Priorities:Ohio Northern University Student Priorities
Ohio Northern University is an independent university in Ada, Ohio. ONU is known for their undergraduate education experience with research being the foundation to ONU's experiential education. The unique collaboration between professors and students in research yields countless opportunities for progress, as well as, opportunity for innovation.
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Strategy #1: Create opportunities for efficient communication across campus
Numerous faculty and students have expressed a lack of a college to college communication which is a large inhibitor to the channel of progress.
Tactic #1: Host communication events
Event 1: The first event will have guest speakers provide a brief experiential teaching moment in their life, where communication was vital, as well as, what they needed to make the communication/interaction in that experience successful. After the speaker provides a few key points, students will break off into groups to participate in fun activities that practice and utilize their new found communication knowledge. The hope is to spur networking across the board of the ONU campus.
Event 2: The second event will be one in which students can present their ideas/research, and specifically outline what knowledge or resources they lack. After the gaps are presented, students in the audience will be able to make a bid on the project they are interested in via smartphone. At which point, contact information of the presenting team and the bidder will be exchanged. The goal is to demonstrate and enact that communication bridges the way for collaboration.
Strategy #2: Create/Encourage new/current opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship through interdisciplinary learning
Many students have expressed their desire to actually participate in more activities that provide a greater experience related to their field, as well as, learning about how to effectively tie in other disciplines.
Tactic #1: Establishing an experience week
During the experience week, professors will be matched in teams of two. The professors will swap classes, teach and demonstrate how, for example, art related subjects such as ceramics and 3D design fit within engineering classes. The goal is to expose the students to other disciplines in order to make the students well rounded, informed, and understand the importance of multiple disciplines.
Tactic #2: Encourage more awareness and participation for KEEN Challenges
ONU currently hosts KEEN challenges on a semester basis. The KEEN Challenges are centered around a different challenge each time reiquiring the application of innovation with the supplied materials to complete the presented challenge.
Tactic #3: Generating more participation in the EPICS Program by establishing a Grand Challenge Scholars Program on-campus
The EPICS program currently allows students to apply engineering principles in community service locally and internationally. However, I think pairing the EPICS program with the Grand Challenge Scholars Program will create more participation, and overall create an even greater impact for the communities being served.
Strategy #3: Creating how-to events on any resources on-campus that can be utilized
Many students expressed their desire for being more familiar with applications or resources they could utilize. Additionally, students of all majors can partake in these events, for example a chemistry student interested in engineering could learn about engineering related software applications, theory etc.
Tactic #1: Provide monthly workshops where students can learn about various resources and tools
These monthly workshops, will teach students about software or resources they need for their majors. Within these workshops, experiential learning will be the driving force in ensuring that students feel confident enough to take their knowledge to the next step in implementing their ideas to actual projects.
Tactic #2: Assist any on-campus speaking events with communication to the student body
On ONU’s campus, countless professional speakers speak at the campus. Often, these speaking events have low turnout. The goal is to get students and faculty together to brainstorm ways in which the vast majority of students will be aware of the speakers and understand the value of these speaking events. This tactic will also be another networking opportunity.
Strategy #4: Create a pilot program for the University Innovation Fellows Program on-campus
Tactic #1: Connecting current fellows with new students
In order to keep the momentum of the University Innovation Fellows Program on-campus, current fellows should have at least one mentee an academic year or more lower than them. In these mentee relationships, it will be the responsibility of the fellow to share knowledge and resources that the underclassman fellow will need to make an impact during their time here, while also keeping the program active.