Four ideas were selected as finalists to move to the next stage of the Innovate to Thrive Challenge, which will include different steps for each of the ideas. Congratulations to Helene Klein, assistant dean for Honors and Accelerated Programs, who submitted two finalist ideas; Jan Finn, associate dean for International Programs; and Chris McMillan, senior lecturer in Sociology and Experiential Education at Arcadia’s London Center. 

Each of the dozen proposals submitted for the challenge was vetted by a committee of community members with undergraduate and graduate student representation, as well as staff, faculty, and administrators. The committee used three criteria in evaluating the submissions: relevance to the challenges of teaching, learning, community building, and operating amidst the pandemic; possibility to support Arcadia thriving—not just surviving—during these challenging times; and feasibility within our infrastructure.

Since President Ajay Nair announced his Innovate to Thrive Challenge to the University community on May 8, Arcadia University’s progress in planning for the 2020-21 academic year has come a long way. Multiple All-Modes Ready teams, a COVID-19 committee, and hundreds of individual faculty and staff members are adapting and innovating in order to offer our learners a safe, high-quality experience this fall. The wonderful ideas submitted through the challenge are representative of all of that creative effort.

President Nair and his leadership team are grateful to the individuals who submitted ideas and they are now considering possible implementation for all four finalists. When any ideas are cleared to move toward implementation and integration into the Adaptive Strategy later this summer, there will be a “Pitch Day” presentation at a community meeting for stakeholders to learn more.