2024-cohort
8
edits
Changes
Added a strategic priority
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=== Strategy Description: Reducing Student Loneliness through Academic Monitoring and Faculty Engagement ===
==== Tactic #1: Proactive Monitoring of Academic Performance ====
This first tactic focuses on monitoring student academic performance at the end of each semester, using grades as a measurable factor that may be correlated with student well-being and social connection. By analysing the grade data, students whose grades fall within the lower 20% of their cohort will be identified as potentially at risk for feelings of loneliness, isolation, or disconnection from university life. Academic struggles can often serve as early indicators of deeper challenges, such as social disengagement, personal stress, or lack of support networks, and the goal is to use academic performance as a non-intrusive, data-driven method to identify students in need of extra support. This system positions the university as an institution that actively cares for students beyond their academic performance, acknowledging the importance of mental and emotional well-being.
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==== Tactic #2: Faculty-Student Engagement ====
The second tactic centers on meaningful faculty-student engagement. Once students are identified through the academic monitoring system, they will be paired with a faculty mentor. This faculty member will serve as a supportive guide rather than an authority figure enforcing academic discipline. The core principle of this mentorship is care and empathy, something that we learned throughout this process. The faculty member will reach out to the student, initiating conversations to check in on their well-being, asking if they are managing their coursework and personal life well, and offering support or resources where necessary. These interactions are designed to feel non-judgmental and to avoid placing any pressure on the student regarding their academic performance. Instead, the focus will be on fostering a connection, where the student feels seen and valued as an individual. By creating this safe space, the faculty member helps reduce the student's feelings of isolation and disconnection from the university community.
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==== Tactic #3: Pilot Implementation and Program Scaling ====
The third tactic focuses on testing and refining the program through a pilot initiative. Initially, the program will be implemented within one year group and a single course, making it easier to manage and evaluate its effectiveness. This controlled rollout will allow the university to gather valuable data on how the program functions in practice, including how students respond to the academic monitoring, how effective faculty engagement is in reducing feelings of loneliness, and the overall impact on student well-being and retention rates. Throughout the pilot phase, the university will closely monitor outcomes and gather feedback from both students and faculty to make necessary adjustments. Evaluation criteria will include changes in student engagement, feedback on the quality of faculty-student interactions, and academic performance trends. After a successful pilot, the university will explore opportunities to expand the program to other courses and departments. Scalability will be a core focus, ensuring that as the program grows, the same level of personalised support and attention can be maintained.
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=== '''Strategy Description: Fostering Student Collaboration and Reducing Isolation through a University Connection App''' ===
This strategy aims to create a culture of collaboration, reduce loneliness, and spark innovation by building a mobile app that connects students based on shared interests, characteristics, and practical factors like commuting routes. The app encourages in-person connections, offering opportunities for socialization and collaboration, especially for those who may feel isolated due to social anxiety or other challenges.
==== '''Tactic #1: Interest-Based Matchmaking and Innovation Collaboration''' ====
The app’s primary feature will allow students to connect based on shared academic interests, hobbies, and personal characteristics. By matching students who share a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, the app fosters collaboration on creative projects. Students can use the app to find peers interested in working together on side projects, hackathons, or innovation challenges, encouraging collaboration and the formation of student-led initiatives.
==== '''Tactic #2: Connecting Commuting Students''' ====
The app will feature a section dedicated to connecting students who commute from the same areas. By matching students based on their commuting routes, it allows them to organize carpools, share transportation advice, and build social connections with peers traveling from similar locations. This helps commuter students feel more integrated into the campus community, reducing isolation and encouraging conversations with others who understand their experiences.
==== '''Tactic #3: Meetups and Event Discovery''' ====
To foster in-person interactions, the app will include a “Meetups” page where students can discover events and activities happening on campus. Whether it’s a casual meetup in a common area, a study group, or a student-run event focused on innovation, the app encourages students to attend and connect with others who share similar interests. This feature supports spontaneous and organized gatherings, creating more opportunities for students to meet face-to-face and collaborate on innovative projects.
==== '''Overall Outcome:''' ====
By implementing this strategy, the university creates a supportive environment where students can easily form meaningful, in-person connections. The app not only reduces loneliness and isolation by facilitating connections based on shared interests and commuting routes, but it also encourages innovation through collaboration on student-led projects. With features that promote organic interactions and meetups, students have a tool to forge lasting friendships and collaborate on creative ideas, contributing to a more connected and innovative campus community.