Accelerate Faculty

Innovation and Continuous Improvement grants support projects that strengthen student success, expand access and build community.

Innovation often begins with a simple question: What if we tried something new?

At Alverno College, that spirit of inquiry is now being supported through the Innovation and Continuous Improvement (ICI) Grant Program, a new initiative designed to encourage creative solutions that improve programs, services and outcomes across campus.

Launched earlier this year, the program invited faculty and staff to submit proposals focused on one of four strategic areas: operational efficiency and process improvement; teaching, learning and student success; technology and digital innovation; and partnerships and revenue generation.

The response demonstrated the creativity and commitment of the Alverno community. Fourteen proposals were submitted, each offering new ways to strengthen the institution and the student experience. Following a competitive review process, three projects were selected for funding in the program's inaugural round.

“Each of these projects exemplifies the spirit and purpose of the ICI program—moving promising ideas from concept to pilot, with a clear focus on improving student outcomes and advancing our mission,” says Christy Brown, JD, president of Alverno College. “The range and scope of the submissions received reflect the innovation and collaborative thinking this initiative is designed to cultivate.”

Together, the winning projects reflect Alverno's commitment to meeting students where they are, creating pathways to success and investing in the people who make the college community thrive.

Building a Bridge to STEM Success

For students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the transition from high school to college can be both exciting and intimidating. A new initiative known as STEM-Alverno Bridge to College (STEM-ABC) aims to make that journey smoother while introducing more students to Alverno's science programs.

The STEM-ABC program is designed to engage students long before they enroll and continue supporting them through their critical first year of college. The initiative combines recruitment activities, summer programming and retention-focused experiences that help students develop a strong sense of belonging within the STEM community.

The program begins with outreach events that invite prospective students, families and high school counselors to experience STEM at Alverno firsthand. A spring event for family and friends will introduce participants to faculty, students and hands-on learning opportunities, while a weeklong spring break STEM camp will give high school students an immersive experience in college-level STEM education.

Students who choose Alverno will then have the opportunity to participate in a summer research experience before their first semester begins. Working alongside faculty and peer mentors, incoming students will complete a mini research project, build academic confidence and begin developing their professional identities as scientists and researchers.

Support continues into the academic year with a STEM kick-off event, research symposium and additional family engagement opportunities designed to strengthen connections and foster persistence.

"The goal is to not only strengthen enrollment and retention, but to highlight Alverno as a destination for STEM education," says Heather Mernitz, PhD, professor of physical science and chair of natural science. “Our program provides science majors with a wealth of professional development and leadership opportunities from the moment they step foot on campus.”

By creating meaningful touchpoints from high school through the first year of college, STEM-ABC seeks to build a stronger pipeline of future STEM leaders while showcasing the distinctive opportunities available at Alverno.

Expanding Access Through Online Learning

Another funded project looks beyond campus boundaries, exploring new ways to serve students seeking flexible pathways to a bachelor's degree.

Building on the success of Alverno Accelerate, faculty will develop online undergraduate degree pathways in psychology and social work—two of the most popular and in-demand fields nationally. The initiative is expected to lay the groundwork for a broader portfolio of online degree offerings in the future.

The project responds to changing student needs and demographics. Today's learners increasingly seek programs that balance affordability, flexibility and career relevance. The proposed online pathways will provide options for traditional-age students, working adults, transfer students and degree completers who may not be able to participate in a traditional campus-based program.

The opportunity is significant. Nationwide, more than 40 million adults have earned some college credits but have not completed a degree. In Wisconsin alone, that number exceeds 700,000.

“We want to make Alverno a destination for quality, student-centered online education. Unlike many online programs that rely heavily on automated instruction or multiple-choice assessments, Alverno's approach is rooted in the college's longstanding educational philosophy,” says Trish Lewis, PhD, Director of Alverno Online Innovation. “Faculty will continue to design courses that emphasize authentic assessment, personalized feedback and meaningful faculty-student engagement.”

The initiative also creates new opportunities for growth. Psychology and social work pathways could serve as pipelines into graduate programs while providing a model for future online offerings in disciplines such as business, communication and activism.

The first programs are expected to launch in fall 2027.

Investing in Adjunct Faculty Excellence

A third grant-funded project focuses on a group that plays a vital role in student learning: adjunct faculty.

The Adjunct Academy will create a structured and scalable approach to onboarding, professional development and community building for part-time instructors. The goal is to help adjunct faculty feel more connected to the institution while strengthening their understanding of Alverno's distinctive assessment-based learning model.

“By providing targeted training and support, the academy will help ensure consistency in the student experience and equip instructors with tools to succeed in the classroom,” says Melissa J. Reed, PhD, associate professor of education and program director of the doctorate in education.

The initiative also creates opportunities for adjunct faculty to connect with one another, share best practices and deepen their engagement with the college community.

Ultimately, the project recognizes that supporting educators is an investment in student success.

A Culture of Innovation

While the three funded projects differ in focus, each reflects a common theme: finding new ways to advance Alverno's mission while responding to evolving student and institutional needs.

From strengthening STEM pathways and expanding online learning opportunities to supporting the faculty who teach and mentor students, the inaugural ICI Grant recipients are exploring practical solutions with the potential for lasting impact.

More importantly, they demonstrate what can happen when faculty and staff are empowered to turn ideas into action.

As the Innovation and Continuous Improvement Grant Program continues to grow, these pilot projects offer a glimpse into the future—one where innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement remain at the heart of the Alverno experience.