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FIG Leader Job Description and Application

Applications for 2008 are now available in PDF format. Please choose the option that applies to you.

Print, fill out, and turn in to First Year Programs, Mary Gates Hall, Room 171. Contact us at (206) 543-4905 or email figs@u.washington.edu with any questions.

About the FIG Leader Position and General Studies 199

  • FIGs are groups of 20 to 25 new UW freshmen co-enrolled in a cluster of classes for the fall quarter.
  • Each FIG includes a section of General Studies 199: The University Community, a course facilitated by a FIG Leader, an experienced UW undergraduate who serves as a teacher and mentor.
  • The purpose of General Studies 199 is to help students understand what the UW expects of them, to help students understand what they can expect of the UW, and to take active steps toward maximizing their educational experiences. It is structured around topics such as social issues, diversity, academic planning, campus resources and goal setting.
  • A complete plan for the program will be ready by the time FIG Leader training begins at the end of winter quarter.

FIG Leader Responsibilities

  • Spring quarter training (explained more below)
  • Teaching a section of General Studies 199 in autumn quarter. FIG Leaders are responsible for preparing each class session (the curricular framework for General Studies 199 is provided by the FIG Program, but each FIG Leader must prepare a lesson plan building on that framework, most of this will be done during training)
  • Pre-quarter training (Fri, Sept 19) and a pre-quarter meeting (Sun, Sept 21)
  • Attend a one-hour biweekly; class for FIG Leaders during autumn quarter in addition to teaching GEN ST 199
  • Must check email frequently!

FIG Leader Training Info

  • An introductory meeting at the end of winter quarter. (Two or three introductory meetings (2-3 hours) will be held at a variety of times so that each accepted applicant can choose a meeting that fits with his or her schedule). These will be on either Friday March 7 or Saturday March 8. Returning FIG Leaders will be required to attend on Thursday March 6 at 5:30.
  • Spring quarter training will consist of a 3-credit course, GEN ST 470, offered at a variety of times for one-hour and fifty minutes once a week, it will consist of intensive training in public speaking, discussion facilitation, lesson plan development, and leadership.
  • All FIG Leaders will reconvene at the beginning of autumn quarter for the mandatory Pre-Quarter Training (Friday, September 19) as well as the Pre-Quarter FIG meeting (Sunday, September 21); Times TBA.
  • Training continues throughout autumn quarter, consisting of biweekly small-group FIG Leader meetings, a continuation of the GEN ST 470 in the spring.
  • FIG Leaders are eligible to receive 3 credits for GEN ST 470 in Spring Quarter and 3 credits for GEN ST 470 in Autumn Quarter.

FIG Leader Eligibility

  • UW-Seattle undergraduates
  • Having been in a FIG is NOT required.
Beverly Cleary, author of children's books including the popular "Ramona" book series, graduated from the UW in 1939.
First Year Programs empowers entering students to become engaged and confident learners by facilitating supportive communities and creating educational experiences.