Changes

= Strategy #1: Creating a More Interdisciplinary Atmosphere =

<span style="color:#000000;">I would say that this is the one idea I feel most stongly about. &nbsp;Although I will work diligently to help make Hristina's idea a reality, I really feel as though Union College Engineering classes should be not be changed, but enhanced in a particular regard. &nbsp;As a mechanical engineer, I have been through quite a few fundamental engineering courses up to my current Sophomore year. &nbsp;The courses are full of math, physics and fundamnetal engineering concepts that make up the truly versatile mind of a professional engineer. &nbsp;But, some key aspects are missing from these courses: innovation, a bit of entrepreneurial focus, and an interdisciplinary atmosphere. &nbsp;I agree that the fundamenal courses are extremely important for the deelopment of a competent engineer, but the world needs dynamic engineers for dynamic problems. &nbsp;I would like to propose an idea to my school's Dean of Studies, as well as the head of the engineering department.</span>

<span style="color:#000000;">There is a vibrant liberal arts atmoshphere at Union College that has been well established for a long time. &nbsp;However, the engineering element of Union needs to amalgamate fully with the liberal arts element to make for a truly invigorating and versatile education. &nbsp;I hope to make a lasting impact on my campus with the support of my faculty and fellow students, and the guidance of the University Innovation Fellows Cohort.&nbsp;</span>

'''<span style="color:#000000;">UPDATE: Reached out to departments. Still trying to implement this however.</span>'''

= <span style="color:#000000;">Strategy #2: Developing a Culture of Creativity</span> =

<span style="color:#000000;">Following the UIF Meetup and the incredible experiences at Stanford's Design School, I (Hristina) have been buzzing about the overwhelming importance of setting up a maker space on Union's campus. And what's even better, everyone who has heard this, has agreed with a resounding 'YES!' One important thing to consider is the background idea that will be specific to Union's maker space. It is apparent that everyone gets excited at the mention of white boards, white table surfaces, blank studios, post-its, prototyping supplies, and good coffee. The challenge comes with ensuring that this space will live up to its full potential, which means that it will truly bring together students from all disciplines, and foster conversation and collaboration between STEM students and humanists, artists and social scientists.</span>

<span style="color:#000000;">The Robotics Lab at Union College currently contains a 3D printer and blank vertical surfaces&nbsp;and is considered the grounds for forming a maker space on campus. The only issue is that its core idea is robotic design and computing, which although wonderful, should not be the core of the campus-wide maker space. With this in mind, I will begin the campus-wide initiative:&nbsp;'''U-CREATE'''. This&nbsp;will be a campus-wide initiative for students to get involved in hands-on projects, workshops, as well as rapid prototyping and ideation sessions as a prelude to designing and pitching the idea of the maker space to committees and departments with funding.&nbsp;</span>

==== <span style="color:#000000;">Update (1/15)</span> ====

<span style="color:#000000;">''Target date for maker space set-up: June 1, 2017''</span>

<span style="color:#000000;">There are numerous possibilities for integrating creativity into the class curriculum at Union. One should use Google's 20% model.&nbsp;Union College requires that each student, regardless of their major, completes General Education Requirements, among which the First Year Preceptorial (writing class) and Sophomore Research Seminar seem to particularly fit the 20% model. The idea is to provide no constraints on what students do with 20% of their class work, yet require a project execution or presentation upon completion of the particular project students seem passionate about. It would also not be graded, and would simply count towards or against participation in class, i.e. ambitious students would have to complete it in order to perform well in the class, but they would have a chance to set off on a journey of academic, personal, or professional exploration as they go along.</span>

<span style="color:#000000;">''Target date for 20% model idea pitch: June 1, 2014''</span>

<span style="color:#000000;">''Target date for getting feedback on the success of including technology and visuals: January 1, 2015''</span>

'''<font color="#000000" size="2">UPDATE:&nbsp;</font>'''<font color="#000000" size="2">Met with Communications (2/25/16), and they are willing to work with us on creating at least a social media campaign on this. We are meeting Monday with a higher up in the Communications department to discuss a physical banner campaign.&nbsp;</font>

'''<font color="#000000" size="2">Projected Launch Date for Campaign: September 2016</font>'''

<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Various departments at Union provide information concerning events and activities in many different locations. However, email and social media accounts are cluttered with so much information from so many different sources that it can be overwhelming for both the students and faculty. This creates an atmosphere where important information is often missed which makes if difficult to drive a culture filled with creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. One solution to this problem would be to condense all related information in one email sent out every morning. This would create a central place of information for the entire Union College community. &nbsp;</span></span></span>

<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">''Target date for discussions with ITS and Communication Departments: April 1, 2016''</span></span></span>

<span style="color:#000000;">'''No Updates available'''</span>

<p style="text-align: center;">[[File:Keep-calm.png]]</p>

<span style="color:#000000;">Although Union College has a variety of clubs and events to choose from, leaders also often feel a disconnect between the different organizations on campus. This is only partially the fault of the student board, whom has yet to have a direct opportunity to reach out and expand to other clubs and organizations. One solution to this problem is to host a yearly student leadership development weekend for student presidents on campus in order to promote diverse collaboration and organization. Every year before the beginning of the school term, club presidents would be invited to participate in a leadership workshop where in addition to leadership education, each leader would walk away with at least three tangible things:</span>

<span style="color:#000000;">&nbsp; &nbsp; 5. What Do You Know About Me? (Getting to know these individuals and defining a common goal amongst the grouop)</span>

=== <span style="font-size:larger;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tactic #5: U Shadow Day</span></span> ===