University of South Florida Mental Health Services for Students Memo Paper
Example Draft Memo ( I want the draft in a separate paper that looks like the attached document)
Try to write at least this much (a one page memo) for the draft that is due Monday, October 21.FILLER TEXTThis example shows what the start of a memo would look like for this project. You can use it as a model of how to start your draft. Keep in mind that this is an incomplete memo, but shows the different sections and how you would fill them in using secondary or primary research.
Important Dates/Due Dates
Due Monday, October 21: Draft of Project 3 memo in USF Writes
Due Monday, October 28: Peer review of Project 3 memos (2 peer reviews each)
Due Monday, November 4: Final Project 3 Memo in USF Writes
DeliverablesFILLER TEXTFILLER TEXTEach group member will write and submit their own unique two-page memo (this is the final draft - make sure both are in different files) summarizing one aspect of the problem in detail and citing the research they have conducted. There should be at least one and likely multiple cited sources per memo. Those who are completing online research will have multiple sources, whereas those who are completing original primary research (interviews, observations, surveys, etc.) may have one or very few sources. Each memo should have the following section headings:
Problem BackgroundFILLER TEXTHow much is already known about this type of problem or this specific problem? Have other researchers already written about this problem or this type of problem? This is a good place to cite research that others have completed on your topic.
Problem DescriptionFILLER TEXTBriefly describe the problem as it exists and state why it needs to be addressed.
Problem CausesFILLER TEXTWhat are the actual, proven, or potential causes of the problem? How much do we know about the causes?
Impacted PopulationsFILLER TEXTWho does the problem affect? Keep in mind there may be many populations or individuals affected in different ways.
Possible Solutions (Optional)FILLER TEXTHave you come across any potential solutions in your research? Describe and cite any potential solutions that have been uncovered.
References (using APA Format)FILLER TEXTIf in doubt, aim for at least three sources to make sure you have completed enough resource.
Project 3 ContextFILLER TEXTFILLER TEXTResearch in the workplace solves a problem. Tasked with a problem in the workplace, you may be asked to gather the information necessary to fully understand the problem at hand, solve that problem, offer potential solutions, evaluate alternative solutions, or prove that your solution(s) is/are viable (in the form of a feasibility report).
Doing workplace research requires different types of research that go beyond simply querying a library database or using Google. Often, you will need to speak directly to local populations and target audiences and directly contact resources and experts in different professions and in the community.
Clearly, you will likely need information in addition to, or instead of, scholarly resources. Local and national journalism (news articles) may add context and perspective to your topic or research problem. Professional experts, government agencies, and state and local authorities all may be relevant sources, as are individuals in local or target populations.
Essentially, research in the workplace requires you to think critically and creatively about:
The type of information you need; and
The best way to get that information.
Your job as a researcher is to describe and/or solve a workplace problem using the most relevant and applicable methods and resources. If a resource can supply information you need, then it is the right resource for your research.FILLER TEXTFILLER TEXTWhen thinking about a problem you are researching, it is also important to keep in mind that you are probably not the first person or organization to deal with this issue. Begin by looking at other organizations, groups, or communities negotiating similar issues. Research how those groups describe and deal with the problem. The perspective of others’ research and experience is invaluable to your work. You can look to others’ research as a starting point for your own original research. FILLER TEXTFILLER TEXTAssignmentFILLER TEXTFILLER TEXTProject 3 asks you to emulate workplace research into a local problem impacting USF or the surrounding Tampa community:
In class on Monday, October 14, you will form groups and choose a research topic/problem that you will use for Project 3 and Project 4.FILLER TEXTFILLER TEXT: Project 3 is technically an individual project and each person will submit their own original (individual) summary memo.FILLER TEXTHowever, in Project 3 you will share a topic with your Project 4 group members, and you will complete a peer review of your Project 3 memo with your group members. Project 4 will be a group project with shared deliverables.
Each group member will complete their individual research and submit their own unique two-page summary memo.
Each group member will peer-review two group members' drafts of Project 3 memos.
R.J. will also provide collective feedback on the class's Project 3 memo drafts.
Each group member will revise and submit their final (unique) Project 3 memo.
Moving on to Project 4, the content from the Project 3 memos will serve as the foundation for Project 4's group report.
Your goal for this project is to describe the problem in detail using as much information as you can from whatever sources are useful. This means you will be looking at research gathered by others (e.g., government agencies, non-profit organizations, professional and academic experts), as well as gathering your own data by contacting experts and asking impacted population for their perspective. You will produce a two-page memo to your Project 4 group members (who share the same topic as you), giving readers a robust understanding of the problem you have researched.
Note: Looking ahead to the group work of Project 4, each group member will be able to incorporate Project 3 research into the Project 4 report.FILLER TEXTFILLER TEXTOutcomesFILLER TEXTFILLER TEXTUpon successful completion of Project 3, you will be able to:FILLER TEXTFILLER TEXT
Engage with a problem-based scenario similar to those found in the workplace
Develop research skills appropriate for addressing a specific problem
Integrate research into a deliverable memo
Develop professional and technical writing and editing skills
Practice writing for a specific purpose and audience
Produce a specific genre of professional discourse (informational report)FILLER TEXTTo complete this project, you will choose a local problem occurring at USF or in the community. You can select a problem from the list below, or pick your own problem of a similar nature.
FILLER TEXTFILLER TEXTSample Research Problems (Or You May Create Your Own)
FILLER TEXTFILLER TEXT
How could USF establish mutually beneficial partnerships with local communities, businesses, governments, or non-profit organizations?
How could the campus Bull Runner (or Tampa HART bus system) be improved to better serve USF student, staff, and faculty?
How could USF improve mental health awareness and/or access to mental health services for students, faculty, or staff? ( This is the Chosen Research Problem ) Do not write about any other Research Problem
How could USF or Tampa address problems related to student alcohol consumption?
What is an urgent security (including cyber-security) or safety issue for USF students, and how could it be addressed by USF?
What is the optimal register/store layout for Starbucks (or other vendors) at USF to reduce lines and wait time?
How could USF improve the variety and availability of healthy food choices at USF dining halls?
Which internet browser or phone app performs the most efficiently (or could be improved) for USF, an organization with tens of thousands of users?
What changes could or should be made to USF Writes to make it more useful and functional for students and instructors?
How could USF library services, including online resources and library operation hours, be improved to meet the needs of USF students?
FILLER TEXTOnce you have selected a problem, you will research the problem, to uncover the following information:
Background information: Put the problem in context. What does the audience need to know to understand why the problem is a problem?
Explanation of the problem: Describe the problem in detail. What is happening?
Causes of the problem: Describe the factors contributing to the problem’s occurrence. Why is the problem happening?
Impacted Population: Describe the people most directly impacted by the problem. Who is the problem happening to?
To conduct your research you may wish to use any of the following methods and resources, or anything else that helps you explain the scope of your problem:
Newspapers (local, university, national)
Reports from government agencies, universities, and/or NGOs
Scholarly research
Facts and statistics compiled by government agencies and/or NGOs
Interviews with experts and/or impacted individuals
Surveys (social media makes doing surveys easy)