Residential Freshman Interest Groups

Connecting Classes and Community

The Residential FIG program builds upon the strength of our regular Freshman Interest Group program by providing students with a unique first year living-learning experience. Twenty to twenty four students will co-enroll in two high demand core-courses, and a two-credit seminar called "The University Community," taught by an upperclassmen that explores the many opportunities available to students at the UW. Students enrolling in Residential FIGs will live in Lander Hall, The First Year Experience Hall, which they share with non-FIG students. Residential FIG students live close enough to be able to easily form study groups and connect with other students will similar interests, but not so close that they limit their circle of friends.

This year the Residential FIG Program will contain some of the most sought after courses for incoming freshman, including Chem 142, Econ 200 and Com 201. Residential FIGs provide social and academic support to bolster success during the first year at UW. Additionally, each FIG has a Residential FIG leader who is an advanced undergraduate student available to help form study groups, assist with registration, provide advising services and direct you to campus resources. Additionally, Residential FIG participants will have priority access to several special events and fieldtrips throughout the quarter.

2009 Residential FIG leaders: Ben Drum (Senior, Neurobiology and English), Marisa Hoge (Senior, Communication and Art History), and Alex King (Senior, Informatics and Architecture)

In order to participate, you must apply for housing and will live in Lander Hall. Space is limited. If you are interested in registering for a Residential FIG, you have two options:

1. Register during your Summer Advising and Orientation Session. There will be advisers on hand to help you with course selection and registration.
2. Early Registration: Spaces will fill quickly so secure a space by emailing Clay Schwenn, Lead Academic Counselor in the Gateway Center. Please include your name, ID number, and the Residential FIG cluster you are interested in, and our office will register you for the Residential FIG. Early registration will not prevent you from making changes during your Summer Advising and Orientation Session.

Listen to the Residential FIG Leader Podcast!

There are six Residential FIGs with three class combinations offered in Autumn 2009:

Click on titles to review course descriptions. For more information, visit: depts.washington.edu/figs/openfigs.php or contact Grant Kollet (206-616-7260 or grantk3@u.washington.edu).