NACU Innovative Collaborations

In the spirit of fostering collaboration and enhancing educational opportunities across our network of colleges and universities, NACU Innovative Collaborations is a catalog of distinctive resources, programs, and facilities available at each institution that can be used to support research, student development, and academic excellence at all of our campuses.

Discipline-Specific

Hood College Coastal Semester

Hood College offers a lab/field-based Coastal Semester program during the fall semester of odd-numbered years that is accessible to NACU member institutions.  It is a semester-long, 15 credit semester that is based on the Hood campus with several extended field experiences throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Contact Catherine Gaudlip, gaudlip@hood.edu.

 

Ohio Northern University Metzger Nature Center

A 78-acre residential education opportunity in east Ohio that hosts events such as writing retreats to engineering excursions. The most frequent visitors are environmental field biology students, who use it as a field station. Contact the Provost’s Office.

 

University of La Verne Montana Field Station for Biology and Chemistry Research

The Bob and Mary Neher Montana Research Station is the University of La Verne’s northernmost campus, devoted to the study of Rocky Mountain Ecology and Montana culture and history. Contact the President’s Office.

 

University of New Haven Canal Dock Lab and Boathouse

Located on the Long Island Sound and supporting UNH’s Marine and Environmental Science programs, the site can host groups for community-engagement events. Contact the Provost’s Office.

 

Virginia Wesleyan University Greer Environmental Sciences Center

This 44,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility provides unprecedented opportunities for students while fostering regional collaboration with organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the Virginia Institute for Marine Science (VIMS). Contact the President’s Office.

 

Virginia Wesleyan University The Ocean Explorer

A research vessel, owned by VWU and the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Sciences Center, used in the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Contact the President’s Office.

Russell Sage College Digital Art Lab

It is open to serving others beyond immediate students. Contact the Provost.

 

Russell Sage College Opalka Gallery

This is large, beautiful art gallery looks to engage artists from other institutions. Contact the Director.

 

University of La Verne Harris Art Gallery

The mission of the Harris Art Gallery reflects the university’s commitment to diversity and quality in education by developing excellent contemporary art exhibitions for La Verne and local communities, providing students and others access to the wider art community, and confronting a diverse range of ideas as expressed through contemporary art and fostering a discourse around these issues.

 

University of La Verne Irene Carlson Gallery of Photography

Located in the heart of the University of La Verne’s main campus, on the ground floor of historic Miller Hall, The Irene Carlson Gallery of Photography is a vital center for civic engagement. Through a compelling program of exhibitions, lectures, screenings, and discussions that promotes a critical dialogue about contemporary photography, the gallery generates collaboration, conversation and artistic growth between our students, faculty, staff, and the local community.

 

University of New Haven Communication, Film and Music Recording Studios, Radio Station and Podcasting Studio

Drury University Nonprofit Leadership Programs

Drury University offers a Master of Nonprofit and Civic Leadership, a Nonprofit Leadership Certificate, and a Nonprofit Leadership Conference.

 

University of La Verne Randall Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Social Impact

The Randall Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Social Impact offers students, alumni, faculty and the greater Inland Empire business and non-profit community the resources, tools and networking to help create an entrepreneurial mindset, spark ideas, and help entrepreneurs build businesses from concept to fruition. Contact the Center.

 

University of La Verne Integrated Business Program

In order to enhance student learning with hands-on, real-world business experience, the College of Business has created a novel integrated curriculum for all undergraduate business administration majors and as an option for other business majors. The Integrated Business Program holistically connects finance, management, and marketing into a 16-unit course block during one semester of students’ sophomore or junior year. Students apply their integrated business skills by forming a company, determining the target market and product, developing a business plan, seeking a loan from a bank, and selling their product throughout the semester.  All proceeds are donated to charity.

 

Western New England University FinTech Incubator

Western New England University offers the first affordable state-of-the-art resource in the region that supports integrated resources for entrepreneurs and existing businesses developing AI-driven FinTech solutions and serves as a training ground for students and current employees in finance-related fields through enhanced coursework and experiential learning enabled by the FTI’s infrastructure.

