BU Good Work Initiative

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the development, implementation, and assessment of a Summer Assignment and series of Freshman Orientation workshops based on the GoodWork™ model (Gardner, Csikszentmihalyi, & Damon, 2001). Informed by previous programming (Johnson & Duncan, 2013) and in collaboration with the Offices of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, we expanded this first-year experience to include discussions about what it means to do good not only as students but also as persons and citizens. First-year undergraduates completed a Summer Assignment requiring them to reflect on their roles as students, persons, and citizens. During a series of three freshman orientation workshops, first-year undergraduates inventoried their basic responsibilities related to each role and considered what it means to do good work as students, persons, and citizens. First-year undergraduates also previewed a website designed to link them to on-campus resources aimed at helping them meet their basic responsibilities and pursue good work in their various roles. Program assessment data showed their high level of satisfaction with the workshops and the perceived value of participating in the workshops.