Creativity

Creativity empowers you to view the world through the lens of imagination and possibility. By exploring current or historical ideas, methods, or forms of expression, you can discover new tools and perspectives that allow you to recognize opportunities, challenge assumptions, and apply fresh approaches. Creativity may involve developing something entirely new or adapting existing ideas in innovative ways. Equally important is your ability to communicate the purpose, process, and impact of your creative work in solving problems, observing the world, or contributing new insights.

Creativity looks different across majors, careers, and even in your day-to-day life. For some, it may involve designing experiments or developing new technologies. For others, it might be crafting a compelling story, organizing a community event, or finding a better way to communicate ideas. Regardless of the form it takes, creativity is a highly transferable skill that helps you adapt, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to a wide range of personal and professional contexts.

Through engagement in creative experiences, you will make progress toward the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to:

1. Explore and Experiment
   1. Seek out and apply new methods, tools, or frameworks to investigate complex ideas and deepen your understanding.
   2. Ask insightful and open-ended questions that promote curiosity and guide exploration. 
   3. Make meaningful connections across ideas, disciplines, and experiences to foster integrative thinking.
   4. Embrace ambiguity and take intellectual risks in the pursuit of new knowledge or creative insight.
2. Engage with New Media and Methods
   1. Explore and experiment with emerging media, technologies, or strategies to enhance creative expression.
   2. Reimagine traditional approaches by applying innovative techniques or perspectives to generate novel outcomes.
   3. Evaluate the effectiveness of different media and methods in achieving creative or communicative goals.
3. Collaborate and Leverage Resources
   1. Collaborate effectively with individuals within and across disciplines, incorporating diverse perspectives and community input to enrich the creative process.
   2. Utilize available resources effectively, including mentorship, technology, and physical spaces, to support and advance your creative work.
   3. Demonstrate initiative in seeking out partnerships, tools, or environments that enhance the quality and impact of your work.
4. Communicate Impact
   1. Communicate the purpose and significance of your creative work by reflecting on its development, process, and context.
   2. Explain the potential impact of your work on understanding the world, solving complex problems, or contributing to positive change.
   3. Tailor your message to different audiences, using appropriate language, tone, and format to convey meaning effectively.
5. Reflect and Adapt
   1. Reflect critically on your creative process, identifying strengths, challenges, and areas for growth.
   2. Demonstrate adaptability and resilience by iterating on ideas and responding constructively to feedback and ambiguity.
   3. Apply lessons learned from past experiences to inform future creative decisions and approaches.
6. Practice Ethical  Creativity 
   1. Consider ethical implications and cultural contexts in the development and presentation of creative work. 
   2. Strive to create work that respects all. 
   3. Acknowledge and credit the contributions of others, demonstrating integrity and responsibility in your creative practice.

Through creative experiences, you will develop skills that directly translate to professional success, including: 

• Contribute new ideas and perspectives in collaborative settings.
• Approach challenges with adaptability and originality.
• Communicate complex ideas or processes clearly and compellingly.
• Provide value in your field by offering creative solutions and driving innovation.

Creativity is a highly valued skill across all professional fields. Employers increasingly seek individuals who can think creatively, adapt to change, and generate innovative solutions. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, creative thinking is among the top five core skills that employers identify as essential for the modern workforce.