Bryant Freshmen Start Semester With 72-hour Problem Solving Session

As part of Bryant University’s “Vision 2020” strategic plan, freshmen recently participated in Innovation Design Experience for All (IDEA), a 72-hour immersion experience cultivating crucial teamwork and creative problem-solving skills. In this one-credit course, students worked in teams alongside faculty, alumni, and executive mentors to solve real–world challenges, many of which were identified earlier in the year. Bryant IDEA builds on the nationally-recognized First-Year Gateway Experience introduced at the University this fall.

“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 Bryant University President Ronald K. 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.”

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 President Machtley’s 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.

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.

Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I., is a leading private university offering an innovative and uniquely integrated business and liberal arts education. Founded in 1863, Bryant University has 3,370 undergraduate students from 27 states and 54 countries. Bryant University regularly receives top rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Business Week, Forbes and Barron’s.  Visit www.bryant.edu.