Challenge
The University of Vermont has a constellation of individuals focused on deepening industry engagement without an internal structure to support that goal. Currently the path to securing corporate partnerships is unclear to faculty, and there is not a particular unit who owns that function.
UI Collab Solution
UI Collab partnered with the Office of Engagement to offer “Pitch Perfect: Presenting to Industry Research Sponsors.” The project brought a UI Collab consultant to campus for a day to provide group and 1:1 support to faculty.
Results
The Office of Engagement partnered with peers who are also focused on industry engagement to invite faculty to attend. Twenty-six faculty attended the workshop, with seven receiving 1:1 consultations. The project strengthened internal relationships for the Office of Engagement and also assisted in moving the university toward a culture of corporate engagement.