Priorities:Villanova University Student Priorities
Contents
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.