Resource:How to tackle campus pessimism and foster happiness, a key ingredient to creativity

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HOW

Macy and her cohort had settled on a simple realization that a happier campus would lead to more creativity and better innovation. To this end, Macy decided to host events intended to increase the morale on campus, more specifically pop-up classes, makeathons, and town halls/open forums.

Initially, marketing for these events was executed in a traditional manor. Macy created events on facebook, printed off flyers, and added onto the events calendars through the school. Unfortunately, despite the great intentions and admirable effort, turnout was minimal. What the UIF cohort would come to realize is that events become tremendously more attractive to participants if they are marketed as mysterious and exclusive, making them stand out amongst an already crowded campus listing.

Macy and her team dug deep and decided to promote their next event through business cards. They ordered simple cards with an “X” on one side and the time and location on the other professionally printed. Nothing else. No group name. No additional information. Members of the UIF team would personally hand these out to classmates while simply adding “Don’t tell anyone”.

So now, what once was an open forum event at a local bar is now a mysterious meet-up that requires a card to get into and is supposed to be kept secret. Turnout was almost 100% and the event lasted 2 additional hours because the dialogue was so vibrant. Macy’s plan was a resounding success.

WHY IT WORKED

From Macy’s experience, having a campus filled with happy students cultivates creativity because more students will be willing to take advantage of on-campus resources. When students utilize those resources, they are giving themselves the opportunity to be creative and innovative with their ideas. Consider these 3 points when initiating happiness on your campus:

First, give students a platform to be heard. Some schools offer specific meetings or events, where students can voice their opinions. However, the hardest part with these meetings is getting a variety of people to show up. Try creating a special invitation or personally reaching out to invite a student. The more voices in attendance means more perspectives that can address the pessimism on your campus.

Second, don’t just talk about the problem, generate a solution. For example, by the end of the meeting, make a goal of having three solutions for three problems. If not, you are just going to create a space for complaints and additional negativity. Thinking of solutions on spot will also further students’ ability to be creative and innovative in solving problems they thought would never be solved.

Finally, do not be afraid to do small, silly things to grab students’ attention. Not only will you be making a lasting impression, but you’ll also create a great conversation starter that could catch on across campus! 

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