what is iRoc?

 who can join?

 why join iRoc?

 what is iFellows?

 submit an idea

 meeting notes

 sponsors

 iRoc home

The MORE PEOPLE
who participate,

the MORE IDEAS
we will generate,

the MORE INFLUENCE
we will have,

the MORE CHANGE
we can promote,

and the MORE SERVICES
we can provide to the
University community.

iRoc Stands for:
Innovation Researchers on Campus

Mission

The goal of the iRoc Club is to provide a framework and process for innovative ideas and products in the technology arena to be field-tested, reviewed and, where appropriate, implemented at the University of Minnesota. The Club is designed to foster new ideas and products that improve productivity, save money, enhance teaching and learning and delivery of services at the University of Minnesota.

Who can Join?

Any student, staff, faculty member who is interested in innovation on the University of Minnesota campus may join. In addition, vendor representatives who have a business relationship with the University of Minnesota may also join.

How do I Join?

Go to iroc.umn.edu and submit your name and e-mail address.

Benefits of Membership

• Attend meetings (refreshments and cookies to be served) to hear about innovative devices, software, hardware, and ideas.
• Any member may submit a request to try a new product, device or software and provide reasons for why this would be great for the University of Minnesota. OIT/ADCS/NTS managers, or the appropriate University group, will review proposals. If your idea is accepted, you have the opportunity to test the idea/product and may be asked to present your findings to the iRoc Club. You will work closely with OIT managers, or the appropriate parties within the University, to explore possible implementation of your idea in the University community.

Benefits of Submitting Ideas

If your idea/product is accepted for trial and you are asked to present at an iRoc meeting, then you will be reimbursed up to $100 for the cost of the new hardware and/or software tested. You will need to work with OIT/ADCS/NTS managers, or appropriate University group to determine if, when, and how your idea or product could be adopted by the University.

Annual Innovation Award

Every year an innovation award will be presented to the person with the best idea or product that has been implemented University-wide. A plaque will be inscribed with the person’s name, displayed in the lobby of Shepherd Labs and their accomplishment will be prominently noted on the iRoc web site.

Commitment from ADCS/NTS/OIT

ADCS/NTS/OIT will present a report card at the end of each year noting how many projects were accepted, how many presentations were made to the iRoc Club, how many projects are currently in extended testing within ADCS/NTS/OIT and how many have been implemented on University-wide basis. We will continuously track those ideas or products chosen for follow-up by ADCS/NTS/OIT.