Bryant Freshmen Begin 72-hour Problem Solving Session Monday

As part of Bryant University’s “Vision 2020” strategic plan, all freshmen will return to campus Jan. 21 – 23, prior to the start of the Spring 2013 semester, for a new 72-hour immersion experience designed to cultivate crucial teamwork and creative problem-solving skills.

In this one-credit course, students will work in teams alongside faculty, alumni, and executive mentors to solve real–world challenges, many of which were identified earlier in the year. The program, Bryant Innovation Design Experience for All (IDEA), builds on the nationally-recognized First-Year Gateway Experience introduced at the University this fall.

Bryant has a 150-year tradition of education that anticipates the future in a changing world. The University’s innovative academic programs that integrate theory and practice are hallmarks of a Bryant education. The First-Year Gateway is just one facet of University President Ronald K. Machtley administration’s visionary plan for preparing a new generation of students with the knowledge, skills, and qualities of character to succeed in an interconnected world of unlimited global opportunity. This vision positions Bryant as an emerging leader in education.

“Ultimately, our focus is preparing students to use the knowledge they obtain in the classroom for success in real-world situations - which is why we are taking a leadership role in innovating and internationalizing the educational experience,” said President Machtley.  “The First-Year Gateway initiative delivers a powerful lesson to our freshman that while theoretical knowledge is important, the ability to apply it to solutions in life, the work place and today’s global society is essential.”

The 13-credit Gateway program was created to establish a foundation of intercultural awareness, ethical reasoning, critical thinking, writing proficiency and information literacy – skills students need for success during their four years at Bryant and beyond. This fall, all freshmen took part in Global Foundations of Character and Leadership, Global Foundations of Organizations and Business, a writing course, and an introduction to literature course.

At the 72-hour IDEA marathon, Bryant’s 855 first-year students will work with faculty, alumni mentors, and corporate executives to cultivate the key skills of teamwork, problem solving, and rapid prototyping. Brian Chapman, head, Global Design and Development at Hasbro Toy Group, will share his expertise with students. At the end of the marathon, student teams who have collaborated as small groups will present their proposals, derived from challenges posed by one of 31 companies and organizations throughout Rhode Island, to be evaluated by alumni judges. Prizes will be awarded to top teams.