What are FIGs?
Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs) is a unique academic/residential/social program designed to help you make IU your new home. Groups of freshmen take classes together and live together in the same residence hall. FIGs are a great way to meet other new students and make your academic transition easier.When you join a FIG, you'll take two or three courses, plus a one credit FIG Seminar, taught by one of the Peer Instructors, with a particular curriculum based on your needs, and with a group of your fellow freshman. FIG students live near each other in their residential neighborhoods.
Each FIG is based on a theme - like "Taking Care of Business" or "Exploring Psychology" - and is designed to help students explore academic and career interests or learn more about specific majors and minors. FIGs courses fulfill degree requirements at various IU schools. FIGs are part of Early Experiences, and the majority of FIGsters will have a University Division advisor, the academic home to 95% of new freshmen. The classes in each FIG have been selected with assistance from University Division academic advisors as well as advisors across departments and schools on campus.
What is the FIGs Seminar?
The FIGs Seminar is a one credit course that serves as the thread that ties together the academic, residential, and social experiences for FIGs. Like your other courses, the FIGs Seminar meets regularly, has assignments, results in a grade, and counts toward graduation credits. The FIGs Seminar is specifically designed to help you succeed at IU. You will get a chance to sharpen your college study skills and start study groups with your fellow FIGs students. You will also get first-hand experience with the vast intellectual, cultural, and academic resources on campus. This means that you will take a variety of outings and field trips to concerts, plays, exhibits, museums, libraries, and offices across campus.
If you would like to know more, please check out the COLL-X 111 FIGs Seminar curriculum.
What if I Join a FIG?
When you join a FIG, you will take two or three courses (usually six to nine credit hours), plus a one-credit FIGs Seminar with a group of up to 20 of your fellow freshmen. The seminar meets once a week for 50 minutes, follows a particular curriculum, and is taught by a Peer Instructor (PI). (PIs are seasoned and thoroughly trained junior and senior students who will help you get your feet on the ground as you begin your IU experience.) You will also live in a specific residential neighborhood with your fellow FIGs students.Who can Join?
Any freshman can be in a FIG, and nothing special is required to sign up – no extra fees (except for FIGs located in Thematic or Academic Communities) and there are no academic requirements (except for FIGs # 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 23 that include the “Elementary Composition” course, ENG-W131/170). Academic Requirements
You need to have an SAT score of 480 to 660 or an ACT score of 21 to 31 to take ENG-W131/170. Students with scores above these ranges or an Advanced Placement English score of 4 or 5 are exempt from ENG-W131/170. Due to the unique nature of the common course experience, students who have completed or are exempt from ENG-W131/170 should not enroll in FIGs #3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 23.