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Freshman Interest GroupsLiving-Learning Communities for On-Campus First-Year Students
FIG Sourcebook 2013-2014
If you have questions please contact:
Mary Duckworth, FIG [email protected]
Table of Contents
As a new first-year student planning to live in our residence halls, you might like to join our Freshman Interest Group Program or FIG, as everyone calls it. It is one of many options availableon campus to help you make a positive transition to life at UW-Stevens Point. This booklet talks about what FIG is, why you might like to join, and how to apply for membership.
FIG Sourcebook 2013-2014
What is FIG? 3
Why FIG? 7
How do the FIG groups differ? 9
How much of my time will FIG take? 11
How are FIG students selected? 15
Community Service FIG 17
Undeclared/Undecided Majors FIG 19
Life Sciences FIG 21
Natural Resources FIGs 23
Education FIG 25
How do I apply for FIG? 27
1
“The FIG
Program helped
me gain a social
life faster.”
2
Each Freshman Interest Group is a Living-Learning Community
What is FIG?
n Living in the same residence hall
n Learning in some of the same classes
n Participating in social and academic activities
Each FIG has up to 20 students who live in the same residence hall and take two or three of the same core classes from the same professors.
These courses are selected by FIG faculty and advisers for the FIG students. (Each of these classes will have some students who are not enrolled in the FIG program, too.) In addition to the classes associated with your FIG, you will be taking other courses that you will select yourself. Typically, most incoming students take three to five classes each semester. Your membership in FIG lasts two semesters—both the fall and spring semester of your first-year.
There is no fee to be a part of the FIG program! However, some FIGs are located in our newly renovated halls and students living in these halls pay an additional $100 per semester.
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4
The other part of the FIG program is the in-hall interaction you will have with the other students in your FIG group. Each FIG has an in-hall peer mentor called a FIG ARC (academic resource coordinator). You will meet with your group and your FIG ARC to learn about topics that will help you become a successful student and leader. You will also plan social events and special trips only open to FIG students. FIG students also have a room in their residence hall reserved only for their use for meeting and studying.
FIGs may not be appropriate for fine arts majors. Varsity sports may also pose major scheduling conflicts. Please confer with your coach or adviser regarding scheduling conflicts.
Can I still have my friend as my roommate in the residence hall if I join FIG? YES! Unless your friend has decided to join a FIG different from yours, you may still be roommates. Roommates need not both be in a FIG to room together.
Will FIG help me move toward graduation?YES! FIG is especially designed to move you efficiently through your undergraduate education.
Are my seats in FIG classes guaranteed?YES! You will be guaranteed a seat in your FIG courses for fall and spring semesters.
Will I have a chance to meet other people?YES! We want you to explore the rangeof possibilities the university has to offer you. FIG is not designed to box you in, but rather to open up the campus world to you.
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Getting Connected to UW-Stevens Point
Working with special student staff assigned to FIGsEach FIG has a specially trained student staff member assigned to the group. These upper-class students, who are called FIG academic resource coordinators (FIG ARCs), live in the same residence hall as their FIG students and serve as guides and mentors to them throughout their first year. The FIG ARC is not a tutor, but does act as a referral source, a role model and a peer mentor. FIG ARCS often meet withstudents, formally and informally, to talk about issues that are common to first-year students.
Why FIG?
Making a comfortable transition to the universityFIG students enjoy being part of FIG for a number of reasons. Near the top of the list is having a ready-made support group that makes all those college “firsts” a little less stressful - the first meal in the dining hall, the first day of classes, and the first paper, mid-term and final. Programs throughout the fall semester help first-year students adjust to the university.
7
Interacting SociallyBeing part of a FIG means students have the opportunity to develop social groups within their residence hall beyond their respective roommates and their floor or house. Each FIG is self-governed and plans social activities to participate in. These activities have included, depending on the FIG, large-scale activities such as camping, white-water rafting and attending plays or concerts, as well as smaller activities like having dinner at a faculty member’s house or cooking out. Each FIG also has its own FIG resource room available in the residence hall. This lounge is a casual environment for FIG students to gathersocially, study and have meetings.
