanese society. From its early days the university has been a centre 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 such as NHK), global development (international organizations like the United Nations), or global business (multinational corporations).

== 2. Core features and its unique contribution to society ==

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, for instance, the support activities focused on refugees, or the areas damaged by the Great Tohoku Earthquake, to name a few.

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.

Recently, as an institution, it has been increasingly focused on the environment and sustainable development. Many of its programs have conscientiously incorporated courses that relate to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations in 2015).

In November 2015, it also signed the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) supported by the United Nations, aiming to realize a sustainable society. These principles advocate 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 assumes its responsibility and brings its contribution to solving the various issues facing our global society through its ESG investment.

== 3. Recent developments/achievements in research and education, with a focus on education ==

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 the Japanese society, fostering a “knowledge-based independence, collaboration and creative model” which “cultivates independent thinking and creativity”. (Report of the Central Equation Council, August 2012)

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. Students in Japan connect and learn together with other students at institutions in Japan and abroad.

As a prominent institution for research and higher education in the fields of social sciences, humanities and natural sciences, the University has been selected by the Japanese Ministry of Education to be one of 37 universities to receive funding for its innovation and internationalization efforts through its “Top Global University Project”. Based on this project, the University launched in the autumn semester of 2020 an innovative English-based undergraduate “Program for Sustainable Futures” that brings together seven different disciplines: journalism, education, sociology, economics, management, international relations and area studies.

== 4. Going forward ==

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.

Sophia is located at the centre of one of the busiest metropolitan cities 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

2020-10-27T22:28:33Z

Magdalenaionescu1: /* 3. Recent developments/achievements in research and education, with a focus on education) */

[[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.

Physically located in the heart of Tokyo, right across the Imperial Palace, it is also close to the socio-economic and political core of Japanese society. From its early days the university has been a centre 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 such as NHK), global development (international organizations like the United Nations), or global business (multinational corporations).

== 2. Core features and its unique contribution to society ==

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, for instance, the support activities focused on refugees, or the areas damaged by the Great Tohoku Earthquake, to name a few.

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.

Recently, as an institution, it has been increasingly focused on the environment and sustainable development. Many of its programs have conscientiously incorporated courses that relate to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations in 2015).

In November 2015, it also signed the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) supported by the United Nations, aiming to realize a sustainable society. These principles advocate 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 assumes its responsibility and brings its contribution to solving the various issues facing our global society through its ESG investment.

== 3. Recent developments/achievements in research and education, with a focus on education ==

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 the Japanese society, fostering a “knowledge-based independence, collaboration and creative model” which “cultivates independent thinking and creativity”. (Report of the Central Equation Council, August 2012)

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. Students in Japan connect and learn together with other students at institutions in Japan and abroad.

As a prominent institution for research and higher education in the fields of social sciences, humanities and natural sciences, the University has been selected by the Japanese Ministry of Education to be one of 37 universities to receive funding for its innovation and internationalization efforts through its “Top Global University Project”. Based on this project, the University launched in the autumn semester of 2020 an innovative English-based undergraduate “Program for Sustainable Futures” that brings together seven different disciplines: journalism, education, sociology, economics, management, international relations and area studies.

== 4. Going forward ==

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.

Sophia is located at the centre of one of the busiest metropolitan cities 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

2020-10-27T22:23:51Z

Magdalenaionescu1: /* 1. A general overview of Sophia University */

[[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.

Physically located in the heart of Tokyo, right across the Imperial Palace, it is also close to the socio-economic and political core of Japanese society. From its early days the university has been a centre 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 such as NHK), global development (international organizations like the United Nations), or global business (multinational corporations).

== 2. Core features and its unique contribution to society ==

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, for instance, the support activities focused on refugees, or the areas damaged by the Great Tohoku Earthquake, to name a few.

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.

Recently, as an institution, it has been increasingly focused on the environment and sustainable development. Many of its programs have conscientiously incorporated courses that relate to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations in 2015).

In November 2015, it also signed the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) supported by the United Nations, aiming to realize a sustainable society. These principles advocate 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 assumes its responsibility and brings its contribution to solving the various issues facing our global society through its ESG investment.

== 3. Recent developments/achievements in research and education, with a focus on education) ==

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 the Japanese society, fostering a “knowledge-based independence, collaboration and creative model” which “cultivates independent thinking and creativity”. (Report of the Central Equation Council, August 2012)

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. Students in Japan connect and learn together with other students at institutions in Japan and abroad.

