INNOVATE AT AU

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Advance innovation initiatives at Augustana University by establishing programs that promote technological advancement, creative problem solving, and collaborative learning.

Phase II:

• Explore a fund to support student-led projects that promote innovation and creativity on campus. Establish criteria for project submissions focusing on sustainability, technology, and student engagement.

• Promote sustainability-focused innovation initiatives within the campus, encouraging students to develop eco-friendly solutions for campus challenges.

Invest in student government capital through projects that enhance transparency, efficiency, and overall student experience while fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. 

Phase III:

• Invest in a modernized election infrastructure that includes online voting platforms, real-time result tracking, and user-friendly interfaces to increase voter engagement and participation by making the election process more accessible and transparent.

• Implement a grant program specifically designed for students to propose and execute projects that enhance campus life and improve student government processes.

KEY INNOVATION SUCCESSES 

• Establishment of the Viking Ventures Shark Tank Opportunity. This program is designed to empower students and student organizations to create projects that positively impact either the Augustana campus or the Sioux Falls community. This project offers up to $1200 to support an innovative, cost-effective solution that addresses a real need, enhances campus life, or provides meaningful benefits to the surrounding community.

• Establishment of the Election Infrastructure Reform Project. This initiative aims to develop a secure, interactive, and user-friendly election platform for the ASA. We are seeking applications from individuals or groups of students to create a platform that enhances the accessibility, transparency, and integrity of campus elections. Up to three students will be provided with this fellowship opportunity. 

• Establishment of the Viking Emerging Technologies Innovation Lab. This fellowship program aims to foster exploration and research on the potential of emerging technologies in campus life and academic programs. Four students will conduct exploratory research over five months; by the end of the summer, fellows will present their findings to the Augustana community, where university leaders may choose to consider and fund promising proposals for future implementation. 

• President Johnston and Vice President Adhikari are also leading an initiative to create entrepreneurial initiatives on campus and create an incubator/ networking opportunity. Partnerships with Startup Sioux Falls and other venture capital companies has been initiated.