UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS
BEAR NATION THRIVING ON SOCIAL INNOVATION
WWW.UCA.EDU/HOUSINGG
What is Social Innovation BY APRYL JACKSON
Social Innovation - “a novel solution to a social problem that is more effective, efficient, and sustainable, than existing solutions” is a term that has been around since the turn of the millennium and has recently become a major trend in action for more institutions of higher learning like the University of Central Arkansas. As educational trends, student needs, and interest evolve, so has UCA’s approach to meeting them. As an institution that has sustained families through the agricultural age, the industrial age, and the information age, it is now our responsibility to sustain them through the A.V.I.D. age. Academic Vitality, Integrity, and Diversity is the creed of Bear Nation. Our citizens are being reared to be leaders in the A.V.I.D age through social innovation opportunities on campus. Families no longer send their students off to school to just get an education that leads to a job. They send their students to an institution filled with opportunity to become equipped with the tools to maximize any opportunity they encounter or are empowered to create. UCA is taking an active approach to helping students retool themselves to be successful in the 21st century. First-year students are being taught about the importance of perspective in their First Year Seminar classes with Carol Dweck’s Self Theories on fixed mindset versus growth mindset. Sophomores are overcoming the ‘Sophomore Slump’ by learning the importance of resiliency during Failure Awareness Week; letting our students know that they are amongst the greatest of history makers and one step closer to success if they have failed is a form of support and encouragement rarely seen. As an institution, we recognize the need for freedom of expression and the ability to create your own reality. Hince our partnership with Conductor and Start-Up Junkie Consulting that has given students the opportunity to receive mentoring for their endeavors to start small businesses in central Arkansas.
UCA recognizes student’s desire to give back and feel connected. The Outreach and Community Engagement department have developed many initiatives that establish continuous involvement and connectedness while supporting the Town and Gown relationship. Our research shows that the characteristics of a traditional student are quickly changing, which makes training our staff and faculty with innovative sessions, like Poverty Simulations, a strategic imperative to reach University goals of being the number one institution in Arkansas. UCA is using the criteria of social innovation to bridge the gap between understanding and producing social change in Conway and throughout our global alumni base. With this idealistic mindset, we are truly supporting our motto of "Go here. Go anywhere."