The Provost Challenge: Innovating From Day One at University of Advancing Technology (UAT)

Forget icebreakers. At UAT in Tempe, Arizona, new students don’t just get a campus tour—they’re dropped straight into the future.

The Provost Challenge is UAT’s annual kickoff to innovation. It’s bold. It’s chaotic. And it sets the tone: you don’t wait to build here. You start now.

Why It Matters Now

The tech landscape shifts daily. Employers don’t just want degrees—they want proof you can build, break, and rebuild in real time. The Provost Challenge ensures UAT students walk in the door and already have a portfolio piece to show off.

How It Works: Organized Chaos

Provost Dr. David Bolman frames it like this:

“When you're a new student, most, if not all of you, have ideas of something you've always wanted to build—and UAT is your sandbox to build it.”

Here’s the format:

• Cross-disciplinary teams: CONNECT cohorts mash majors and skills together.

• One week: Sprint, scramble, and iterate.

• Minimum viable prototype: Innovation, not perfection.

Each year, themes shift—from mascots like Kip (Provost Bolman’s dog) and Max (the campus “Catscot”) to meme culture, vibe coding, and beyond.

Inside the Madness

Labs hum. Dorms transform into hack rooms. Students code through the night. And all of it happens before official classes even begin.

It’s not about waiting. It’s about building first, learning second.

What Students Gain

• A Portfolio From Day One: Immediate proof of skill.

• Collaboration Skills: Teams mix coders, artists, and engineers.

• Presentation Practice: Prototypes must be pitched—fast and clear.

Want proof? Check out Student Accolades.

FAQ

Q1: What is the Provost Challenge at UAT?
It’s a high-energy competition where new students build a prototype in one week.

Q2: Who can participate?
Every incoming UAT student—regardless of major or skill level.

Q3: What kinds of projects get built?
Everything from games and apps to hardware hacks, meme engines, and music-driven code. Many later evolve into full Student Innovation Projects (SIP).

Q4: Do students need prior experience?
No. Teams are intentionally cross-disciplinary so beginners and pros learn side by side.

Q5: Where can I see past winners?
Check out the Student Accolades page to see past projects.

Q6: Where does it happen?
On UAT’s Tempe, Arizona campus—in labs, dorm lounges, and makerspaces buzzing with collaboration.

Ready to Build Before You Even Start?

👉 Apply to UAT
👉 Request Information

At UAT, innovation isn’t a senior capstone—it’s the first thing you do.

👉 “Want to see the ideas come to life? Check out the Provost Challenge Presentations.”