Running head: PHASE ONE PROJECT PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION

Phase One: Project Proposal Description

Federico R. Lastra
Florida International University

PHASE ONE PROJECT PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION

Phase One: Project Proposal Description

Description of the Project
The goal of the project is to develop a Strengths-based advising program, using
StrengthsQuest/Gallup as the foundation for the articulation of its purpose, activities, and
measurable outcomes for application toward career development for Carolyn Meeker, Assistant
Director of Career Services at the Biscayne Bay Campus of Florida International University
(FIU, 2015). Moreover, the project entails the inclusion of resources and materials that presently
exist that can be incorporated into the pilot program. The Strengths Finder 2.0 book provides a
foundation insight; however, the project requires the need for the inclusion of relevant research
(i.e., other colleges and universities) that ties in closely to the goals of the program and its
relation to supporting FIUs 2020 Strategic Plan (i.e., improving on engagement and retention)
(C. Meeker, personal communication, October 9, 2015; FIU, 2015). Ultimately, the pilot program
will target about 10 students and measure their outcomes to support how the Strengths-based
advising program can contribute to present and future success (FIU, 2015; Rath, 2007).
Projected Outcomes
Self
The project will provide insight into personal strengths and how the knowledge of these
strengths can help one be successful; and, how barrier labels can work both for and against the
individual, personally and within groups. Moreover, it will provide exposure to the process of
developing a pilot program and collaborating on a project involving Strengths (Rath, 2007).

PHASE ONE PROJECT PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION

Company
Career Services of FIU will present a successful pilot program that can be used to
enhance student success, present and future, that is in line with the FIUBeyondPossible2020
Strategic Plan (2015). Moreover, their program can be used as the foundation for future campus
wide expansion, and serve as a Strengths model for other universities (Rath, 2007).
Community
The program enhances FIUBeyondPossible2020 Strategic Plan (2015), which is to
nurture a culture of continuously improving student success for all faculty, of service excellence
for all staff, and collaboration among units and individuals (p. 6). In expectations of creating
leaders who contribute within their local and global communities (FIU, 2015).
List of Activities the Participant Expects to Engage In

Bi-weekly meetings in person or via conference call, Skype, Google Hangout

Regular communication via email (weekly or bi-weekly)

Expected 4-5 unpaid hours per week on average, but flexible, particularly related to
classes, assignments, exams, and other employment

Create/design alongside Carolyn:

o Overall: a pilot program for using Strengths in Career Services aimed at helping
students to name it, claim it, and aim it.
Naming their talents through taking the StrengthsQuest assessment

PHASE ONE PROJECT PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION

Claiming their talents by reading the assessment report and understanding

what it all means

Aiming their talents by developing them into strengths, and looking for

ways that they can develop and use their talents (and the talents of others).
Improve upon the existing Strengths-Based Mission Statement
Improve upon the Learning Objectives
Create Measurable (SMART) Learning Outcomes
Create a Instructors Manual, including how to purchase assessments, resources and
activities, how to track students, etc.
Identification of the Problem
The problem is that the traditional methods of instruction, which are to fix peoples

weaknesses is outdated. As Rath (2007) so eloquently states: people have several times more
potential for growth when they invest energy in developing their strengths instead of correcting
their deficiencies (p. 1). Moreover, studies support that people who focus on their strengths are
six times more likely to perform better workwise and are three times more likely to be happier
with life overall (Rath, 2007). Therefore, we need to revisit how we think and approach
individuals to perform and the key is to introduce the plot program to FIU via Career Services to
develop a program that helps the individual achieve better outcomes such as graduation and
employment, while allowing Career Services to streamline its program more efficiently, and
facilitate the attainment of some of FIUs objectives (FIU, 2015; Rath, 2007).
Contribution to Solving the Problem
Strengths when used effectively will help increase retention and engagement, which will
contribute to boosting six year graduation rates, increase self-efficacy, and promote lifelong
learning. Additionally, it will serve to turn ideas into action and action into impact; because, as

PHASE ONE PROJECT PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION

FIUBeyondPossible2020 states: We must draw our strength from each other and give out
students and community our very best to leverage the Worlds Ahead brand (FIU, 2015).
Impact the Solution will have on the Organization
This pilot program enables Career Services to help achieve FIUBeyondPossible2020
Strategic Plan goal that they state requires the breaking down of silos and synergizing efforts to
fully prepare graduates at all levels for seamless career integration (p. 19).
References
Florida International University (FIU). (2015). FIUbeyondpossible2020 strategic plan. Retrieved
from http://stratplan.fiu.edu/BeyondPossible2020.html
Rath, T. (2007). Strengths finder 2.0. New York, NY: Gallup Press.