Priorities:University of Connecticut Priorities

STRATEGY #1: IMPROVE COMMUNICATION CHANNELS ACROSS DEPARTMENTS

The communication on the topic of entrepreneurship and innovation between different departments and schools is spotty and unclear. A straightforward method of communication for planning and advertising events could greatly improve efficiency.

·         Identify key contacts from different departments

·         Set up a meeting to discuss common goal and resources

·         Create a regular medium for representatives from each department to keep in contact

STRATEGY #2: ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION CHANNEL WITH STUDENTS

There is no clear map of entrepreneurs across students nor a method for students to view all the resources through a single medium. By creating a database and/or cumulative calendar it would be easier for students to keep updated with opportunities.

·         Reach out to campus leaders to identify all present opportunities

·         Collect opportunities on a calendar to be synced with different resources across campus

·         Advertise events on the calendar so students will learn where to find future opportunities

STRATEGY #3: INTRODUCE A METHOD FOR STUDENTS TO RECIEVE FEEDBACK

There is currently no main channel for students to go through to receive feedback from both their fellow students and faculty members. Feedback is necessary for dictating where improvement is required.

·         Identify campus leaders who would partake in a feedback panel.

·         Identfy students who would be interested in hearing other ideas and concerns in regards to entrepreneurship and innovation.

·         Plan reoccuring  meetings for students to attend to recieve feedback on their ideas.

STRATEGY #4: Make resources available to students easily acessible and usable

Many incoming students do not know who to contact to find out what resources are available on campus.  This results in many students not discovering programs that apply to them untill they are already upperclassmen.

·         Identify programs of direct I & E value to undergraduate students

·         Condense those resources onto one singular website of forum

·         Effectively advertise this resoruce so that students ffeel enabled to pursue the opportunities around them

STRATEGY #5: CONVEY TO STUDENTS THE POWER AND IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING

Many opportunities arise from simply speaking with othr students, faculty, and alumni.  Evenn if your interests lay predominately in STEM, the social networking component is an inescapaable component needed for sucess.

·         Create workshops to improve students abilities to give elevator pitches/public speaking skills

·         Arrange frequent meeting with faculty involved with I & E programs across campus

·         Encourage students to build a strong resume to convey their value and aspirations to others

Related Links

University of Connecticut

University of Connecticut Strategic Priorities

UConn Entrepreneurship & Innovation Consortium

University Innovation Fellows

Fall 2016

Britney Reynolds

Even Gentile

Fall 2015

Justin Hall