Discover. Connect. Thrive.

Current Freshman Interest Groups

What is a FIG?

Freshman Interest Groups, or FIGs, offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into a ready-made community in pursuit of excellence at Mizzou. Gain priority access to in-demand classes aligned with your major or area of interest, while benefitting from a weekly seminar led by a teaching team comprised of Peer Learning Advisor and a faculty or staff member. You will also be co-enrolled with about 20 other FIG students in three classes selected by your FIG leader, which gives you a built-in study group from day one.

Learn more about FIGs

Student perspective

Make an impact

Being a Peer Learning Advisor (PLA) has been a highlight of my Mizzou experience…. I have grown so much in my teaching and leadership skills. Receiving the FIG Excellence in Leadership Award motivated me to apply to be a PLA for both business and first-generation college students. My upbringing as a first-gen student from a rural community helps me connect with freshmen, and it is a privilege to have an impact on first-gen students.

–Audrey Snider, marketing and film production major

Learn more about Audrey
Audrey Snider posing outside

What is a Peer Learning Advisor?

FIG Peer Learning Advisors are student leaders who are passionate about Mizzou, their major, and mentoring new Tigers. PLAs work with faculty and staff co-facilitators to lead a one-credit-hour seminar for incoming freshmen in the fall semester.

Meet the Peer Learning Advisors

Spotlight on Excellence

Dec. 18, 2024

Nathan Reed, Peer Learning Advisor

Nathan Reed received the FIG Excellence in Leadership Award for his work leading the Business FIG.

Dec. 18, 2024

Emily Mahler, FIG Co-Facilitator

Emily Mahler received the FIG Excellence in Leadership Award for her work leading the Heath Sciences Freshman Interest Group.
Riley Dutcher in KOMU newsroom

Dec. 18, 2024

Riley Dutcher, Peer Learning Advisor

Riley received the FIG Excellence in Leadership Award for his work leading the Sports Journalism Freshman Interest Group.
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By the Numbers

FIGs are Growing

50+

FIGs Available in Fall 2024

1200+

Freshman students enrolling in FIGs

50+

Peer Learning Advisors for Fall 2024

Program Outcomes

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