{"id":22,"date":"2016-08-25T11:32:30","date_gmt":"2016-08-25T15:32:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/msls-handbook\/?page_id=22"},"modified":"2016-11-15T11:58:55","modified_gmt":"2016-11-15T16:58:55","slug":"project-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blog.uvm.edu\/msls-handbook\/project-faq\/","title":{"rendered":"Project FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"
Your Masters Project is an opportunity to apply and wrestle with many of the conceptual frameworks, practices, and learnings from your time in the MSLS program, and to construct new understandings of how you can be uniquely effective at catalyzing\/creating conditions for change.\u00a0 This process is likely to\u00a0 be unpredictable, non-linear, and uncomfortable. Put a bit differently, catalyzing change is a \u2018messy\u2019 endeavor.\u00a0 This experience is intended to deepen your leadership practice through a blend of collaborative action (informed by sound theory and practical, appropriate application) and deep reflection.<\/span><\/div>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Q: What is a Masters Project?\u00a0 What are the characteristics of a rigorous Masters Project?<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
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A:<\/b><\/span> A MSLS Masters project has three overarching characteristics (these characteristics will be laid out in more depth with specific criteria in a separate document):<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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  1. It is relational and collaborative. That is, you are working with others in some capacity. Remember, this is not only about personal change, but also about larger systems change.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
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    1. It is creative. That is, you are strongly encouraged to tap into your creative spirit and design from this place in collaboration with others. What this means will be different for each of you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
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      1. It is rigorous. Your project should be aimed at addressing an issue of importance. Rigor involves pushing your own learning edges, exploring new territory, and taking risks.\u00a0 Aim high as you design your project.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
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        Q: Do I have to do my Masters Project with or within an organization? What if I want to do it with a non-formal group?<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
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        A: <\/b><\/span>Your Change Project can be with an organization, a group, movement, or a community. It can be an already existing group or one that you bring together for the purpose of change. You can be in an external or internal relationship with that entity (though if you are internal it poses some additional challenges in clarifying roles and responsibilities).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        Q: Can I do my Masters Project with another student in the MSLS Program?<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
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        A:<\/b><\/span> YES!!! Collaboration between students is encouraged and certainly supported. In this case, you would submit all of your deliverables related to the Masters Project jointly.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        Q: How do I find an organization to work with in a Change Project?<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
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        A:\u00a0<\/b><\/span> You may already be working with an organization, movement, or community group that is an obvious fit for your Masters Project.\u00a0 However, some of you may use this project as an opportunity to reach out to different organizations\/community groups and build meaningful relationships. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        In considering your partnering organization(s), think about reciprocity and building meaningful relationships.\u00a0 Consider your own learning objectives and personal criteria for your Masters Project.\u00a0 Listen and learn about the needs, missions, values of your collaborators.\u00a0 Be discerning about whether or not a collaborative project could authentically benefit both partners AND provide a service to the larger whole.\u00a0\u00a0 Don\u2019t force something that isn\u2019t a good fit.\u00a0 Quality relationships don\u2019t always lead to collaboration.\u00a0 Practice paying attention\/awareness as a means to discern what is exciting, what you want to move toward, and where new opportunities might arise.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        Q: Do I need to get my Studies Committee\u2019s approval in order to move forward with my Change Project?<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
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        A:\u00a0<\/b><\/span> Yes.\u00a0 Ultimately, you will write a Project Proposal that will need to be approved by your studies committee.\u00a0 However, this should be a collaborative and iterative process, informed by feedback from members of your committee, your peers, your organizational partner(s), and more.\u00a0 The proposal will detail the nature of the project and once approved (by your committee and organizational partners), it will be used as a \u201cMemorandum of Understanding\u201d that guides your work and project intentions.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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        Q: What advice might you offer someone who is just starting in on this process?<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n
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        A:\u00a0<\/b><\/span> Here are some:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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