UROP Project

Unseen Hurdles: Exploring Barriers to Student Efficacy Development

Student efficacy, higher education, community-based learning, leadership development, institutional barriers, student voice, relationship building

Research Mentor: Maria Paula McIntyre Nwenyi,
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Leadership & Service, N/A
Contact Email: mmcintyre@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators: Dr. Joi N. Phillips, Ph.D.
Faculty Collaborators Email: jnphillips@admin.fsu.edu

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: • Higher Education and Student Affairs
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Education Policy and Evaluation
• Public Administration
• Social Work
• Interdisciplinary Social Sciences
• Communication
• Political Science
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: An average of 8 hours per week, During business hours
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:

• Day: Tuesday, September 2
  Start Time: 1:00
  End Time: 1:30
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/rec/share/IXPyl4V892CwNgCQmMwy2Xd3SY07V_59WIxmoNK3P1lxwLynY4smCKp60phdKK5N.s8lSjuZbM7V5hWjJ?startTime=1756832518000

Project Description

Student efficacy—the belief in one's ability to influence events and outcomes in personal, academic, and civic life—is a critical factor in effective student leadership and long-term civic engagement. At institutions like Florida State University, student development initiatives often aim to build efficacy through leadership programs, community-based learning, and self-reflection. However, many students face invisible or unacknowledged barriers that inhibit their sense of efficacy.
This research project seeks to explore and analyze the personal, structural, and additional social barriers that impede student efficacy development at FSU. It will employ a mixed-methods design, combining survey research, focus groups, and institutional data analysis. By investigating these barriers—ranging from federal funding to gaps in mentorship, institutional policies, or student program design—this project will inform more comprehensive and effective leadership development frameworks.
The ultimate goal is to produce a set of actionable recommendations for FSU’s Division of Student Affairs and related departments to reduce barriers and foster greater student efficacy for all students.


Research Tasks: Research Assistants (RAs) will have the opportunity to contribute to all phases of the research process, including:
1. Literature Review
o Conduct reviews of scholarly literature on student efficacy, leadership development, and the history of higher education.
o Synthesize findings into thematic briefs.
2. Instrument Design and IRB Preparation
o Assist in designing interview protocols, focus group guides, and survey instruments.
o Help prepare IRB submission materials.
3. Data Collection
o Co-facilitate focus groups with students from various FSU communities (e.g., student organizations, residence halls, social groups).
o Distribute and monitor student surveys.
4. Data Analysis
o Transcribe and code qualitative data using tools such as NVivo.
o Conduct basic quantitative analysis using SPSS or Excel.
5. Dissemination
o Prepare a poster presentation and other small reports as needed.
o Co-author content for university-wide presentations.
6. Stakeholder Engagement
o Engage with campus partners, student leaders, and staff through interviews and collaborative sessions.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: The following skills are recommended, but none are strictly required—training and mentorship will be provided:
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Interest in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
• Cultural humility and an openness to learning from diverse perspectives
• Familiarity with FSU’s student life and engagement structures
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively