Testimonials
Students, Peer Instructors and Faculty alike have lots to say about FIGs!
Faculty:
Sally Dunn, Dean of University Division"The FIGs program is a partnership between the Office of Academic Affairs, University Division, and Residential Programs and Services. Its goal is to help a freshman not only become a better student but also a well-rounded person, familiar with academic and social life on campus. This effort has been extremely successful - and recently recognized by the local and national media"
Gary Sailes, Professor of Kinsesiology"The research is clear, undergraduate students who attach themselves to a campus group enjoy their college experience more, do better academically and are more likely to graduate on time than those students who do not. The FIGS program at Indiana University is a good program that is student focused. I enjoy working with them as an advisor/mentor. I highly recommend that any student considering joining a FIG should just go ahead and do it. It is one of the more memorable college experiences you will recall."
Robert Althauser, Professor of Sociology"If I had a son or daughter enrolling in IU, especially from out of state or from a part of Indiana where few classmates were enrolling in this large state university, I can think of no better transition experience than FIGs. The first semester of college brings a fresh start in a new social setting, new and challenging freedoms to schedule school work and other competing activities, and the higher level of academic performance and hard work expected of college students. The support and suggestive direction that comes from sharing classes, faculty and highly selected and a dedicated FIG Peer instructor at this delicate time make programs like Freshman Interest Groups critical to a successful transition to college. From considerable observation, I can only underscore the careful and competitive selection and strong training of a remarkable group of FIG Peer instructors."
Peer Instructors:
Tim O'Connor, "Crime, Law & Society""As a transfer student, I would definitely have wished to have a program like this in place at the school I originally attended. It gives freshmen a way to be introduced to the University on a much smaller scale, and with a group of peers so that they feel more comfortable."
Jen Feinstein, "Identity & Careers" "The thing I like most about being a part of FIGs is the sense of community that I get from it. There's such a link between all the Peer Instructors, and then of course there is the community that we get to build with our students which is great to see. It's a really worthwhile program and a great way to get to know other IU students!"
Munira Mehta, "Exploring Medical Sciences""The best part about my experience as a Peer Instructor was to be able to provide motivation and guidance to freshmen as a peer and as a fellow student. I was also part of a community of students with interests outside of my academic area, ranging from Jewish studies to communication and culture. This proved to be an exceptional opportunity to enhance my role as a student, as a mentor, and, most importantly, as a leader."
FIG Students
Meghan McKenna"There are so so many great programs and resources at IU it can be a little overwhelming for freshmen to find where they fit in. Joining a FIG gave me the opportunity to connect with other students who not only shared my interests, but also attended classes with me and lived in my dorm. I would recommend enrolling in a FIG to all incoming freshmen who are looking for a way to make the transition into college a little easier."
Richie Madewell"I think the FIGs are helpful because they bring you together with other students that share your interests and you can help each other out since you have some of the same classes."
Liza Horton "I'd enroll in a FIG again next year if I could! It helps jump-start your introduction to classes, and you get to meet people that have the same interests as you. It's nice to be part of something more personalized on a campus with so many students."