Russell Sage College Cold Case Center

A repository of unresolved police cases for students to engage with authentically. Contact the Provost.

 

University of New Haven Forensic Science program

Drury University Cadaver Lab

 

Linfield University Sports Analytic Lab and Cadaver Lab

Linfield has a Masters of Science in Sport Science and Analytics with a very sophisticated sports analytic lab and a cadaver lab.  There are opportunities for faculty or student exchanges or visits.

 

Lourdes University Nursing Simulation Laboratory 

The nursing simulation laboratory supports the development of critical thinking and team collaboration as students work through realistic situations in a safe, protected learning environment. Using standardized patients, high-fidelity manikins, and other technology, students can assess and provide nursing care for specific symptoms, diseases, and conditions taken from real-life scenarios. Contact the Provost’s Office.

 

Lourdes University

The Exercise Science lab features practical and research equipment including ergonomic bicycles, metabolic cart, and Bod-Pod. Contact the Provost’s Office.

 

Nazareth University York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute clinics

Clinics in our state-of-the-art York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute provide opportunities for health and human services students in majors such as physical therapy, music therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, art therapy, and social work to collaborate across professions that serve clients and patients from the greater Rochester community. Nazareth students, supervised by licensed professionals, serve thousands of people a year through outreach in the community and through clinics on campus. Contact the President or Provost.

 

Nazareth University InterProfessional Animal-assisted Wellness  (IPAW) Collaborative

Nazareth’s registered therapy dogs, Orion, Rosie, and Tilly, are a part of daily university life; students can visit them at the offices of their faculty handlers, during visiting hours, and at campus events, as well as interact with the dogs during IPAW Collaborative activities and through the IPAW Club. The dogs also enjoy participating in research studies, assisting in the treatment of clients in the on-campus therapy clinics, playing on the quad, and greeting students during walks across campus. Contact the program.

 

Ohio Northern University Pathway Program to PharmD

College of Pharmacy four-year pathway program to PharmD degree. Students complete 2 years and then transfer to ONU to complete the final four years, completing their PharmD degree in six years. Contact the Provost’s Office.

 

Russell Sage College Online Master’s in Sport Science: Coaching & Mental Performance

Available at very competitive rates for NACU graduates. Contact the Provost.

 

University of La Verne The Randall Lewis Center for Well Being and Research

The Randall Lewis Center for Well-Being and Research provides resources for physical, emotional, and mental well-being for students, faculty, and staff at the University of La Verne and its surrounding region.

 

University of New Haven School of Health Science Facilities

Our new clinical lab facilities include a Medical Lab Science laboratory, Nutrition Lab and Simulation Spaces for our Paramedicine and OT programs.

 

Western New England University Doctor of Pharmacy Program

WNE offers three engaging programs designed to meet students’ schedules and needs: the traditional campus-based PharmD program, the four-year PharmD Distance program, and the six-year PharmD Distance Extended program. Contact the Provost’s Office.

Drury University Black History Summer Academy

Drury offers a week-long program focused on history, culture, and advocacy for students of all ages from preschool to adult.

 

Florida Southern College Lawton M. Chiles, Jr. Center for Florida History

Founded in 2001, the Center seeks to preserve the state’s past through cooperative efforts with historical societies, preservation groups, museums, public programs, media, and interested persons. It hosts an annual Florida Lecture Series, offers training in Florida history for teachers, holds symposia on special topics in Florida history, among other activities. Contact the Center.

 

Hood College Archaeology Program 

Hood College’s archaeology program is unique among the NACU institutions. Our location is also highly advantageous in terms of both archaeology and art history, given the proximity of museums, historic sites, and national parks where students can experience art & archaeology, and also pursue internships. Contact the President or Provost.

University of New Haven Modern Languages

UNH offers several languages including Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. Contact the Provost’s Office.

Ohio Northern University College of Law 3+3 Law Degree Pathways 

Students complete three years at a partnering institution and then transfer to ONU for the next three years of law school. The first year of ONU’s law program counts for credits in the bachelor’s degree. At the end of the six years, students have both their baccalaureate degree from their first institution and a JD degree from ONU. Contact the Provost’s Office.

