The Encompass Distinction

Contact: Dr. Bryn Upton

Students earning the Encompass Distinction will build on a liberal arts tradition to develop the core qualities of innovative and entrepreneurial thinking, pursuing the education, opportunities and support they need to become the new generation of innovators. In earning the Encompass Distinction, students develop the foundational skills of questioning, networking, observing, experimenting, and associating. Through problem-based learning across the curriculum, a careful scaffolding of interdisciplinary reflection, frequent experiential learning opportunities and high-quality mentorship opportunities, students develop key qualities necessary to turn their passion into purpose. This program has three core components—Curricular, Experiential, and Mentorship—which are designed to augment a students’ traditional major or minor.

Encompass Connections

Encompass Connections is an event series designed to help the campus and community engage in new ways around the topics of innovation and entrepreneurship in our region.

The Innovation Challenge

This competition is open to all students, regardless of their enrollment in the Encompass program. Students will compete each spring for the best business or social innovation plans.

Encompass Student Workshop Series

This series will feature regional entrepreneurs and local experts in the area of creativity and innovation and will support student submissions in the Innovation Challenge.

The Faculty Innovation Fellow

The faculty member in this position serves as the advisor to the students in the Encompass program, runs the one-credit Innovator’s Compass experiences, and provides ongoing professional development for faculty in the program.

Entrepreneur-in-Residence

The entrepreneur-in-residence will be a local entrepreneur who can provide valuable feedback and mentorship to students in the Encompass program as well as to the general population of students enrolling in the business plan competition.

Programs