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Office of Innovation

The College of HRSM’s Office of Innovation oversees the Dean’s Innovation Fund and the Innovation Study Tour Program. The office was established to encourage faculty and staff to pursue innovation and inquiry so that the College of HRSM is a leader in our fields. 

Innovation Fund Overview

The HRSM Innovation Fund is a catalyst for creative and novel advancements in hospitality, tourism retail, fashion, sport and entertainment education, student development, creativity, and research. This grant program empowers HRSM faculty and staff to push the boundaries of conventional thinking, fostering a culture of innovation that propels their work and subsequently the work of the college forward. Each semester, projects are awarded funding to reimagine, revive, and transform educational offerings, faculty, staff, and/or student development, creative and scholarly productivity, and impactful scientific research.

Project Focus Areas

  • Technology Integrations: Incorporation of advanced technologies into the curriculum, creative work, or research. Examples:
    • Virtual reality simulations for hospitality management training, Creation of immersive learning experiences
    • Augmented reality applications for retail merchandising courses, enabling faculty and students to develop interactive store layouts
    • Wearable technology for sport fandom research
    • AI-powered chatbots for student advising, training staff to provide 24/7 support
    • Participation in executive education programs on AI and emerging technologies, equipping faculty and staff with cutting-edge knowledge to enhance their work
  • Faculty and Professional Staff Training and Development: Programs to enhance faculty and staff skills and abilities for innovative teaching, advising, and creative research practices. Examples:
    • Workshop series on design thinking for curriculum development, equipping faculty with tools for creative problem-solving
    • Leadership development program for staff to enhance project management and team collaboration skills
    • Grant writing workshops to improve faculty and staff success in securing external funding
    • Enrollment in for-credit graduate or undergraduate courses related to innovative teaching methods or advanced research techniques
    • Participation in non-credit courses and continuing education programs on topics such as data science, digital marketing, AI uses, or sustainable business practices
  • Software and Infrastructure: Acquisition of software and other tools or hardware to improve instructional quality, outreach, creative and research output. Examples:
    • Data analytics platforms for both faculty research and staff operational efficiency, with training on advanced features
    • Learning management system enhancements or LTIs to support learning, including faculty/staff training on personalized instruction techniques
    • Collaborative project management tools to streamline interdepartmental work and research initiatives
    • Industry-standard software (e.g., hotel or restaurant management systems, sports analytics tools, AI tools) for hands-on training of faculty, staff or students
    • Access to online learning platforms offering a wide range of technology and AI courses for continuous professional development
    • Subscriptions to professional certification programs in emerging technologies relevant to HRSM industries

The HRSM Innovation Fund is more than just financial support — it is an investment in the future of the disciplines studied and taught in the college, nurturing ideas that will shape the landscape of hospitality, tourism, retail, fashion, sport and entertainment for years to come.

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

  • Potential Impact on HRSM Education, Student Development, Outreach, or Research (30%)
  • Innovation and Creativity (30%)
  • Feasibility and Implementation Plan (10%)
  • Alignment with College Goals and Priorities (AI, innovation, online education, research, brand recognition) (10%)
  • Budget Justification/Value Proposition of Funds (20%)

Submit a Proposal

Send your proposal using the form below. A confirmation of your submission will be sent to the email address you provide. Please review the proposal criteria and guidelines before uploading your document.

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

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