This spring semester I have the privilege of taking the required course to become a Freshman Interest Group (FIG) leader in the fall. This training course has opened my eyes to how important this course can be to students, whether they are an incoming freshman or the leaders of the groups. I interviewed Danielle Lewis, Director of the FIG Program and the Assistant Director of Retention, to discuss the many benefits of this program.
Her Campus (HC): How long has the FIG program been at FSU? How did it get started here?
Danielle Lewis (DL): The FIG Program has been at FSU for a little over 15 years. It started as a retention initiative to introduce FSU Freshman to the idea and purpose of a liberal education, in addition to all of the resources available here at FSU and success strategies to help FSU students be the best that they can be.
HC: Why do you feel the FIG program is important?
DL: I think that the FIG program is important for a variety of reasons. I think the most rewarding part of a FIG for freshmen is that in their very first semester on campus, they get to find their friends and explore their interests, academic and otherwise. In a close second, the benefits the freshmen have by being paired with some of our most accomplished juniors and seniors to help them get settled and accustomed to life at FSU are unmatched. On the flip side, I think this is also a once in a lifetime experience for the FIG Leaders. They will get leadership and mentor experience in a unique setting. Past FIG Leaders have said that they learned more about themselves than they had at any other point in their college career. For both FIG Leaders and FIG students, the program is a wonderful way to get acquainted with each other, various topics, campus, and the community in general.
HC: How does someone become a FIG leader?
DL: Each fall, we send out a call for nominations for FIG Leaders, but you don’t necessarily have to be nominated to apply! We usually look for anyone with at least a 3.25 GPA and have completed a minimum of 45 semester hours of course work and 30 semester hours of course work at FSU at the time of application. A FIG Leader must be enrolled as an FSU student during the Fall term they are serving as a FIG Leader. Once selected, a FIG Leader would complete a 1 credit hour training course in the spring and some training modules and workshops leading up to their teaching semester.
HC: What is expected of a FIG leader?
DL: We expect FIG Leaders to be professional but friendly. We want them to create relationships with their students but still be a leader and help their students reach success in their first semester and beyond. They are not tutors, they are not teaching topics or helping with homework. FIG Leaders are mentors and friends to their Freshman.
HC: What benefits can FIG leaders and Freshmen in FIGS get out of the program?
DL: As I briefly mentioned before on both sides the FIG program is a great growth opportunity. It helps freshmen make the transition from high school to college in a group of no more than 19 students in the same major or career interest. For FIG Leaders, it helps them define their leadership style and find their voice. Since each FIG section is different and changes even more so from year to year, the true potential benefits are limitless.
HC: Is there anything else you would like to say about the program or just anything in general?
DL: I have been at FSU for quite a while, and while there are many engagement opportunities and mentorship opportunities, the Freshman Interest Group is one of a kind!
Danielle encourages that “anyone who can get involved should, it is a great opportunity!”
All photos courtesy of Danielle Lewis.
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