At Virginia Tech, students are encouraged to focus on their gifts and talents, honing them into true strengths. This is a departure from the status quo practice of focusing on weaknesses. Research shows that people are much more engaged when they work within their strengths. The Division of Student Affairs has partnered with Gallup® to became the first university in the nation to offer the Clifton StrengthsFinder® to all students and employees. The assessment tool provides the knowledge and vocabulary to describe an individual’s strengths and the areas in which they excel.

Students who know their strengths will be able to engage with and explore the Aspirations for Student Learning at a more personal level. Through this exploration, students can be intentional in investing in their strengths, expanding their curiosities, and putting this newfound knowledge to use to better themselves and the world around them.