Changes

= Overview =

<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">We, as students, are entering a post-graduation landscape far different than that of our predecessors. Steeped in technology and connected on a global scale, the tools we need to be successful in the world outside Converse’s campus are ever-changing. It is time for us to foster an innovative, creative ecosystem where failure is nothing but a starting and learning point, and problems are nothing but opportunities.&nbsp;</span></span></span>

<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">Converse has a longstanding tradition of self-governance. A large portion of her students hold leadership positions on campus. Converse itself is student-regulated, adhering to a unique honor code. The student body is an​ active one, fully involved in the creation and ideation of Converse's future.&nbsp;In any given year, students plan fundraisers to help crisis centers and cancer research institutes, organize trips to serve all over the United States and abroad, perform institutional research, and design new and exciting clubs to promote student involvement. Converse students aren't uninterested; they simply need to be shown value.&nbsp;</span></span></span>

<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">SGA organizations have tremendous exposure and support on campus. Students need and benefit from a cohesive outlet for their leadership in I&E. Inducting a student led I&E organization through the SGA well enable the UI Fellow and other leaders within the organization to host speakers, buy supplies, run advertising campaigns, pay for field trips to regional accelerators, organize business pitch competitions etc. in order to help students discover I&E. Once the UIF Fellow graduates, the organization will remain and continue to prosper with new leadership.&nbsp;</span></span></span>

'''<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">EXTRA CREDIT FOR ATTENDING I&E EVENTS ON/OFF CAMPUS</span></span></span>'''

<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">The I&E Convocation Credit component is related to the extra credit proposal above, in that both avenues provide ways to learn more about technology, communication, and creativity outside the traditional spaces of learning.</span></span></span>

<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">Once students are aware of I&E on a grander scale, they can start building the skills necessary to be successful. This priority section focuses primarily on building the skills of Innovation and Entrepreneurship applicable to all disciplines.</span></span></span>

<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">During this retreat, the principles of design thinking could be taught through placing students in small groups and asking them to tackle a problem creatively. They can move from rapidly brainstorming solutions to presenting their day’s work. This process will strengthen their ability to work in high stress situations, communicate with an interdisciplinary group, quickly prototype and roll out potential solutions, and learn from failures. Use of this model rather than preaching the tenets of leadership would be a fast paced way to get these students immersed in I&E culture while also learning tangible skills that will aid them throughout the school year and beyond.&nbsp;</span></span></span>

'''<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">UIF FELLOWS COALITION</span></span></span>'''

<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">In planning regional events with colleges like Wofford, Clemson, and Furman, and directing students to resources that Converse may not be able to produce on its own, students will be able to interact with and learn from campus communities right outside their space.</span></span></span>

<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">In developing students' passion about this movement, we must also understand that they require a path necessary to follow once they are dedicated. Priority four is tasked primarily with the development of concrete institutional pathways which these students can easily navigate.&nbsp;</span></span></span>

<span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">An area of potentially impactful growth is the establishment of sustainable relationships between Converse and Spartanburg area businesses and nonprofits.</span></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:tahoma,geneva,sans-serif;">Converse already offers team taught courses, bridging disciplines like English and Biology to give students a new perspective in various topics. We propose that business focused students pair up with students in other disciplines to form new solutions for problems. As a school with a history in social entrepreneurship, solving problems in innovative, business focused ways would be a natural progression in programming. These programs could be tailored to help external entities like the Rape Crisis Center, the regional school system, and local nonprofits.&nbsp;</span></span></span>

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