The fourth edition of the FSS Challenge took place from January 24 to 26, offering students from the Faculty of Social Sciences an exceptional opportunity to take on a major challenge: optimizing student success.
For three days of intense competition, teams harnessed their knowledge and creativity to design innovative strategies aimed at enhancing student success and perseverance at the University of Ottawa. More than just a theoretical challenge, the FSS Challenge provided an immersive, hands-on experience where the boundary between academic knowledge and real-world application disappears. Participants had the unique opportunity to turn their ideas into tangible solutions, applying their skills in a practical setting while receiving guidance from experienced mentors from the uOttawa community. This mentorship played a crucial role in helping teams refine their strategies, develop innovative approaches, and bridge the gap between theory and impact.
In all, 28 teams presented their solutions to a panel of judges made up of alumni and community members from the University of Ottawa and beyond - experts from various sectors related to the student experience.
This edition was a true celebration of innovation and collaboration in the service of student success.
Here is the list of winners:
- First place
The team formed by Eunice Park, Mègandé Ashbelle Hounhouedo and Nangoh Sarrah Traoré proposed the creation of Engage+, an application designed by students for students. Engage+ will combine all of the University of Ottawa's resources under a user-friendly platform. The members of the winning team each received $500.
- Finalist teams
The team, made up of Fatim Diagne, Gloria Kamba, Marc-Aurel Sossou-Kiti, Marie Ngoie and Viviane Sare, proposed several solutions, including the creation of a central platform for all University services and communications, and an affordable menu to reduce the financial pressure of student life.
The team formed by Ciel Assaad, Jesly Shammah, Kethia Chiba Ndamuso, Lossgrelyn Marte and Rebecca Saliba focused on the importance of developing a sense of belonging to counter isolation, proposing the creation of a highly customizable application that will enable students to obtain notifications of campus activities that are relevant to their interests.
The members of the finalists team each received $250.
- Team Spirit Award
The Faculty also awarded the Team Spirit Award to two teams at the awards ceremony. These teams stood out for their exemplary collaboration, camaraderie and positive attitude throughout the competition. They created an inclusive and stimulating environment while working efficiently to achieve their common goals. Their energy and enthusiasm contributed to the success and convivial atmosphere of the FSS Challenge. Congratulations to both winning teams!
Team one
- Emily MacKenzie
- Laura Hyland
- Lucas Da Costa
- Madina Sheikh El-Zein
- Nawaf Alkherayf
Team two
- Chelsey-Lynn Rousselle
- Christelle Bukedi
- Habiba Laoulidi
- Mamadou Korka Diallo
- Romaric Brou