Weekly Program to Help Students Learn Strengths

By October 17, 2012

On-campus programs are offered for students to learn more about StrengthsQuest and how to proactively turn their natural talents into strengths.

StrengthsQuest is a 30-minute online survey that when completed provides the user with a list of their top five talents and ways to develop them and apply them for academic, occupational and personal success, according to the StrengthsQuest website.

“We look at it as a tool to help students understand their natural talents and strengths to be successful,” said Adrian Smith, director of strengths based initiatives. “It provides an opportunity to explore new possibilities and to experience success.”

The Strengths of the Week program, created by the office of student activities, will continue until March.

Each week, two strengths will be highlighted on the OSA Facebook page. If a student’s strength is featured, they may go to the OSA office to talk to a staff member about their strength. Students who collect five stickers will receive a Razorback beach towel.

“We wanted a way to be able to engage more conversations with students about how to use their strengths and how to use those strength effectively,” said Katie Gottshalk, graduate assistant for the office of student activities.

An estimated 200 students are participating, she said.

Staff members might ask a few basic questions and then provide resources for students, Gottshalk said.  Strengths conversations take no more than five minutes and most of the staff members have completed strengths-based training.

Residence Education has also implemented a program of its own. StrengthsQuest 101 will consist of sessions and workshops to educate residents about StrengthsQuest. Sessions will be offered throughout the semester at various locations to accommodate students’ schedules.

Students seemed interested in the programs, but many said that a lack of time would prevent them from attending.

“If I know myself I can think about my future,” said Aminta Castillo, electrical engineering major, “but I’m really busy with classes right now.”