Collaborative ‘Think Tank Hackathon’ Sparks New Ideas for Student Success at Kean University

Kean University staff members pitched creative ideas to support student success – ranging from using University buses for commuting routes, to encouraging the use of zero-cost textbooks – at Kean’s annual Mid-Year Convocation. 

Six teams of Kean employees participated in the Think Tank Hackathon, a competition aimed at breaking down barriers and helping all students thrive and graduate. 

“We are united in a mission to build a stronger, more inclusive future for all of our students,” said Kean Vice President of Administration Carlos Rodriguez, Ed.D. “This reflects the spirit of collaboration that is so embedded in Kean University. I think today really proves we are committed to excellence.” 

The Mid-Year Convocation, held on March 6, was organized as part of Moon Shot for Kean, which is working with the national EAB Moon Shot for Social and Economic Mobility network to close equity gaps in higher education. 

Karin Firoza, associate director of EAB’s Moon Shot for Social and Economic Mobility, said teamwork plays an important role. “Real transformation isn’t just about frameworks and technology, it’s about people – faculty and staff,” she said. “Every policy shift we make plays a role in shaping the trajectory of students’ lives.” 

The Think Tank Hackathon kicked off in September with 14 teams from across the University working collaboratively and leveraging data to develop innovative ideas. At the convocation, six finalist teams presented their proposals in Kean’s Miron Student Center to an audience of Kean students, faculty and staff members.  

“It was great to see collaboration across departments by a variety of stakeholders sharing a single vision,” said Kean Associate Vice President of Administration Neva Lozada, Ed.D.  

Attendees voted for the top ideas and Kean’s Moon Shot steering committee will now discuss potential implementation of the three leading ideas. 

The top three ideas were: 

• Zero Textbook Cost Pathway through General Education, which seeks to eliminate textbook and material costs for students by encouraging professors to assign no-cost materials available through Kean’s Nancy Thompson Learning Commons or other openly licensed resources. The program would begin with general education courses.  

• Immerse Yourself at Kean with our Transportation Assistance Program, a proposal that would use Kean campus buses to transport Kean students from set locations, such as the Elizabeth train station.  By reducing commuting costs and time, the initiative would make campus more accessible for commuter students while encouraging them to stay longer and engage in campus activities. 

• Kean Staff Connect, which would pair newer Kean staff members with experienced colleagues to foster professional growth and strengthen the staff community. In turn, a more connected and supported staff would enhance student success. 

The Zero Textbook Cost idea was presented by Tom Mullusky, learning technology designer at Kean’s Office of Transformational Learning and External Affairs, and Elizabeth O’Donnell, a social worker with Cougar Connections Center of Social Work. 

The seven-member team was honored to be selected as the top presentation, Mullusky said.  

“This initiative is about more than just saving money on textbooks,” he said. “It’s about ensuring that every student, regardless of financial background, has the same access to learning materials from day one.” 

The other finalists included: 

• Data Strategy and La Comunidad Digital, which focused on engaging Spanish-speaking students, prospective students and parents by translating Kean’s website and implementing targeted marketing efforts in Spanish. 

• EquaLang, which proposed granting credits for English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, which are currently non-credit, to help ESL students succeed and graduate sooner. 

• The Kean 21 Project, a proposal to improve the academic success of at-risk transfer students, acknowledging that a significant number of new students at Kean are transfers