On the formal side, FIG ARCs offer group presentations on study skills (for instance, managing your university time, taking effective notes, writing college-level papers, reading efficiently, and reducing test anxiety), and registering for classes. They will also direct students to other academic resources like tutoring and advising available throughout campus.
Opportunities for leadership and joining organizationsFIG ARCs offer presentations on leadership and student involvement including interest and skill inventories and learning about opportunities for involvement in organizations. FIG members are encouraged to get involved on campus wherever their interests lie!
Support for your classesFIG provides the frame for the “natural” study groups that FIG students can form with their peers, but it is up to the FIG students themselves to take part.
8
Six FIGs to choose from
How do the FIG groups differ?
Four of these groups are for students thinking about a particular major or broad emphasis. One is for students undecided about a major and one is for
students who want to get a strong start on their General Education Program (GEP) while participating in community service opportunities.
Details about each individual FIG are listed on pages 17-26.
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NATURAL RESOURCES FIGsare for students interested in the field of natural resources and who intend to pursue a major in that area. There are two Natural Resources FIGs available.
LIFE SCIENCES FIGis for students interested in the life sciences and health sciences fields and who intend to pursue a major in one of these areas.
COMMUNITY SERVICE FIGis for students from a variety of majors who would like to get a good start on their General Education Program (GEP) while also participating in community service opportunities.
UNDECIDED / UNDECLARED FIGhelps students who are uncertain or undecided about their prospective major and who are interested in exploring options.
EDUCATION FIGis for students interested in education careers and who intend to major in any of the tracks within the School of Education.
10
Building your FIG community
How much of my time will FIG take?
FIGs provide opportunity to interact and get acquainted within a small initial group of students. As a member of the FIG Program, you will be expected to participate in biweekly (once every two weeks) FIG meetings, which are arranged according to your schedule and those of your FIG-mates. These meetings have both an academic and a social purpose.
SocialOn the social side, you and your fellow FIG members will have an opportunity to plan social events and field trips while making use of a small budget especially for your FIG group. The FIG ARC helps plan biweekly meetings and information sessions in addition to social events and outings such as movies, dinners, on-campus events and trips with the FIG.
Here are just some of the events FIG members have participated in:
n Visiting the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium in Chicago
n Kayaking down the Plover River with UWSP Edventures
n Festival of India
n Milwaukee Zoo
n Haunted corn maze
n Senior Prom at local senior citizen care center
n Etiquette dinner
AcademicOn the academic side, your FIG ARC will cover study skills and other topics that will help you make a smoother, more comfortable transition from high school to the university environment.
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Study groupsWe encourage you to be active in study groups with your fellow FIG members. Because you will be sharing at least two courses with your FIG-mates, forming such groups in your residence hall will be easy. There is a resource room available for studying in your hall that will be only accessible to FIG students. Of course, electing to work with others on your academic assignments is up to you, but students see excellent results when they study together.
Where will I live?Because FIG is a “living-learning community,” each FIG is located in a specific residence hall. When you are accepted into a FIG you agree to live in that designated residence hall for both semesters of your first year.
How many students are accepted?If we had the resources, and if the FIGs were appropriate for everyone, we would gladly enroll every student who expresses an interest in a FIG. Because we are limited to enrolling a maximum of 20 students in each of the six FIGs, we believe the most equitable method is to ask each interested student to complete a brief application.
Academic progressFIGs are designed to set you on the most efficient path toward graduation. The courses associated with each FIG have been chosen specifically to start you out right. FIGs pave the way for you to take full advantage of every opportunity for making a strong start during your first-year.
13
“The FIG Program has
been a good way for me to
meet people and
adjust to my classes.”
14
Within each FIG we are looking for a diverse group of students. Because we believe learning communities work most effectively if they are composed of members from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, along with a wide range of interests, abilities and skills. With these criteria, any first-year studentwho has signed a residence hall contract has a good chance of being selected.
