Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs)

A Freshman Interest Group (FIG) is a group of twenty-five first-year students who take two general-education courses together in the fall term. These are regular university courses that satisfy graduation requirements and are also open to non-FIG participants at all class levels. The FIG group within these larger classes is linked together through College Connections, a 1-credit course typically taught by one of the faculty teaching the two larger classes. Assisting in the course are advanced undergraduates who have demonstrated success in the courses in the FIG. These student mentors serve as teaching assistants to the faculty and arrange out-of-class activities that help new students become better acquainted with each other, the faculty, and campus resources.

Studies show that students who participate in a FIG achieve greater levels of academic success throughout their first year at the university. In addition to academic benefits, FIGs give new students the opportunity to make friends quickly and meet potential study partners. FIG students participate in social events, both with their fellow FIG members and other new students, and form friendships that may last throughout their college careers.

There are 61 FIGs to choose from, including Residential and Challenge FIGs.