UROP Project
Building a Shared Curriculum for Student Success: Mapping Themes and Resources Across Engage 100
Benchmarking, curriculum, first-year experience, lesson-plans, course materials, database
Research Mentor: Danielle Porter, She/hers
Department, College, Affiliation: Retention - Engage 100, Undergraduate Studies
Contact Email: danielle.lewis@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Retention - Engage 100, Undergraduate Studies
Contact Email: danielle.lewis@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 7, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Monday, August 31
Start Time: 4:30
End Time: 6:00
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91217766531
Project Description
Engage 100 is Florida State University's collection of first-year success courses designed to help new students transition to college and build the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive at FSU. The program includes approximately 30 unique courses that serve different student populations and interests, including academic, experiential, identity-based, and general success seminars. Because each course is designed independently, there is significant variation in the topics, activities, and resources used across programs.This project will create the first comprehensive review of curriculum used throughout Engage 100. Undergraduate researchers will collect and organize course materials such as syllabi, assignments, lesson plans, learning outcomes, assessments, and peer mentor training resources. Students will then analyze these materials to identify common topics, important themes, and effective practices that appear across multiple courses. Researchers will also look for gaps, overlaps, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration among programs.
In addition, student researchers will review historical student survey data and explore first-year seminar programs at peer institutions to better understand how FSU's approach compares to national practices. This work will help identify new ideas and opportunities for future curriculum development.
The project will result in the creation of a centralized SharePoint resource library that allows Engage 100 instructors and partners to easily access and share course materials, activities, assignments, and other educational resources. By making high-quality materials more accessible, the project will support greater collaboration and help instructors learn from one another's successes.
Students participating in this project will gain hands-on experience with qualitative research methods, content analysis, theme development, benchmarking, information management, and database design. They will learn how educational research can be used to improve programs and support student success. The project will conclude with a research poster presentation highlighting major findings, common themes across courses, and recommendations for future curriculum development within Engage 100.
Research Tasks: material collection and coding, benchmarking similar programs, data analysis, creating and organizing material database,
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required Skills:
Strong organizational skills
Attention to detail
Written communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Interest in education, student success, or research
Recommended Skills:
Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications
Experience with research projects or data collection
Ability to review and summarize information
Interest in higher education, leadership, or curriculum development
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring philosophy is rooted in the belief that growth and development occur when individuals are both supported and appropriately challenged. I strive to create an environment where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to explore their interests while developing new skills and confidence. I believe effective mentoring requires transparency, open communication, and a commitment to equity. As a mentor, I seek to model the same level of engagement and accountability that I expect from my students, and I would never ask them to do work I would not be willing to do myself.I view mentoring as a collaborative process that should be both impactful and enjoyable. While structure and clear expectations are important, I also recognize that learning is rarely linear. Students' interests, goals, and emerging questions can reshape the direction of a project, and I value the curiosity and adaptability that come from embracing those opportunities. My role is to provide guidance, resources, and constructive feedback while creating space for students to take ownership of their learning and contributions.
Above all, I believe mentoring begins with recognizing that we are humans first. Understanding students' goals, interests, strengths, and aspirations allows me to tailor support in meaningful ways. By fostering strong communication, mutual respect, and shared investment in the process, I hope to create experiences that contribute to both personal and professional growth for everyone involved.