UIA Processes

The Listening Lab Project

A systematic way of understanding students' most pressing needs

Overview & Objective

The UIA Listening Lab project was created to design, implement, and scale an adaptable but systematic approach to elevating the student voice by using focus group methodology. Its emphasis is on inclusive, representative focus group practices that can be sustained over time.

Partners

The University Innovation Alliance: the leading national coalition of public research universities committed to increasing the number and diversity of college graduates in the United States.

Funders

Status & Next Steps

This grant is in progress and will conclude Spring 2024.

Opportunities for establishing and scaling this work post-grant period are currently being explored.

Approach

The team initiated a series of Listening Labs to strategically investigate unique experiences and needs of University of Utah students. In particular, the team engaged in virtual and in-person sessions to seek understanding around two topics: the experiences of undergraduate students who are parents and the experiences of students who are preparing for or have returned from a Leave of Absence.