Priorities:Villanova University Student Priorities

Introduction

The most paramount issue plaguing Villanova’s campus is the reputation of innovation and entrepreneurship. As a school that in many ways encourages the traditional path of education, graduate schooling and entry into the corporate world, many people do not respect the seemingly eccentric and unproductive façade that covers the world of innovation. Measures need to be taken to show students on campus, from nurses to business students, engineers to scientists, that innovation can help them progress professionally and personally to wherever they plan to be in the near or distant future. The way that this can be done is first through the transfer of knowledge. Innovation, as a mindset, a tool, or a method, will gain respect with the creation of an Innovation Council Board that can operate in tandem with the Villanova Entrepreneurial Society. The council can publicize under-appreciated events and opportunities at Villanova, as well as create their own. The innovation ecosystem can be further united through the creation of a comprehensive Entrepreneurship Minor Program, and the birth of a maker space on campus in which students of all disciplines will be able to collaborate. Through these few methods, the terms and activities associated with "innovation" and "entrepreneurship" will lose their stigma and become more vibrant on campus, creating lasting changes that will effect thousands.

Understanding Innovation & Uniting Campus

Strategy 1: Comprehensive Minor Program

Currently, Villanova offers an Entrepreneurship minor for students in the School of Business, and an Engineering Entrepreneurship minor for students enrolled in the College of Engineering. Meanwhile, the Beyond Ideas Committee functions largely to unite the five colleges of Villanova through entrepreneurship events. The events the committee holds can only be so effective if these students return to their respective colleges and entrepreneurship programs afterwards. If colleges were uprooted by their segregated bases and the entrepreneurship minor was universal to all students, this would open a new realm of collaboration.

Strategy 2: Innovation Council Board

There are two main issues that an Innovation Council Board could attack and resolve-

Existent Opportunities Villanova, with 6500 undergrads, graduate students, and Philadelphia within reach, offers a plethora of opportunities. Guest speakers, workshops, conferences, networking events, and more are all highly frequent occurrences. However, many of these opportunities are not taken advantage of by many students. For example, the most recent TEDx Villanova hosted an incredible collection of speakers, but the student attendance did not even reach the capacity set by TEDx. An Innovation Council board could become a hub for all innovative activity on campus. It could fill gaps in advertising and publicity where other groups are lacking to ensure all students are aware of their opportunities.

Spreading Knowledge The necessity to spread knowledge of innovation is a theme in the student priorities for Villanova. A council board could host events in which they can educate students about what innovation is all about and how it can help them. Workshops meant to inspire students would ignite innovation through campus.

Strategy 3: Publicity & Events

There are two main issues that an Innovation Council Board could attack and resolve-

Existent Opportunities Villanova, with 6500 undergrads, graduate students, and Philadelphia within reach, offers a plethora of opportunities. Guest speakers, workshops, conferences, networking events, and more are all highly frequent occurrences. However, many of these opportunities are not taken advantage of by many students. For example, the most recent TEDx Villanova hosted an incredible collection of speakers, but the student attendance did not even reach the capacity set by TEDx. An Innovation Council board could become a hub for all innovative activity on campus. It could fill gaps in advertising and publicity where other groups are lacking to ensure all students are aware of their opportunities.

Spreading Knowledge The necessity to spread knowledge of innovation is a theme in the student priorities for Villanova. A council board could host events in which they can educate students about what innovation is all about and how it can help them. Workshops meant to inspire students would ignite innovation through campus.