To attain a mixed group of students, we consider the following:
1. Gender - As much as possible we strive for a balance of all genders in each FIG.
2. Academic record- A variety of aptitudes provides a rich mixture of learning styles. FIGs are beneficial to students from all areas on the GPA spectrum.
3. Various background, skills, and attitudes - Each FIG reflects the personalities of its members—from diversity comes strength.
How are FIG students selected?How do I apply to the FIG program?
When your Orientation reservation card arrives in the mail, you need to ask for an early orientation session (Orientations 1 through 6). Because of campus logistics, we can only enroll students in a FIG who attend Orientations 1 through 6 (June 3 to June 20).
Orientation sessions available for FIG registration
IMPORTANT!Orientation information will be sent to you in February. Please refrain from calling Orientation before this time to request materials.
1 - June 3-4 4 - June 12-13 2 - June 5-6 5 - June 17-18 3 - June 10-11 6 - June 19-20
When/how will I know if I am selected?
We notify all FIG applicants via mailby mid-May of their status. Letters are sent to the address on file withUW-Stevens Point.
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Community Service FIG
Special featuresOffers a greater range of subject matter in the FIG courses for students of all majors. Also offers opportunities to participate in community service programs and events in addition to all the other benefits of FIG membership.
WhoStudents from any major (except performing arts) who have an interest in being involved in community service activities.
PurposeTo place you with a group of fellow students from many different majors who are interested in getting a good start on their General Education Program (GEP) while also serving the university and the Stevens Point community. This will give you a natural study group of peers who share an interest in out-of-the-boxclassroom involvement!
Community Service FIG Courses
Fall Semester 2013 n First-Year Seminar (3 credits)
n Philosophy 100 - Contemporary Moral Problems
(3 credits)
n Anthropology 110 – Contemporary Cultural Diversity (3 credits) 3 FIG Courses, Total FIG Credits 9
Spring Semester 2014 n Communication 101 - Fundamentals of Oral Communication (2-3 credits)
n Sociology 101 - Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
2 FIG Courses, Total FIG Credits 5 or 6
NOTE: Information is accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without prior notice.
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“Being in the
FIG Program made
it easier to approach
faculty members
for help.”
18
Undeclared/Undecided Majors FIG
WhoStudents who are uncertain or undecided about their prospective majors and are interested in exploring options.
Special featuresA professional adviser from the Student Academic Advising Center (SAAC) will be your official first year adviser. Includes a two-credit course, “Career Exploration” (Health Promotion/Wellness 107), taught by a university career counselor and designed to aid discovery of careers/majors of interest.
Undeclared/Undecided FIG Courses
Fall Semester 2013 n First-Year Seminar 151 - (3 credits) n Interior Architecture 150 - Cross Cultural Survey of Applied Design in the US (3 credits) n Health Promotion/Wellness 107 - Career Exploration (2 credits)3 FIG Courses, Total FIG Credits 8
Spring Semester 2014 n Communication 101- Fundamentals of Oral Communication (2-3 credits) n Psychology 110 - General Psychology (3 credits) n Philosophy 100 - Contemporary Moral Problems (3 credits)3 FIG Courses, Total FIG Credits 8 or 9
NOTE: Information is accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without prior notice.
PurposeTo provide a framework for exploring and talking about possible majors/minors and careers. To offer you a supportive group of students who are also trying to find the right major and career.
19
“I didn’t
know it (FIG)
was going to be
so fun and there
were so many
social events!”
20
Life Sciences FIG
WhoStudents seeking to major in biology or other life and health sciences - either teaching or nonteaching. Not appropriate for communicative disorders majors.
PurposeTo place you with a group of fellow students who are also interested in pursuing studies in any aspect ofbiological science.
Special featuresProvides immersion in life science courses required for many science-based majors both fall and spring semesters. Encourages natural study groups to form and focus on big courses related to these majors.
