1. Reinventing the University
An Innovation Dialogue

2. Why have this conversation?
To explore our shared (and maybe not so shared!) values
To reinvigorate our thinking about our work
To build on our history of innovation
To explore possible steps forward at a challenging time in higher ed (and especially for small colleges)

3. Innovation Grants Small. Very Small (Think: Coffee Money/Seed Money)
Interdisciplinary Teams
Think outside the box (or even kick the box to pieces)
No definite deadline
The Teaching Collaborative will provide logistical support at the exploration, grant application, and implementation stages

4. To begin: Our Ideal Graduate Profile
After four years at RC, what should an RC graduate look like, think like, act like?
What are they after?
What do they hope to achieve?
How do RC graduates respond to the world?
What makes them distinctive—particularly from the graduates of other institutions?

5. Graduate Profile Think Aspirational Even idealistic
Be unapologetic about who we are as an institution
Worry less about what graduates should know, then what they’re able to do with what they know.
Affect, disposition, attitude is fair game

6. To begin: Our Ideal Graduate Profile
After four years at RC, what should an RC graduate look like, think like, act like?
What are they after?
What do they hope to achieve?
How do RC graduates respond to the world?
What makes them distinctive—particularly from the graduates of other institutions?
JOT DOWN A FEW KEY WORDS

7. What are the qualities of a Roanoke College Graduate?

8. What are the qualities of an RC Graduate (Revised).

9. Questions: What are we already achieving?
Where/when/how are we achieving it?
What are the gaps? What aren’t we achieving?

10. Your task: Form a group (4-6 people):
At least two disciplines.
No more than two people from a single department
Choose a word/phrase concept that you believe we are either not achieving OR underachieving
Rethink the University: assuming no limits, what’s the range of things that could be done/created/rethought to help our students achieve this goal?

11. The Framework Whatever you come up with:
Must be inter/cross/multidisciplinary
Must break at least one traditional rule
Must be transferable to other features of the institution/curriculum

12. REGROUP: What ideas are immediately doable?
What ideas are worth exploring?
What ideas will require grant funding?

13. Thank you for your time and your thoughts
Thank you for your time and your thoughts. Please feel free to send us follow-up ideas. Keep an eye out for further details concerning Innovation Grants.