Priorities:Western New England University Strategic Priorities
Western New England University Strategic Priorities Pitch
Our universities always ask the best from us, pushing us to our limits, to the edge of our mental and physical boundaries... I say it is our turn to ask the same from them! Projects 1 and 2 are of highest priority and will be implemented immediately, whereas Projects 3-6 are task that will be ongoing and will supplement the success of Projects 1 and 2.
Priorities
Project 1: Creating workshops for students to gain the basic skills needed in engineering and business.
Description: In order for students to be successful, they need to develop the basic skills that will be useful in their careers at Western New England University and their future. This skills including wiring, soldering, word and excel skills, review on programming, along with other useful trainging on machinery. Classes teach you what to do with the machines, but they don't always teach you how to do them. These workshops will help underclassmen develop important skills that will be useful for up coming programs
MILESTONE |
PROJECTED DATE |
Develop a list of important tasks |
February 2016 |
Fellows need to be trained in all of the task if they aren't already |
February 2016 |
Set up times and dates for workshops |
February 2016 |
Publicize Workshops |
February - March 2016 |
First Workshop |
March 2016 |
Review First Workshop and Change as needed |
Late March-Early April 2016 |
Continue Workshops and finding out what other skills students what to learn outside of the classroom |
April-May 2016 |
Project 2: Centralizing Innovation Lab
Description: Western New England University has two innovation labs, one is on the third floor of the engineering building and the other is on the third floor of the library. Most people do not know about the one in the library. The other innovation lab only the engineers use it when they are working on a project, they rarely use it to be creative or innovative. The goal is to relocate the lab and combine both aspects of the innovation labs in a centralized location. It would also be beneficial to have a makerspace cart in the new lab to make prototype
MILESTONE |
PROJECTED DATE |
Investigate the possibility of creating a new innovation lab |
September 2016 |
Investigate financial possibilities |
October 2016 |
Consult with faculty, investors, deans, and the provost |
November 2016 |
Work on getting a Makerspace Cart |
November 2016 |
Developing a plan for both the cart and new lab |
December 2016 |
Grant/funding search (1 grant) |
December 2016 |
Starting to get more people involved and excited about the new lab |
January 2016 |
Supplement Proprieties
Project 3: Innovation Youth Exploration Series (iYES)
Description: From personal experience, early intervention in the STEM fields at a young age is key to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Innovation Youth Exploration Series (iYES) will implement a monthly visit to local grade schools to spread the joys of innovation to young children.
MILESTONE |
PROJECTED DATE |
Consult with school education department (education majors) |
May 2014 |
Create a proposal for innovation series at local schools |
June 2014 |
Revise proposal with Ellery White |
Late June 2014 |
Distribute proposal to Education department for revising |
July 2014 |
Create monthly goals/activities |
Late July 2014 |
Coordinate with student engagement to integrate program into their system |
August 2014 |
Find volunteers to help facilitate activities |
Late August 2014 |
Project 4: 3DS Spring Board Interdisciplinary Course Integration
Description: 3DS spring board will be used as a supplement to courses with existing interdisciplinary projects on campus. This will further the students learning and experience in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship.
MILESTONE |
PROJECTED DATE |
Research on which instructors/course implement Interdisciplinary projects |
May 2014 |
Draft proposal for the integration of 3DS into existing program and project structures |
June 2014 |
Revise draft with professors |
July 2014 |
Revise draft with 3DS team |
Late July 2014 |
Pitch idea to different colleges at the university |
August 2014 |
Assemble 3DS team to help facilitate future activities |
October 2014 |
Project 5: Starting Western New England’s Center first Innovation Club
Description: Starting an Innovation Club would help successfully accomplish project 6 and make sure it is always growing. An innovation club would also create a bind between faculty and students excited about innovation.
MILESTONE |
PROJECTED DATE |
Investigate how to create a club |
February 2016 |
Investigate the members/entities needed to start the club along with finding a faculty advisor |
February 2016 |
Begin networking and recruiting for the club |
Febraury - March |
First Meeting |
March - April 2016 |
| Brain storming and ideas for clubs | April 2016 |
First Project |
April - May 2016 |
Project 6: Facilitate more monthly innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) activities
Description: The university is beginning to explore different avenues to have collaborated/interdisciplinary activities. One that exists is called the Innovation Challenges, which involve random challenges that are only revealed the day of the event. Using this base, other activities, such as Ignite presentations, think-a-thons, 3D start-up etc. will be explored to create more monthly activities.
MILESTONE |
PROJECTED DATE |
Evaluate strategic resources spreadsheet assignment while also talking to faculty |
February - March 2016 |
Draft proposal of monthly I&E activities |
March 2016 |
Revise proposal with UIF mentor |
April 2016 |
Collaborate with key student organizations and faculty |
April 2016 |
Start planning events |
April 2016 |
Review the first session and make adjustments as necessary |
May 2016 |