Educational Sessions IV

2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

How "HIP" is Your Class? An Examination of High-Impact Practice Characteristics in First-Year Seminar Syllabi

Jennifer Keup, PhD, Executive Director, National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition

Room: Phoenix B


Zoom link: https://wisconsin-edu.zoom.us/j/92844453834?pwd=Z1hsalJRd1d0MStXZkp2Ynh2RXdEQT09

Meeting ID: 928 4445 3834

Password: 206832

Evaluation Form


This presentation shares findings from an in-depth qualitative analysis of first-year seminar syllabi collected as part of the 2017 administration of the National Survey of First-Year Seminars conducted by the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition for evidence of the eight characteristics of HIPs. Results indicate that these syllabi were missing key opportunities for high-impact pedagogical practices, particularly for interaction with faculty and peers and exposure to diverse perspectives. However, these syllabi maintained high expectations and investment of time and energy; engaged students in opportunities for real-world applications and skill development; illustrated integrated learning approaches; and offered examples of promising practices for pedagogical approaches in FYSs. These results can be used to inform and refine FYSs, so they remain true to the HIPs model and maximize their potential as tools for equity and student success.