Dean's SDG Innovation Challenge Events

Events

Dean's Sustainability Challenge Kickoff! 

Opening Reception 
Description: Join us as we officially launch this year’s Dean’s Sustainability Challenge, bringing together participants, faculty, and partners for an evening of connection and inspiration as we set the stage for the semester ahead. This is a great opportunity to meet others and form your teams!

Date: February 12, 2026

Time: 4-6 p.m.  Handshake Sign up!

Location: Milton room (4th floor) 

Stage 1 -  Shaping Your Solution: Inspiration & Ideation 

Design Thinking Workshop 
Description: Join this interactive workshop to explore design thinking, spark creativity, and develop innovative solutions, with your team!

Date: February 20, 2026

Time: 2-5 p.m. Handshake Sign up!

Location: Milton room (4th floor) 

Stage 2 -  Creating Your Prototype: Research and Refine 

Faculty Feedback Session
Description: Teams will present preliminary prototypes to Whitman faculty, receiving constructive feedback to refine both their solutions and overall projects.

Date: March 26, 2026

Time: 2-3:30 p.m.

Location: Sign-up  

Stage 3  -   Finalizing Your Vision: Refine and Submit 

Office Hours with Organizers
Description: Open office hours with competition organizer for students to get feedback on their projects.

Dates: March 20th –April 11th

Times:

• Melissa: Wednesdays, 1 p.m. — WSOM 315

• Erin: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2 p.m. — Virtual

Mentor Sessions for Finalists
Description: Finalist teams are required to meet with organizers to review their final projects and presentations. All team members must be present.

Dates: April 14-16th

Times: By Appointment 2-4 p.m. (30min/team)

Locations: Virtual Sessions 

Final Event: Dean’s Challenge Showcase 

Dean’s Challenge Showcase
Description: Showcase your work at the Dean’s Showcase, win prizes, and connect with alumni mentors and industry leaders. Finalists will pitch their ideas live to a panel of judges.

Date: April 16, 2026

Times:
12 - 1 p.m. – Setup in Flaum Grand Hall
Teams can begin setting up their posters and prototypes at any time during this timeslot. 

1 – 2:30 p.m. – Poster Presentations in Flaum Grand Hall 
Guests will come through to learn about your project, ask questions, etc. This is your chance to shine and earn votes for the audience choice award. Be sure to invite friends/family/faculty/staff to come and view your hard work!

2:30 – 4 p.m. – Elite 8 Presentations in Flaum Grand Hall 
Four undergraduate and four graduate teams will each have 6 minutes to present and 3 minutes for Q&A from our judges. These presentations will determine 1st and 2ndplace in each division as well as the Judge’s Distinction. 

4 – 4:30 p.m. – Networking in Flaum Grand Hall / Judges Deliberate
Enjoy snack and beverages in Flaum Grand Hall while the judges make their final decisions. 

4:30 – 5 p.m. – Awards Presentation in Flaum Grand Hall
 All prizes for the competition will be announced during a brief ceremony. Following the ceremony, teams are asked to take down their poster displays.