Program Overview

Introduction to the Innovate Monarchs Program

The Innovate Monarchs program is a collaborative project that supports students in learning to work and solve problems in the company of others. This program is part of Old Dominion University's embrace of entrepreneurial-focused activities as high-impact practices.

Program Description

The Innovate Monarchs program involves participating in field work, such as observing, surveying, or interviewing ODU students/faculty/staff. Participants will dig into key topics to challenge assumptions and identify root problems, test ideas, and propose solutions. The program culminates in a showcase where participants will present their work to university and community leadership.

Program Benefits

Participants in the Innovate Monarchs program will receive:

• A $1,000 financial award
• LeADERS Entrepreneurship credit
• Design Thinking Toolkit
• Additional opportunities to showcase their work
• The chance to have their voice heard and make a difference

Required Meetings

The program includes the following required meetings:

• Program Launch and Virtual Retreat: January 6, 9:00am - 12:30pm
• Weekly Program Meetings (Thursdays): January 13 - April 14 (13 weeks), 12:30pm -1:30pm
• Weekly Project Team Working Meetings: To be scheduled as a group
• INNOVATE Monarchs Pitch Event and Showcase: April 21, 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Required Assignments

The program includes the following required assignments:

• Selected readings/videos
• Data collection and analysis
• Prototype
• Pitch (slides and script)
• End of program feedback survey and post-assessment

Design Thinking Process

The Innovate Monarchs program utilizes the design thinking process, which is a hands-on, user-centric approach to problem solving. This process involves six distinct phases:

Empathize

Conduct research to develop knowledge about what users do, say, think, and feel.

Define

Combine research to identify users' problems and opportunities for innovation.

Ideate

Brainstorm a range of crazy, creative ideas that address unmet user needs.

Prototype

Build real, tactile representations of ideas to understand what components work and which do not.

Test

Return to users for feedback to verify that the solution meets their needs.

Implement

Put the vision into effect, ensuring that the solution is materialized and touches the lives of end users.

High-Impact Practice

The Innovate Monarchs program is a high-impact practice that supports students in learning to work and solve problems in the company of others. According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities, collaborative projects like Innovate Monarchs help students develop essential skills and knowledge.