Make a Difference FIRs interact with students to enhance their learning and enjoyment of the residential experience, which includes eating meals with residents on a regular basis. FIRs promote pluralism in residential settings where students of any background or life experience may feel comfortable. FIRs provide informal academic counseling. FIRs make referrals to other campus resources.
FIRs develop and implement educational programs.
FIRs attend training sessions and meetings in residence halls. FIRs maintain 10 to 12 hours of contact per week in the residence halls. This work is in addition to their full-time teaching, writing, and research responsibilities in their academic departments. Many students have benefitted from this on-site faculty assistance and often express their appreciation to the faculty. The most important impact of the FIR program is the encouragement it provides residents to be successful students.