Project 125

Project Summary

During times of challenge and change, there is also a possibility to reimagine the type of caring society we would want. As we emerge from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had an opportunity to see some different facets of student learning challenges and opportunities, and have been able to try significant levels of change in a short amount of time. This has included the use of technology-enhanced learning at unprecedented levels, which has been challenging for many, but for others has finally given more equitable access to learning that they have been longing for. The emergence out of the pandemic gives us the opportunity to re-evaluate critically all aspects of our higher education journeys, to create a “new normal” that recognizes the need for change in the sector.

At York, some significant innovations have emerged in the last few years that can inform the potential scale of change imaginable. One such example in Lassonde proposes a new role for Universities in society, where students learn engineering while engaging in an impactful community-driven project at the core of their learning journey, with sustainability, mental healthiness and EDI built in from the ground up.

With this example as inspiration and lessons from the pandemic fresh in our collective memories, this team is asked to propose a roadmap to new higher education, with guidelines for deep community engagement, and paths to trying out meaningful impact, reimagining Universities as spaces for community to access the knowledge and facilities for the betterment of all.

Sustainable Development Goals