This year, First Year Programs celebrated the 30^th anniversary of First-Year Interest Groups, formerly known as Freshman Interest Groups. To mark the occasion, we hosted an event marked by lively conversations between attendees led by FIG leaders, a faculty panel discussion and a presentation of a recent study that demonstrates the FIG program’s impact on undergraduate student persistence through to graduation.

Results of the research showed that students who participated in FIGs have a higher chance of re-enrollment compared to their counterparts: 94% of students who participated in FIGs re-enrolled the following quarter, 3% higher than those not in FIGs.

This trend was also reflected in graduation rates; those who participated in the FIG program saw a 6% increase in the likelihood of graduating within 6 years. The greatest impact was shown with underrepresented student demographics.

Learn more and read the full article here: http://www.washington.edu/uaa/2018/04/24/figs-celebrate-30-years-of-shaping-student-experience/