Life Sciences FIG Courses
Fall Semester 2013 n Biology 130 - Introduction to Plant Biology (5 credits)
n Chemistry 105 - Fundamental Chemistry (5 credits)
n Sociology 101 – Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)3 FIG Courses Total, FIG Credits 13
Spring Semester 2014 n Communication 101- Fundamentals of Oral Communication (2-3 credits)
n Biology 160 - Introduction to Animal Biology (5 credits)
n Chemistry 106 - Fundamental Chemistry (5 credits)
3 FIG Courses Total, FIG Credits 12 or 13
NOTE: Information is accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without prior notice.
21
“It was good to see
familiar faces in
my classes, especially
the first day.”
22
There are two Natural Resources FIGs available.Natural Resources FIGs
WhoProspective Natural Resources majors.
PurposeTo place you with a group of fellow students who are also interested in natural sciences careers so that you can study and problem-solve together. To give you a good start on the appropriate coursework should you decide to major in a natural resources area.
Natural Resources FIG Courses
Fall Semester 2013 n Sociology 101 - Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
n Natural Resources 150 - People, Resources and the Biosphere required to major (3 credits)
n Natural Resources 001 - Natural Resources Freshman Seminar required to major (0 credits)
3 FIG Courses Total, FIG Credits 6
Spring Semester 2014 n Communication 101 - Fundamentals of Oral Communication (2-3 credits)
n Natural Resources 151 - Ecological Basis for Natural Resource Management (3 credits)
n Interior Architecture 150 - Cross Cultural Survey of Applied Design in the U.S. (3 credits)
3 FIG Courses Total, FIG Credits 8 or 9
NOTE: Information is accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without prior notice.
Special featuresThe Academic Advisor from the College of Natural Resources will be your official first year advisor. Includes Natural Resources First-year Seminar and other courses specifically selected for Natural Resources majors.
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Education FIG
Whoprospective education majors interested in teaching.
Special featuresIncludes Educ 205 (Pluralism for Educators) during the fall semester. Appropriate for all education majors-including elementary education, special education, early elementary education and secondary/K-12 education. Acceptance and participation in the Education FIG in no way guarantees a student’s acceptance into the Professional Education Program.
PurposeTo place you with a group of fellow students who are also interested in education careers so that you can study and problem-solve together. To give you a good start on the appropriate coursework should you decide to major in education.
25
Education FIG Courses
Fall Semester 2013 n Education 205 – Pluralism for Educations (2 credits) n History 176 – United States to 1877 (3 credits)2 FIG Courses Total, FIG Credits 5
Spring Semester 2014 n Psychology 110 - General Psychology (3 credits)
n Communication 101 - Fundamentals of Oral Communication (2-3 credits)
2 FIG Courses Total, FIG Credits 5 or 6
NOTE: Information is accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without prior notice.
26
How do I apply for FIG?
We wish that each of you could join your FIG of choice for next year, but because we have only a limited number of spaces in each of the FIGs, unfortunately not everyone is able to join. If you are not placed in a FIG, please remember that UW-Stevens Point has many other academic programs for our incoming first-year students. You will learn about other opportunities at Orientation.
Application
Checklist
3 Answer all the questions on the enclosed application form.
3 Mail the application (the mailing address is given on the application). Review begins on May 3 and we continue to accept applications after that date as space allows.
3 Request an early Orientation (Sessions 1 - 6, June 3 - June 20)
3 Make sure you have submitted a signed Residential Living housing contract to the Residential Living Office.
3 CONFIRM your registration in person at your Orientation session and pick up your FIG registration packet.
3
27
“I liked having the lounge
room to be able to study in,
and have privacy.”
28
Welcome to UW-Stevens Point!
Making a successful transition to college is one of the biggest challenges you may face as an incoming student. Involvement in a FIG has proven to be a real benefit to students–socially and academically. Belonging to a community; living and learning together; and connecting to faculty, peer mentors, residence hall staff and other students all help new students start out on the right foot at UW-Stevens Point.
based on annual FIG assessment report
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Thank you for considering FIG!If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Mary Duckworth, FIG [email protected]
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It is the policy of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point not to discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, disability or age in its educational programs, activities or employment policies.
State funds were not used to print this document.
