Creating a space for innovative minds to thrive is a challenge many institutions face, but the University of Michigan is tackling it head-on with its new initiative. Students at U-M have a unique chance to reshape the future of education through the Campus of the Future Student Idea Showcase, a competition that promises to spark transformative ideas and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
This showcase beckons U-M students to envision groundbreaking transformations in learning. Up to seven individual or team finalists will each receive $500 and the opportunity to present their ideas to President Domenico Grasso and Provost Laurie McCauley during a capstone event on April 10. All participants submitting ideas by March 18 will be invited to share their concepts at a poster presentation during the event.
Part of the larger Year of Life-Changing Education under the Look to Michigan vision, the COTF initiative emphasizes dialogue on educational futures at U-M. It weaves together multiple components like events, workshops, design jams, and showcases to enable students to bring their insights into pivotal education planning conversations both at U-M and beyond.
“Students need multiple, meaningful ways to help shape what education becomes at Michigan,” remarked Demetri Morgan, faculty director of Life-Changing Education and associate professor of education at the Marsal Family School of Education. “They see what’s working and what isn’t in ways faculty and administrators can’t. This showcase gives that perspective a real seat at the table.”
What students can propose
The showcase is designed to be inclusive, welcoming diverse proposals ranging from practical enhancements like transforming underutilized spaces to visionary new methods in teaching and support systems. Students are encouraged to reimagine U-M’s educational ecosystem, ensuring it remains globally impactful and accessible.
Participants can submit proposals individually or in teams, using either new concepts developed during the winter term or building on existing projects. Each proposal should ideally align with one of the five Look to Michigan impact areas:
- Life-Changing Education
- Human Health & Well-Being
- Democracy, Civic & Global Engagement
- Energy, Climate Action, Sustainability & Environmental Equity
- Advanced Technology
“This isn’t just for students in design or entrepreneurship programs,” Morgan asserted. “We need faculty and staff to help students across every school see this as a place to contribute and refine ideas that can shape how learning evolves at Michigan.”
Key Dates
Jan. 21, 26: Kick-off events
Learn about participation pathways and expectations.
Jan. 30: Optional initial idea submission
Submit an early concept for feedback and specialized support.
Feb. 11, 18, 19, 20: Optional networking and consulting sessions
Meet with university and industry leaders to refine ideas and strengthen proposals.
March 18: Project submission deadline
Submit a project description for initial judging. After the deadline, a group of university leaders will review submissions and select up to seven finalists.
Mid-March to early April: Finalist team coaching
Finalists will receive coaching to refine their ideas and presentations.
April 10: Presentation & Showcase
Final presentations, poster fair and awards ceremony (location to be announced).