 

Ohio Northern University College of Law Advanced Comparative Advocacy course in Iceland

Two-week course in early summer for law students. Contact the Provost’s Office.

Drury University Ozarks Program

Drury offers a May-term or summer field experience studying amphibians and reptiles of the Ozarks. Contact the Provost’s Office.

 

Drury University Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate

Cybersecurity has risen to top of mind awareness for individuals all around the world. Issues such as data privacy, ransomware, and cyberwar have become more relevant for all members of our society. This certificate takes the mystery out of technology and enable graduates to feel confident in their understanding of what it means to transact safely and securely in our ever increasingly connected world.

 

Drury University Engineering Program Partnerships

Contact the Provost’s Office.

 

Linfield University Science Complex

Linfield has a brand new science complex that includes an agilent gas chromatography system with trip-quad mass spectrometer (a GC-MS triple quad). 

 

Lourdes University Appold Planetarium

Built in 1964, the former Copernicus Planetarium underwent renovations in 2006 to become a digital immersive theater providing real-time 3D sky simulations, full-dome shows, and multimedia presentations. The planetarium is an essential part of Lourdes University’s community outreach efforts and features SciDome, a single projector full-dome video system powered by Starry Night software. Contact the planetarium.

 

Nazareth University Institute for Responsible Technology

A pioneering entity in the United States — formed in 2020 as the Institute for Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Society (ITAS) — the Institute for responsible Technology has evolved to a new identity that encapsulates Nazareth University’s commitment to the ethical and responsible development and application of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Contact the Director.

 

Ohio Northern University Summer Online Engineering Courses 

The College of Engineering offers online engineering courses (statics, dynamics, circuits) in the summer. Contact the Provost’s Office.

 

Ohio Northern University College of Engineering High Performance Computing Cluster

ONU’s HPC is a resource meant for running complex calculations that user’s personal computers wouldn’t be able to handle in a reasonable time. The cluster consists of 3 nodes: 1 head node for scheduling jobs and 2 compute nodes for running the jobs. The machines run Linux and the Linux command line is the main way to access the cluster. The compute nodes have 64 CPUs and 768 GB of RAM. This cluster is currently used by our Chemistry department and College of Engineering. The computational chemistry programs installed are: GAMESS, Mopac, NAMD, QChem, and a special web interface to the scheduler called WebMO. Engineering uses the cluster for Cobalt CFD. Contact the Provost’s Office.

 

University of New Haven University Makerspace

The Schaub Makerspace offers the University of New Haven community access to cutting edge digital fabrication equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, vinyl cutters and embroidery machines.

 

University of New Haven College of Engineering Instrumentation 

Instrumentation in our College of Engineering includes a SmartLab X-ray diffractometer, Wind Tunnel and, shortly, a Metallic 3D print system. Contact the Provost’s office.

 

University of New Haven Data Science and Cybersecurity

 

Western New England University Quantum Computing

Western New England’s National Science Foundation-backed quantum facility places WNE among an elite, cutting-edge group of institutions. It enriches student curriculum and, with outreach, self-sustains financially while positioning the univeristy for additional grant revenue and workforce development opportunities. Contact the Provost’s Office.

Linfield University Wine Studies

Linfield University, in the heart of Oregon’s Pinot Noir country, has a wine studies academic program and offers WSET training as well. They also have a tasting room downtown run by students. In addition, they host the Oregon wine history archives. Open to faculty or student exchanges. Contact the Director of the Center for Wine Education.

Study Away

Drury University Design-Build Program

The Hammons School of Architecture offers a May-term or summer program for students who would like to work with a concrete 3D printer to develop low-income housing. Contact the Provost’s office.

Drury University 

Drury offers potential international student travel collaboration opportunities. Contact the Provost’s office.

 

Ohio Northern University College of Business Administration Study Abroad Trip to Germany 

ONU joins with Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville for a 10-day trip to Germany after spring semester concludes. German students serve as guides as the American students tour international business offices, government offices, and cultural landmarks. Contact the Provost’s Office.

