Changes

You want a sponsor who is forward-thinking and technology-inclined, but also someone who is willing to be realistic and results-driven. Chris Ashley shared that “vision” is what is most important to come from your team, and “practicality” is what is most important to come from your sponsor. Sponsors who are “action-biased” and willing to push your team when things are beginning to stagnate are key to a project’s success, because there will undoubtably be obstacles (including days when it seems like nothing is working out.)

 Faculty sponsors are easy to find! Do you have a favorite past professor who seemed to just “get” the university climate and who connected with students? They may be a great resource in the future if only you reach out and ask for their help! Or, if you’re still looking for that faculty member you want to partner with, next time you have a class with a particularly engaging teacher, stop by office hours or after class to talk about the project you would like to start on campus. It is important to remember that faculty members are people too, as silly as that seems to point out, and they have a wide-range of interests, much like the students on campus do! Knowing your campus’ faculty on more than just a few-times-a-week basis will be invaluable when it comes time to look for a faculty sponsor!