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FSS Challenge: Enhancing student success

The Faculty of Social Sciences is launching an innovative hackathon-style competition. Unleash your creativity and team spirit to tackle a social challenge!
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“The challenge was about the self-discovery of hidden fears of confidence, leadership initiative, the importance of teamwork, and the positive and negative duality of pressure.”

Faridun, participant to the previous FSS Challenge

What to expect

Student success is shaped by numerous factors—some are rooted in what happens within the classroom, while others depend on how quickly new students become part of the uOttawa community and gain access to vital social and academic supports.

As part of this Challenge, your team will select a key factor influencing university student success from a predefined list. Over three days, you will work collaboratively to 

  • Design and present a concrete solution, which could be an app, a program, or a policy that addresses your chosen factor.
  • Submit a detailed paper that outlines your solution's purpose, design, and potential impact, supported by research and analysis.
  • Deliver a persuasive pitch showcasing your concept or prototype, emphasizing its value, feasibility, and sustainability.

Dates and schedule

  • Friday, January 24: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, January 25: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, January 26: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Awards  

The best teams will receive cash prizes:

  • 1st place: $500 per member  
  • Finalists: $250 per member  
  • Finalists: $250 per member  

Additional details  

  • Snacks and lunch included.  
  • The course outline will be available on Brightspace to registered participants.  

Location: Faculty of Social Sciences Building

Cost: Free!

Languages: The Challenge will take place in both French and English.

Registration

Deadline: January 14, 2025, 5 p.m.. Places are limited, so register early!  

  • Individual: No team? No problem! Students registering alone will be matched according to their program of study and language preferences. Matching will take place on January 20.  
  • Team: Put together a team of 4 or 5 students enrolled in the Faculty of Social Sciences. Each participant must meet the eligibility criteria (see below). If a member of your team has to withdraw, it is your responsibility to find a replacement. However, if your team has fewer than 4 members, don't worry - we'll match you with other participants to complete your team!  

All participants will receive 1.5 credits via microcredit FSS 3302: Specialized Workshop in Social Sciences II, provided they meet the following requirements:  

  • Complete pre-event readings.  
  • Participate in all three days of activities.  
  • Submit one written paper per team.  
  • Present the final project with their team.  
  • Submit a self-reflection after the Challenge.  

Important note: Students must be present for the entire duration of the competition to receive the microcredit. 

Eligibility

To participate, you and your teammates must:

  • Be enrolled full-time in a program in the Faculty of Social Sciences (part-time students may enroll for a microcredit fee).  
  • Have completed at least 24 credits by January 24, 2025.  
  • Be in good standing with your tuition fees.

Need more information?

Read through the FAQ below, or join one of our information sessions to learn more about the challenge, ask your questions, and hear testimonials from participants of previous editions. These sessions are designed to help you better understand what the challenge entails and how it can benefit you.

Links to register for the optional information session:

Take advantage of this opportunity to clear your doubts and prepare for this unique challenge! 

 More questions? Reach out to [email protected]. 

Freqently asked questions