Rethinking the First-Year Seminar: Examining the Return on Investment by Instructor Role and Preparation

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Thursday 9:45am
  In Poster Session: Div J, Section 4 Poster Session 2

Abstract

While First-Year Seminars (FYS) are widely recognized for supporting student success, research has largely focused on student-level outcomes, with limited attention to who teaches these courses and how they are prepared. This study examined the relationship between instructor characteristics (role and preparation) and the perceived return on investment (ROI) of FYS courses. The results revealed significant positive associations between perceived ROI and having FYS courses taught by student affairs professionals, academic advisors, or tenure-track faculty. Additionally, institutions offering or requiring instructor training, especially longer-duration programs, reported stronger perceived outcomes. These findings highlight the influence of instructional staffing and professional development, reframing FYS as not just a student intervention but a faculty and organizational design decision.

Authors

• Jamil D. Johnson, University of South Carolina

• Masha Krsmanovic, University of Southern Mississippi

• Kevin Wenger, University of South Carolina