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Triggering Change Competition FAQs | Sustainability | JCU Rome
sustainability
Triggering Change Competition FAQs | Sustainability | JCU Rome

Triggering Change Competition FAQs

When does the registration period to participate in Triggering Change start?

The registration period will be open until February 16.

What steps do I need to fulfill for completion of the program?

All participants must complete the following steps by the deadline:

  • Registration: by February 16
  • First Sulitest Awareness Survey: by February 18, 11:59 PM CET
  • Prep Session 1: February 20, 6:30 PM CET
  • Prep Session 2: February 27, 6:30 PM CET
  • Prep Session 3: March 6, 6:30 PM CET
  • Second Sulitest Awareness Survey: by March 17, 11:59 PM CET
  • Prep Session 4: March 19, 6:30 PM CET
  • Pitch Submission: by March 26, 11:59 PM CET

If you do not complete these steps by the deadline, you will not be able to continue in the program. 

When is the submission deadline for the Triggering Change pitch? 
In Spring 2025 the pitch is due on March 26 at 11:59 PM CET. Late submissions will not be accepted. When submitting, make sure that your video is uploaded on the Master Folder.For team submissions, include all members' names in the file's name.

Can I participate in Triggering Change if I miss a Prep session?
Attendance at all Prep sessions is mandatory. However, if you have a valid reason for missing a session, you can access the recording of the session in the Master Folder.

Is the Sulitest Survey mandatory? Is it graded? What does it involve?
The Sulitest Online Survey is a learning and knowledge-assessment tool intended to increase participants’ eco-literacy. You are required to take the survey before (by February 18) and after (by March 17) you participate in Triggering Change. Not completing both sessions of Sulitest will result in not receiving credit for the pitch and not being eligible for the Certificate in Sustainability. The results of the Sulitest do  not impact your grade and are anonymous.

What are the key elements to cover in my Triggering Change pitch?
Your pitch should address: 1. why the environmental/social issue is important to your chosen audience; 2. what the challenge is from an environmental/social sustainability perspective (what is the “problem you are addressing”); 3. how your audience can make a difference (what is the “solution” you are proposing); 4. what are you asking your audience to do concretely (what is the “call to action”). No PowerPoint presentations or static monologues in front of a screen are acceptable. Be creative! Choose an unusual venue and a creative format that help engage the audience and make it want to act!

Are there specific guidelines for audio and visual quality when recording?
Ensure both audio and visual quality is excellent, especially when recording outdoors. It affects the evaluation of your pitch.

Can I participate in Triggering Change to earn the Certificate in Sustainability?
Yes, once you have completed the requirements (Sulitest sessions, prep session attendance, on-time submission), you are eligible for the Certificate in Sustainability.

What format should my Triggering Change pitch take?
Your presentation should consist of a two-minute video, either done individually or in a pair, and sent through a Google form. You should choose a format and method appropriate to your idea, which might include a presentation, dialogue, prototype, or even a performance held in an engaging space. Be creative and catch your audience’s attention!

What are the judging criteria?
The judging criteria include:

  • Knowledge of the chosen SDG
  • Creativity and proposing a realistic, sustainable solution
  • Quality of the pitch and video

Who is on the selection committee?
The selection committee comprises:

  • Prof. Francesco Bedeschi, Residence Director, Faculty of Architecture, U. of Arkansas Rome Program
  • Prof. Karen Cripps, Senior Lecturer in Responsible Management & Leadership, Oxford Brookes University
  • Giacomo Di Capua, Postgraduate researcher in Climate Health Economics
  • Prof. Michèle Favorite, Business Communication and Public Relations, John Cabot University
  • Asia Guerreschi, Ph.D. Candidate for Sustainability and Wellbeing
  • Prof. Carola Hieker, Honorary Professor for Transformation Leadership, UCL
  • Madiha Rehman, Malala Fund Education Champion, and Director of Programmes at AzCorp Entertainment