This program will share results gained from multiple sources of student data on their experiences in a course taught by the Program on Intergroup Relations (IGR) called “Making the Most of Michigan.” Data will be presented from Fall 2024 through Winter 2026 semesters including from course evaluations, the IGR common assessment of learning, and course feedback, as well as student writing from an assignment titled "Capstone Letter to a Student Like Me." Using qualitative content coding, we will present themes in the letters relevant to the course learning outcomes. Come hear how students in their first undergraduate year connected a broad range of learning activities and campus resources to their social identities, SMART goals, well-being, and learning outcomes. The students' own words reinforce the results of the IGR assessment which show that ALA 171 students make statistically significant gains on our learning outcomes, such as understanding social identities, interacting with people of different backgrounds, and interrupting bias. We will connect students’ own descriptions (i.e., student voices) to the Student Life and LSA missions as well as the Provost's Office First Year Student Success Initiative and Transfer Student Success Project.