As a prominent institution for research and higher education in the fields of social sciences, humanities and natural sciences, the University has been selected by the Japanese Ministry of Education to be one of 37 universities to receive funding for its innovation and internationalization efforts through its “Top Global University Project”. Based on this project, the University launched in the autumn semester of 2020 an innovative English-based undergraduate “Program for Sustainable Futures” that brings together seven different disciplines: journalism, education, sociology, economics, management, international relations and area studies.

== 4. Going forward ==

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.

Sophia is located at the centre of one of the busiest metropolitan cities 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

2020-10-27T22:22:20Z

Magdalenaionescu1: /* 4. Going forward */

[[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 9 undergraduate faculties and ten graduate schools, with over 13,900 students in total.

Physically located in the heart of Tokyo, right across the Imperial Palace, it is also close to the socio-economic and political core of Japanese society. From its early days the university has been a centre 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 such as NHK), global development (international organizations like the United Nations), or global business (multinational corporations).

== 2. Core features and its unique contribution to society ==

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, for instance, the support activities focused on refugees, or the areas damaged by the Great Tohoku Earthquake, to name a few.

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.

Recently, as an institution, it has been increasingly focused on the environment and sustainable development. Many of its programs have conscientiously incorporated courses that relate to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations in 2015).

In November 2015, it also signed the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) supported by the United Nations, aiming to realize a sustainable society. These principles advocate 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 assumes its responsibility and brings its contribution to solving the various issues facing our global society through its ESG investment.

== 3. Recent developments/achievements in research and education, with a focus on education) ==

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 the Japanese society, fostering a “knowledge-based independence, collaboration and creative model” which “cultivates independent thinking and creativity”. (Report of the Central Equation Council, August 2012)

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. Students in Japan connect and learn together with other students at institutions in Japan and abroad.

As a prominent institution for research and higher education in the fields of social sciences, humanities and natural sciences, the University has been selected by the Japanese Ministry of Education to be one of 37 universities to receive funding for its innovation and internationalization efforts through its “Top Global University Project”. Based on this project, the University launched in the autumn semester of 2020 an innovative English-based undergraduate “Program for Sustainable Futures” that brings together seven different disciplines: journalism, education, sociology, economics, management, international relations and area studies.

== 4. Going forward ==

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.

Sophia is located at the centre of one of the busiest metropolitan cities 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]]

Faculty Champion:Magdalena Ionescu

2020-10-24T21:29:42Z

Magdalenaionescu1:

[[File:Magdalena Ionescu.jpg|thumb]]
'''Title:''' Part-time Lecturer

'''Department:''' Faculty of Liberal Arts, Faculty of Law

'''Institution:''' Sophia University <br/>
'''''(Home university Reitaku University, Faculty of Global Studies, Associate Professor)'''''

'''Bio'''<br/>
Born in Bucharest, Romania during the communist era, I was from a very early age fascinated with anything and everything coming from the other side of the Iron Curtain. Banned English magazines, movies and especially music represented an escape from what I then perceived as the dull, colorless local culture. The 1989 Romanian revolution brought in sweeping changes, both painful adjustments but also previously unthinkable opportunities. Following my passion, I immersed myself in the study of foreign cultures and languages, self-teaching myself Japanese. At the end of the 1990s I came to Japan to pursue my higher education.

In what was to represent the first dig into my own “archeology of the self”, I explored my country’s political past during my BA studies at Sophia University’s Faculty of Comparative Culture (now Faculty of Liberal Arts), specializing in the fields of political science and history. Upon graduation, having transited from the Romanian post-communist reality of deepening poverty to the Japanese material extravagance, I realized I needed to understand the socio-economic reality that I was experiencing, and so I joined the University of Tokyo’s Program in Human Security, from where I obtained my MA and PhD degrees.

My childhood dream was to become an educator. I am currently living that dream. Going through various (communist, post-communist and liberal) education systems has given me a multidimensional understanding into the power of education. Pursued for the aim of individual discovery and growth, education has the power to unleash the innate potential that each and every one of us holds within. Like a seed germinating in the appropriate soil, the right educational environment will enable an individual to reach his/her full potential.

Although officially participating in the Stanford University Innovation Program as a Champion for the 2020 Sophia University cohort, this environment has also nurtured my own “educator seed”. Going forward I hope that, through the knowledge and skills acquired here, I will be better able to provide the support and the inspiration for my students to continuously strive to "better their best”, thus empowering themselves and inspiring others in the process.


