2025-cohort
14
edits
Changes
Added Student Priorities cohort 2025/26
Lingnan University is new to the idea of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E). Lingnan Entrepreneurship Initiative (LEI) is a platform newly established at Lingnan University that aims to empower entrepreneurs, innovators, and inventors to take action for inclusive growth. However, students and faculty members may not pay attention to this platform, which may not be able to enrich the I&E ecosystem in the university. A 5-year campaign can be launched to improve the I&E ecosystem, including promotion and student activities. The promotion has to be made to raise people's awareness of I&E at Lingnan University, as well as enhance students' creativity and ideas for starting their own businesses by organizing different activities.
==Promotion and Student Activities 2025/26==
=== '''1. Student-Oriented Newsletter''' ===
'''What we learned:'''
Many students are unaware of the opportunities, facilities, and resources available on campus. This lack of information often results in the perception that the university does not provide enough support for academic or career development. Students may not know about workshops, overseas programs, unique courses, or professors’ office hours, even though these can significantly enrich their university experience. We also learned that students value hearing real experiences from their peers, which helps them understand how to take initiative and make use of available opportunities.
'''The project:'''
A student-focused newsletter that highlights campus workshops, special programs, overseas internships, interesting courses, professors' office hours, and real student experiences. Unlike existing newsletters, this one targets the student body specifically and prioritizes accessibility, relatability, and actionable steps.
'''Key tactics:'''
* Collect information weekly from different campus units and student groups.
* Feature “student stories” describing how peers accessed unique opportunities.
* Include short interviews with professors on topics students care about.
* Run a pilot version to test length, tone, and usefulness.
* Gather continuous feedback to improve relevance and expand content.
=== '''2. Critical Thinking Workshops (“Cafe Contradiction”)''' ===
'''What we learned:'''
Students often hesitate to engage in critical discussions during lessons. Many feel uncertain, shy, or afraid of giving the “wrong” answer. We also learned that students are interested in activities that allow them to challenge ideas in a casual, low-pressure environment, especially if it feels playful or philosophical.
'''The project:'''
A series of critical thinking workshops called “cafe contradiction,” where students play the devil’s advocate on tricky philosophical or social questions. This helps them practice argumentation, detach from personal opinions, and develop a stronger liberal arts mindset.
'''Key tactics:'''
* Use results from a 50-student survey to identify popular topics.
* Train student facilitators to manage discussion respectfully and productively.
* Hold workshops in relaxed settings to reduce pressure.
* Start with a small pilot series and collect reflections after each session.
* Expand into themed discussions depending on student interest.
=== '''3. “Useless club”''' ===
'''What we learned:'''
Students desire more creative and interdisciplinary activities that reflect the spirit of a liberal arts education. Many feel that campus life focuses too heavily on academics and lacks casual artistic expression spaces. Creative activities also help students build friendships across majors.
'''The project:'''
An artistic and interdisciplinary club that hosts drama, poetry readings, reading circles, music hours, and other creative sessions. The goal is to cultivate a stronger liberal arts atmosphere.
'''Key tactics:'''
* Survey students to identify preferred artistic formats.
* Collaborate with arts-related groups and humanities departments.
* Rotate event styles each month to keep participation fresh.
* Launch a “useless week” pilot to test interest.
* Expand into interdisciplinary showcase events based on feedback.
=== '''4. Crazy PPT''' ===
'''What we learned:'''
Students often practice presentation skills only in formal class settings, which makes them nervous and limits creativity. We learned that students enjoy sharing humorous or unconventional ideas when given a safe and informal space.
'''The project:'''
A recurring event where students create and present unconventional “crazy PPTs” on an unpopular opinion and explain why it matters. This strengthens presentation skills, creativity, and student bonding.
'''Key tactics:'''
* Provide simple guidelines and a PPT template for beginners.
* Use short time limits to keep the event fun and fast-paced.
* Include friendly voting categories to encourage participation.
* Organize a pilot event to identify the best format.
* Use participant feedback to develop themed editions.
=== '''5. Kings & Angels''' ===
'''What we learned:'''
Students often remain within their cultural or social groups, making it difficult to meet peers from different backgrounds. Many wish for opportunities to expand their social interactions but don't know how to start.
'''The project:'''
A cross-background friendship activity similar to a “secret santa,” where students are paired anonymously and perform small supportive acts for one another before a final reveal.
'''Key tactics:'''
* Create an opt-in system with preferences and comfort levels.
* Design simple guidelines for respectful and inclusive participation.
* Keep actions low-cost and focused on encouragement.
* Run a small pilot round to test the flow and adjust.
* Conduct a reveal event and gather reflections for improvement.
=== '''6. Out App''' ===
'''What we learned:'''
Students want to meet others for shared activities—coffee, hiking, studying—but feel awkward initiating or don’t know where to find like-minded peers. A convenient, low-pressure system can help reduce social barriers.
'''The project:'''
A simple matching app that connects students based on interests and activity preferences, helping them find partners for casual meetups or group outings.
'''Key tactics:'''
* Include interest tags and availability matching.
* Use campus email verification for safety.
* Offer options for 1:1 or small-group matching.
* Launch an MVP pilot focusing on a few popular activities.
* Gather usage data and feedback to refine features.
=== '''7. Connection Booths''' ===
'''What we learned:'''
Not all students prefer digital tools; many appreciate low-tech, spontaneous ways to meet peers. We learned that tangible, physical prompts reduce awkwardness and make it feel easier to initiate contact.
'''The project:'''
Booths around campus with slips of paper listing students who have opted in for specific interests—such as hiking, coffee, or study meetups—allowing others to take a contact and connect.
'''Key tactics:'''
* Place booths in high-traffic areas.
* Use opt-in slips with minimal but sufficient contact information.
* Refresh booths weekly to keep options current.
* Provide message templates to reduce first-contact hesitation.
* Expand to more buildings once demand is confirmed.
==Promotion and Student Activities 2024/25==