2022 Cohort
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=2022 Strategic Priorities=
==='''Strategy #1 Japanese Innovation & Entrepreneurship Course'''===
===='''Background:'''====
It could be said that Sophia University overall lacks classes or activities with entrepreneurship-related themes, especially those offered in Japanese. Through interviews, it became clear that Japanese students are not aware of the importance and value of I&E. It also seems like the goal of a typical Japanese university student is to go through the job hunting process and graduate, for which taking classes of interest is not a high priority nor a motivation. However, as the definition and aims of I&E are explained, Japanese students seemed to be open to learning more about these skills as they saw how this could be applied in daily life inside and outside the university. The lack of opportunities in Japanese medium has unfortunately limited their opportunities to be more involved with I&E courses/events. Thus, by making a Japanese I&E course and increasing accessibility of this, it is hoped to encourage and boost awareness and experience of I&E on campus, particularly among Japanese students.
===='''Structure:'''====
Collaboration with professors will be key for this project. Because there are more English-based I&E courses taught by foreign professors on campus, it is ideal to invite Japanese professors to teach similar content but in Japanese. However, as the concept of I&E may not be so established in Japan, looking for foreign professors who currently teach I&E courses in English who can speak Japanese may also bring new insight and contexts. This will require administrative work and will be a long-term project, yet planning with collaborators seems promising to increase the opportunities to engage with I&E.
===='''Steps:'''====
# Conduct a survey and collect opinions regarding I&E from students and faculty members from the Japanese-speaking departments
# Identify the need for implementing I&E courses (according to survey results)
# Recruit professors that are willing to support the implementation of this project and present them the set purpose and goals
# Address the idea to professors to receive feedback and comments
# Discuss with Japanese-track professors / foreign I&E professors about possible I&E courses that could be implemented in the Japanese language
# Create a sample syllabus with professors
# Test the idea by creating mock I&E courses course on campus (university-wide)
# Get Japanese students' feedback on the mock course
# Adjust the syllabus according to students' feedback; discuss with professors for possible improvements
# Test the idea again (revised mock I&E courses)
# Get Japanese students' feedback on the revised mock course
# Final adjustments/discussion with professors & board members
# Put forward the class syllabus and plan to the administration in charge
# Official implementation of the New Course
==='''Strategy #2: Sophia International Society (SIS)'''===
===='''Background:'''====
Sophia University offers three English-taught programs–The Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA), the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), and the Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures (SPSF)–creating a vibrant and diverse environment for students to engage in academic and social events. However, as research through interviews with English program students was conducted, many students expressed a lack of fulfillment in their university life, as interactions between students as well as faculty members from the English-taught programs are limited and lacking. Moreover, the impact of the COVID pandemic further exacerbated the experience of loneliness and social isolation among students, making many lack a sense of belonging to Sophia University. Therefore, the establishment of the “Sophia International Society” is aimed to foster effective communication, improve integration between English-taught program students, and amplify diverse voices from students and faculty members in order to create a friendly and safe space for English-speaking students.
===='''Structure:'''====
Students in the English-taught programs will be the center of the Sophia International Society and will organize SIS with the help of student leaders elected from each department and year. Within SIS, student leaders will work in different committees, such as the public relations and events committees, along with other student members. They will carry out projects for both students and professors could lead, join, and take part in. In this way, students will feel more connected with their peers and professors as they work on various projects that can bring positive changes to SIS and our campus. Social and interactive events such as grouped lunch sessions, outings to explore Tokyo, and career seminars may also be held by SIS and will be open to all students and faculty members from the university. It is important to note that the Sophia International Society does not intend to exclude non-English program students from participating in SIS events and activities, but rather simply emphasize on the use of the English language. SIS is also envisioned to be the bridge between English-taught and Japanese-taught programs so that further integration can be made on campus in the future.