{{CatTree|Sophia University}}

[[Category:Faculty Champions]]
[[Category:Sophia University]]

Priorities:Sophia University Faculty Project

2020-10-23T23:30:49Z

Magdalenaionescu1:

__FORCETOC__
=Project Name: SELF-DESIGNING YOUR STUDENT JOURNEY EXPERIENCE (pilot project proposal)=

===Why is this project important to you, your department, & your Fellows? ===
The current crisis has deprived us of the physical interaction on which we depend for our wellbeing and personal growth. Coming out of it with this renewed awareness is a golden opportunity to focus not only on improving existing methods and avenues for interaction and learning, but also opening up new spaces for innovative thinking and problem solving. As Einstein put it, we can’t solve a problem with the same mindset as the one that created it. In this spirit, I believe overall my project opens up spaces for students (and associated faculty and staff) to engage creatively and flexibly with existing problems both on and off campus.

Giving students a sense of ownership and responsibility in designing their own student life experience between curriculum and real life outside the campus is a crucial process for self-reflection and growth. Moreover, creating the space for like-minded (proactive, empathetic, self-growth oriented) students to interact on common problems and innovate solutions for themselves not only empowers them but also acts as a source of inspiration and motivation for their peers.

The primary focus is on facilitating an anxiety-free community-supported transition to student life on campus for freshman students (2020 and 2021 cohorts) who have not yet experienced campus life. The intention is to use this opportunity to lay the foundation for a creativity and innovation-minded community. The fellows will be crucial pillars of this community as they will facilitate and introduce their experience and skills of design thinking and problem solving to others. I strongly believe that the faculty and staff will also be stimulated from the interaction with such a community of highly motivated solution-oriented students, in and out of the classroom.

===Description ===
My two-year project employs the design thinking mindset and tools to help freshman students (2020 and 2021 cohorts) design their own student life experience on campus. It is structured around a series of events meant to provide the necessary “scaffolding” for their own individual journey through interaction with like-minded students of all grades.

The expected outcome is for students to develop an awareness of their own role in designing and creating their experience. In practical terms, the goal of the project is to create an (emotional, informational and physical) support system of like-minded students as well to provide the space and the skills for students to think about and design their own experience.

The first leg of this two-year journey is the “Team-building workshop" scheduled for December 2020. Ideally, we would be able to carry out a real workshop on campus with a limited number of 20 participants where we would run a “Spaghetti Tower” kind of challenge. Should the lockdown persist, we will run an online interactive workshop instead. The aim is to gather together and create the community core of like-minded individuals (students, faculty and staff). The experience from this workshop will be used in April around the orientation period to welcome the new freshman cohort.

The next step involves growing the community by reaching out to junior and senior students to join us, in particular by creating a “Buddy support network”. While emphasis is on real interaction between students, during the pandemic as well as after, a digital platform would enhance the extent of the support available as it removes the limitation of one-on-one type interaction, and instead allows for flexible round-the-clock matching of freshman students’ support needs with the info, resources, skills and time availability of buddies. We will explore existing platforms and the necessity/possibility of developing an App for this purpose. In April 2021 as the new batch of freshman students joins, we will introduce the Buddy system platform for test and use.

By June 2021 we will organize 1-2 workshops, which we will call “Fix-It Idea Shop”, focused on identifying campus student-life related issues/problems where we will use design thinking mindset and tools for student-generated solutions. We will run polls (Doodle), questionnaires (Google) and gather suggestions virtually through Miro boards and physically through the “Student Opinion/Suggestion Box” system on campus, as well as identify problems from the participants on the day of the workshops. The solution-prototypes generated will be tested and presented to stakeholders and a “winner” idea will be turned into a project. In December we will organize an event to report on the June project progress/outcome.

In September 2021 we will organize a Boot Camp - where we will have interactive presentations of past year achievements and panel discussion on using design thinking in student life. The aim is for the students involved in these activities to reflect on their own journey and goals achieved, but also to “showcase” their activities so as to stimulate and inspire a wider audience.

In March 2022 we will organize a “Half-a-Graduation Ceremony” Event for 2020 freshman cohort, to reflect on their journey so far (last 2 years) as well as to set personal goals and devise a strategy for the following two years. At the end of the event students will be asked to write a self-addressed letter to "graduating self” where they state the resolution they have set for themselves and the goals towards which they will direct themselves in the remaining two years.

