FIU’s ATOM COVID-19 DATATHONChallenge Prompts

Returning to Campus

How to establish the “New Normal” of presence on campus, after the effects of COVID-19? 

  1. Track A. OPTIMIZING CLASS SCHEDULING
    How can FIU departments optimize the mix of various teaching modalities – remote learning, online, on-campus (hybrid as well as traditional face-to-face)? How can FIU make optimal use of resources (physical classrooms, distance-learning technologies, instructors who have varying risk profiles) in order to best serve the needs of the student population (who also have varying risk profiles)? Goals to consider are: (1) maintaining the course offerings as close as possible to what was previously advertised; and (2) maintaining high levels of student learning and satisfaction.

  2. Track B. MAXIMIZING SPACE UTILIZATION
    How can FIU optimize the use of space in on-campus facilities? What would be the most effective design options and features that would enable the maximum usage of space while accommodating safety considerations (including, but not limited to, social-distancing requirements)? Can you make the design parameters flexible so that the approach can be expanded to a variety of physical environments (such as computer labs, mid-size case lecture rooms, large auditoriums, dining facilities and halls of residence)? What supporting processes/systems would need to be implemented to support the physical design proposal?

  3. Track C. MONITORING RISK PROFILES
    How can FIU effectively track and monitor risk profiles for students, faculty, and administrative and support staff? What would be effective mechanism(s) to assign risk scores and maintain risk profiles based on personal factors (such as individual health, household composition) versus community factors (such as number of people tested positive who are on campus, numbers out there for community, region, etc)?

  4. Track D. SUPPLYING PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
    How can FIU establish relationships with sources of necessary items (face coverings, hand sanitizers, gloves, other items) and then ensure constant, reliable availability of affordable, high-quality items to students, faculty, support and administrative staff?

Maintaining the Social Fabric

How to nurture the health and vibrancy of students’ college experience, after the effects of COVID-19? 

  1. Track E. ORIENTING NEW STUDENTS
    How can FIU facilitate the process of welcoming new students and enfolding them into the Panthers community? What would be the appropriate mix of online onboarding versus physical in-person exposure to ensure that new students have a rich, rewarding, and safe experience while “learning the ropes”? Can augmented (virtual) reality technologies be utilized effectively?

  2. Track F. SUPPORTING STUDENT ATHLETICS
    What would be effective ways for FIU to support campus athletics virtually? What equipment and methodologies could be used to foster online competition (not as an esport)? How can FIU promote and engage its athletic teams while adhering to all safety precautions?

  3. Track G. HANDLING DISPARITIES
    Identify the most critical factors that might obstruct some students from obtaining a full, rich, and rewarding college experience, or that might obstruct some students from achieving their academic goals. How should those obstacles be mitigated? 

  4. Track H. WILD CARD
    Submit your entry to Track D, the Wild Card category, if your idea does not fit neatly into any of the categories above.
  
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