===='''Steps:'''====
# Talk to Prof. Maruyama and other faculty members about the possibility of creating the Sophia International Society
# Gather group opinions/thoughts on ideas (e.g. SPSF, FLA, FST)
# Send recruitment survey to find students from each department
# Organize a meeting to discuss the possibility and brainstorm ideas for this committee
# Create mission, structure/framework and functions of the organization
# Create group hangouts/calls with departments to discuss
# Send out survey for to gains student voices on the solutions
# Prototype one of the solutions
# Enact one of the functions outlined by the group (e.g. group meeting with all of SPSF, guest lecture, website, information gathering)
## Assess prototype solution completion - was it successful/unsuccessful?
## Consider further improvements, functions and/or re-structuring
# Create review framework on the topic
# Recruit members to sustain the SIS
# Official implementation of the SIS
==='''Strategy #3: Sustainable Bento: Making good use of food surplus'''===
===='''Background:'''====
From cafeterias, food trucks, and to cafés, there are many food options available to students and faculty members at Sophia University. However, throughout the campus research conducted by the team, it was clear a great amount of edible food that was thrown away in cafeterias. As food loss and food waste become increasingly severe issues at a global scale, edible food going to waste in cafeterias indeed does not seem ideal. Therefore, with this initial goal of solving food surplus in mind, a survey pertaining to this issue was created and 99 responses from students across different departments were received. According to the survey results, many students are aware of the issue of food surplus and are also keen to solve it for the betterment of the campus. Surprisingly, there is a high demand for food options available after 15:00 on campus, as there are few to none. With this situation, a brainstorming idea was that of selling “Sustainable Bentos”, which can not only solve the problem of food waste but can also offer food options for students as well as faculty members after lunchtime, therefore helping Sophians to stay energized throughout the day at university.
===='''Structure:'''====
The sustainable bentos are envisioned to include edible food that was not sold during the cafeterias’ opening hours and to be sold at a later time at a cheaper price. Although not concretized, part of the profit could go to the student staff selling them and the rest to the cafeterias. It is envisioned to collaborate with the University’s Asset Management office to understand the backgrounds behind each of the 4 cafeterias and 2 cafes on campus and to work together with the office to facilitate this project in each of these places.
===='''Steps:'''====
# Research on food management ecosystem and stakeholders on campus
# Interview students (for demand) and main stakeholders (regarding supply side)
# Identify the key pain point
# Think of solutions to tackle the key issue
# Conduct survey with students and faculty for feedback on the ideas
# Conduct a stakeholder meeting to propose the project idea
# Collaborate with stakeholders throughout the project-making process
# Prototype the final chosen solution
# Survey students and faculty for feedback on idea to make improvements
# Refine the prototype with feedback from stakeholders and users
# Recruit members to sustain the project
# Official Implementation of the project
==='''Strategy #4: Create an I&E startup collaboration hub'''===
===='''Background:'''====
Sophia University does not seem to have many opportunities for students to interact with those working, especially in the I&E area. Many Japanese students are not familiar with this concept and do not know its use of it either. Additionally, unfortunately, in Japanese society, university students in their 3rd and 4th year in the job hunting process often merely look into big companies. They are not so interested nor aware of the venture or startup businesses. For this, having the opportunity to interact with people involved in such initiatives may open new doors and options for their job hunting process as well as allow them to generally gain new experiences. By closing the distance between ventures/startups and students, and simultaneously making use of open spaces on campus for such activities, it is hoped that I&E becomes more present even merely as a concept on campus.
===='''Structure:'''====
What is envisioned for this collaboration hub is ventures and startups utilizing the empty classrooms available on campus, especially on weekends and long holidays for a lower than the market price or for free, in exchange for opportunities for Sophia students to participate in these activities and meetings. Through this, the incoming of diverse startups and ventures will help to promote innovation and entrepreneurship on campus as it enables new opportunities to enter Sophia university’s door, for which students and faculty can benefit intellectually and socially in regards to the expansion of connection and self-exploration for their job-hunting or graduate school journey.
===='''Steps:'''====
# Research and connect with stakeholders that have connections to space management
# Ask Sophia about their usage of space and campus, especially Bld.15
# Look for open spaces that could be effectively utilized, especially during the weekends
# Plan further stakeholder meetings
# Think about how we can ensure safety (membership card could be an option) and how students will be able to engage with them
# Make a plan of action
# Recruit people that will be willing to use the space (find a website to post this and promote it with the consent of the university)
# Collaborate with start-ups related to I&E and negotiate with them to offer service to Sophia students in return
# Organize and have a test run
# Analyze what went well and how we can improve in order to react and respond
# Official implementation
=2021 Strategic Priorities=
5. Create an online presence for the project.
5. Pilot Open Walls For Innovation Week