Did you know, the University of Missouri’s Freshman Interest Group (FIG) program turns 30 this year?  The FIG program allows groups of entering freshman to take a set of courses in a particular area of interest together during their first semester.

HDFS is also thrilled to announce that for the first time in this 30-year history, we will be hosting our own FIG in Fall 2025.  The Love, Relationships & Family FIG is designed for students who want to explore their interests in the science of being human and to better understand career pathways that can help support individual and family development.

Dr. Ashlie Lester, Associate Teaching Professor in HDFS, will be the faculty lead for the new FIG.  She will co-facilitate seminars to support FIG members along with an advanced HDFS undergraduate student. Required courses for students in this FIG include: HDFS 1610 – Intimate Relationships and Marriage, HDFS 1600 – Foundations of Family Science, and Comm 1200 – Public Speaking.  

Dr. Melissa Herzog, also an Associate Teaching Professor in HDFS, will be teaching the FIG section of 1610 in Fall. Both Drs. Herzog and Lester have a long and loving history with the FIG program. Each were members of FIGS in the late 90s when they entered Mizzou as freshmen. In fact, each has such fond memories of their FIG experience that they saved their official t-shirts (pictured here)! You can read more about their experiences – both inside and outside of the classroom – in this recent ShowMe Mizzou story

In the Love, Relationships & Family FIG students will be introduced to the field of Human Development and Family Science, hear from developmentalists and family scientists on campus and in the community, and explore human-centered careers. This FIG is open to students of any major and is a great choice for students who want to become therapists, social advocates, family service providers, and helpers to people of all ages.  If you or an entering freshman you know is interested, be sure to select this FIG on your admissions form by or before April 15.