The Leading the Future program provides extra time, support, and resources to help SLL staff take risks, try new things, and solve problems.
What does Leading the Future (LTF) offer?
LTF offers support, training, a small budget, and time (2-15 non-consecutive working days) for a cross-SLL team of staff to dedicate to developing a unique, inventive, and creative project that addresses an identified need.
What kinds of ideas are eligible for LTF?
We want to give you the opportunity to think in new ways about how to address needs in SLL, so outside-the-box that you can no longer see the box. Consider that this is about what the future holds and how we can become and remain leaders during that time.
Be responsive. Be creative. Be bold.
Example ideas:
- How can we use augmented reality to serve students in unexpected ways?
- How can we reinvent student advising models?
- Can we communicate with and orient new students in ways that no one has thought of before?
- What can we create for faculty to support them in unifying student life and learning?
- How can we leverage emerging technologies to promote new ways of providing peer support?
- How can we make spaces for students, staff, and faculty that are as beautiful and stimulating as they are healthy?
- How can a student live waste-free?
- What does the "fitness class of the future" look like... is it even in a physical space?
- What student populations aren't we serving - and how can we start to?
What is the criteria for LTF projects?
- The project must address the chosen theme(s) (see below) in a unique, creative and forward-looking way
- It must address a specific need, concern or identified future trend in any number of the areas that are addressed by Student Life and Learning. The need does NOT have to be something in your current mandate/portfolio, but you must connect with your supervisor and anyone whose mandate your idea does touch, in advance of applying.
- The team composition must include members from 2+ SLL units (3+ ideal) and (as possible) a student. Members from non-SLL units may join, as long as they receive permission from their supervisor and unit to participate. The maximum number of members per team is 6, although there may be flexibility with this, depending on your project.
- The 2-15 working days should be taken during your usual work hours/days. You will need to make plans with your supervisor on how to back-fill during those days, if necessary.
- A "proof of concept" may be considered as the end-project, if the project's completion requires further resources and campus partnerships.
- Financial costs and impacts must be taken into consideration. Projects do not need to be financially sustainable within the current budget allocation. The financial needs and long-term costs of the project must, however, be outlined and considered.
- It should, as possible, include an element of "beauty".
What are the deadlines for LTF?
- Register and attend the webinar (February 26) and/or an in-person Brainswarm (February 27, 28, and 29, 2018)
- Deadline to post on the LTF myCourses discussion board(s): 1 week before applying
- TEAM board, to connect with like-minded colleagues
- PROJECTS board, to receive feedback on your idea (mandatory if applying)
- Initial application deadline: Rolling applications begin March 19, 2018, checked weekly until the end of April
- B21 Boost (if initial application is accepted): Spring
- Charter application deadline: TBC
- Project development: Spring, Summer, Fall 2018
I have more questions - who should I contact?
For questions regarding the Leading the Future Program, please email hr.dpsll [at] mcgill.ca.
Steps for applying to LTF
Step 1: Learn More about LTF and Crowdsource a Team and Project
To apply to the Leading the Future program, you will need a project and a team. Your team must include members from at least two SLL units, and (as possible) one student. To learn more about LTF, and to start developing a team and project, take part in any number of the following:
1. Read this web page in full, so you know more about the LTF initiative and its criteria for participation
2. Watch the informational video about LTF (coming soon)
3. Post on the Leading the Future myCourses discussion board
- All SLL staff* have been added to a Leading the Future group on myCourses
- *If you do not have access, please contact hr.dpsll [at] mcgill.ca
- There are two discussion boards: One for crowdsourcing teams, another for crowdsourcing projects
- Use the PROJECTS board if you have a project idea and want feedback and/or want to hear from people who would like to work with you on the project
- Use the TEAM board if you do not have a project idea and want to meet like-minded colleagues who can work with you to co-create a project idea
- If you are submitting an application, you MUST post your idea on the PROJECTS board for feedback from colleagues.
- All staff who provide substantial feedback on a project idea during the crowdsourcing period will be entered into a raffle for a prize!
If you want to move forward with your team and/or project idea...
Step 2: Get Inspired
Choose from among of the following LTF themes:
- Unifying life and learning
- Nurturing, inspiring and guiding our community throughout the 21st century journey
- Supporting intellectual, professional, and personal growth
- Creating the healthiest McGill experience
- Creating an environment where students can explore their world, discover their purpose and reach their goals
Look into how the project can further any number of the Four Pillars of the McGill Commitment
Identify specific need(s) in SLL that can be addressed by new projects developed through the LTF initiative
Make sure to talk to your supervisor, the Executive Director(s), and/or colleagues to learn about needs that may already have been identified and could benefit from the LTF initiative.
Once you are inspired...
Step 3: Submit an Initial Application
- Review the application form and selection criteria, so you know what to prepare for.
- Research the project's goals and structure and ensure it, or something similar, does not already exist or is in development elsewhere at McGill
- If a project touches on the mandate of a staff member or unit not currently involved in your LTF team, reach out to them to see how the project could move forward with their support. (Not sure if a project touches on a unit's mandate? Email hr.dpsll [at] mcgill.ca)
- Complete a quick analysis of the short and/or long-term feasibility of the project
- Meet with your supervisor and your Senior or Executive Director and discuss:
- Your project
- Your unit’s ability or need to back-fill for your position (for the days you will be absent working on this project)
- NOTE: The SLL Executive Team will review the project applications, so it is in your best interest to receive their approval and encouragement before applying.
- Submit your initial application starting Monday, March 19, 2018 (rolling weekly application until [tentatively] end of April)
- Initial applications will be reviewed by staff from the Office of Student Life and Learning and the SLL Executive Team.
If your initial project application is approved...
Step 4: Participate in the B21 Boost
- Receive 1-2 working days to further develop your project idea with your team at Building 21 (B21)
- Other applicant teams may also be present during these days, for further collaboration and support
- Boost (flesh out) your initial idea through design thinking approach, technological and instructional resources, and support from SLL staff
- Complete your final project or project proposal via the B21 Boost (if only 1-2 days are required), or submit a more comprehensive project proposal plan if your team requires more time (3-15 working days) to fully develop the project
- Comprehensive project proposals will be reviewed by a committee that includes the Deputy Provost, students, and staff in and out of SLL
If the project plan is accepted...
Step 5: Lead the Future
Receive:
- A budget of up to $5,000 towards the project's successful completion
- Part of this fund can be used to pay a student staff member
- Training and development opportunities, such as:
- Courses and/or workshops (internal or external)
- Consultations with subject-matter experts in and out of McGill
- Familiarizing yourself with new technologies (through B21; TLS; other)
- Examining what other institutions are doing
- Space at B21, as possible
- Up to 15 working days
- The quantity of days and how to allocate them must be submitted in the project plan and approved by SLL and the team members' Supervisors
Present project or project plan to:
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SLL Staff Council, ESAAC, SLL Student Council, SLL Executive group, others