 

University of New Haven Campus in Prato, Italy

The University of New Haven has a campus in Prato, Italy (Tuscany region) that has capacity to accept students in the fall and summer. Two options are available – one in which UNH faculty teach the courses and another in which your own faculty teach the courses. Contact Greg Eichhorn, VP for Enrollment and Student Success, or Kevin Murphy, Director of UNH Prato Study Center.

 

Virginia Wesleyan University Jane P. Batten & David R. Black School for International Studies

The Jane P. Batten and David R. Black School for International Studies is based at Virginia Wesleyan University and Lakeland University’s (WI) collaborative campus in Tokyo, Japan. Through a concurrent enrollment agreement between the two universities, students at the Batten & Black School can access unique opportunities across all three campuses. Contact the President’s Office.

 

Virginia Wesleyan University VWU Global Campus (Japan)

Contact the President’s Office.

 

Graduate Certificates

Nazareth University Interdisciplinary Speciality Program in Autism (I-SPAN) Advanced Certificate
I-SPAN is a graduate-level advanced certificate program that prepares professionals to work with individuals on the autism spectrum across the lifespan via live, online classes. It is ideal for anyone who wants to be better prepared to teach, parent, or support individuals on the autism spectrum. Contact the Program Directors.

 

 

Centers, Sites, and Spaces

Chatham University Eden Hall

Nestled on 388 acres of rolling woodlands and fields in Richland Township, PA, you will find the world’s first university campus designed to be a showcase for sustainable solutions. With the campus serving as an educational canvas, faculty, students, and the public engage in a collaborative, hands-on approach to learning to develop tomorrow’s leaders in sustainability. Contact the President’s Office.

 

Russell Sage College Armory Facility

Indoor playing field, available for limited discount rental to NACU institutions. 

Florida Southern College Frank Lloyd Wright Campus

Florida Southern College is home to the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world and was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 2012. Contact the President’s Office.

 

Moravian University Designated World Heritage Site

Moravian University is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and could offer a summer program on World Heritage and Culture. Contact the President’s Office.

Carroll College Corette Library and Simperman Learning Commons

Corette Library and Simperman Learning Commons are the intellectual hub of the College: an interdisciplinary organization that actively engages students, faculty, staff, and partners to collaborate, explore, experiment, and grow as researchers, creators, scholars, and informed citizens. Contact the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.

 

Lourdes University Duns Scotus Library 

Dedicated in 1950, the Duns Scotus Library was named for the 13th-century Franciscan philosopher John Duns Scotus. More than 350 art items decorate the Library and are fully cataloged online. The multi-use space includes a rare books room. 

Population-Specific

Research and Innovation

Belmont University Data Collaborative

The Belmont Data Collaborative is a university wide initiative that looks to infuse data into every facet of the culture and curriculum at Belmont through a “Data Mindset” that empowers individual to think different with data and to provide a framework for community level analytics and projects for good. The Data Collaborative continues to seek and accept partnerships from other institutions and community organizations. Contact the Data Collaborative team.

Belmont University Innovation Labs

Innovation labs are multi-year, multi-stakeholder working groups funded by corporate or philanthropic partners. These tenacious teams seek to address the grand challenges of our day by developing innovative concepts, generating actionable research, brokering new partnerships, identifying and scaling promising approaches and launching marketplace solutions. They bring together brilliant minds, experienced professionals and committed doers for a multi-year facilitated innovation and design process. They are open to other university communities and continue to seek productive partnerships. Contact the Belmont Innovation Labs team (info at bottom of page).

University of New Haven Research Initiatives 

Contact the Provost’s Office.

Civic Engagement and Social Causes

Queens University of Charlotte Center for Digital Equity

The Center for Digital Equity (CDE) is dedicated to making Mecklenburg County the most digitally equitable community in America. It coordinates and provides a range of services to help community members acquire and advance digital literacy skills. Contact the President’s Office.

Workforce Development

Events