===Stakeholders served ===
# Freshman year students (2020 and 2021 cohorts) in Faculty of Liberal Arts and Faculty of Law
# Students interested in design thinking and event organization

===Key Milestones===
* December 2020: Team-building workshop (“Spaghetti tower” mindset in virtual version)
* March 2021: Buddy Support Network platform (registering freshman students and senior students interested in linking with and supporting freshman students)
* June 2021: Two “Fix-it! Idea Shop” workshops on identifying and solving campus-life issues (through design thinking mindset and tools) —> students set up 1-2 “Fix-it Idea Projects”
* September 2021: Boot Camp - interactive presentations of past year achievements and panel discussion on using design thinking in student life
* December 2021: Report progress on “Fix-it Idea Projects” (of June 2021)
* March 2022: "Half-A-Graduation Ceremony" Event - reflecting on personal journey and setting up goals for the next two years (write a letter to “my graduating future self”)

===An Innovation Portfolio===
# Virtual team-building workshop facilitator slides;
# Buddy network process overview;
# “Fix-it Idea Shop” workshop facilitation guides and documentation;
# Boot Camp schedule and activities documentation;
# “Half-a-Graduation Ceremony” facilitation guide and “Letter to graduating future self” template


{{CatTree|Sophia University}}

[[Category:Faculty_Projects]]
[[Category:Sophia University]]

Faculty Champion:Magdalena Ionescu

2020-10-23T23:25:22Z

Magdalenaionescu1:

[[File:Magdalena Ionescu.jpg|thumb]]
'''Title:''' Part-time Lecturer

'''Department:''' Faculty of Liberal Arts

'''Institution:''' Sophia University <br/>
'''''(Home university Reitaku University, Faculty of Global Studies, Associate Professor)'''''

'''Bio'''<br/>
Born in Bucharest, Romania during the communist era, I was from a very early age fascinated with anything and everything coming from the other side of the Iron Curtain. Banned English magazines, movies and especially music represented an escape from what I then perceived as the dull, colorless local culture. The 1989 Romanian revolution brought in sweeping changes, both painful adjustments but also previously unthinkable opportunities. Following my passion, I immersed myself in the study of foreign cultures and languages, self-teaching myself Japanese. At the end of the 1990s I came to Japan to pursue my higher education.

In what was to represent the first dig into my own “archeology of the self”, I explored my country’s political past during my BA studies at Sophia University’s Faculty of Comparative Culture (now Faculty of Liberal Arts), specializing in the fields of political science and history. Upon graduation, having transited from the Romanian post-communist reality of deepening poverty to the Japanese material extravagance, I realized I needed to understand the socio-economic reality that I was experiencing, and so I joined the University of Tokyo’s Program in Human Security, from where I obtained my MA and PhD degrees.

My childhood dream was to become an educator. I am currently living that dream. Going through various (communist, post-communist and liberal) education systems has given me a multidimensional understanding into the power of education. Pursued for the aim of individual discovery and growth, education has the power to unleash the innate potential that each and every one of us holds within. Like a seed germinating in the appropriate soil, the right educational environment will enable an individual to reach his/her full potential.

Although officially participating in the Stanford University Innovation Program as a Champion for the 2020 Sophia University cohort, this environment has also nurtured my own “educator seed”. Going forward I hope that, through the knowledge and skills acquired here, I will be better able to provide the support and the inspiration for my students to continuously strive to "better their best”, thus empowering themselves and inspiring others in the process.


{{CatTree|Sophia University}}

[[Category:Faculty Champions]]
[[Category:Sophia University]]

Fellow:Magdalena Ionescu

2020-10-22T17:08:22Z

Magdalenaionescu1: /* Bio */

==Bio==

==Achievements==

==Social media profiles==

[[Category:Sophia University (2020 cohort)]]
[[Category:Student Contributors]]

{{CatTree|Sophia University}}

User:Magdalenaionescu1

2020-09-08T02:41:08Z

Magdalenaionescu1: Redirect to Fellow Page

#REDIRECT [[Fellow:Magdalena Ionescu]]

Fellow:Magdalena Ionescu

2020-09-08T02:41:06Z

Magdalenaionescu1: Created Fellow Page - 2020

{| class="wikitable" style="border: 5px ridge grey; float:right;"
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|[[File:Magdalena_Ionescu_profile_pic.png|300px]]
|-
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;Name: Magdalena Ionescu
;School (Cohort): Sophia University (2020 cohort)
;Majoring in: Politics (Human Security)
;Country: Romania
;Email: [[Special:EmailUser/Magdalenaionescu1]]
|}

==Bio==

==Achievements==

==Social media profiles==

[[Category:Sophia University (2020 cohort)]]
[[Category:Student Contributors]]

{{CatTree|Sophia University}}

File:Magdalena Ionescu profile pic.png

2020-09-08T02:38:15Z

Magdalenaionescu1: