FIGs serve both first-year and transfer students in their first quarter at UW. 

First-year Interest Groups — informational presentation

FIGs provide the following: 

  • Small cohorts of 20-25 students to take courses together and build connections in class.
  • A two-credit GEN ST 199: The University Community course taught by a current undergraduate student (FIG Leader) to help first-year students navigate the University. 
  • Simplified first quarter registration. Students can take a full course load and gain access to popular courses just by signing up for one FIG which registers students for all the courses clustered in that FIG. 

Campus partner involvement:

  • These are just two primary ways for campus partners to get involved, we are happy to connect to discuss further partnership opportunities if you email cluster@uw.edu. 
    • FIG clustering and course management (include your departmental courses in a FIG) 
    • FIG GEN ST 199 curriculum (submit a topic-specific module for the GEN ST 199: The University Community course)
  • Create a direct admit FIG: Direct admission FIG structure and process (Department needs to reach out to NSTP before winter quarter to start the process)

Clustering and course management

Clustering and course management                              
Extra Seats 
  • Learn more about Extra Seats
  • For extra seats in courses that are linked to a FIG section, we make spaces available to all students. These seats are first-come, first-serve. 
Get involved
  • Campus partners interested in discussing potential partnership ideas for clustering and course management can email cluster@uw.edu.  

GEN ST 199 curriculum 

199 examples and explanation 
  • See examples of 199 assignments 
  • Learn about the FIG Program 
Submit a module                                                                                                   
  • Read the instructions about how to create a module and use the "Module Template" provided. You can see an example "Involvement" module at the bottom of the document as a reference. 
  • Once you have completed your module, you can submit it by emailing it to the FIG Program at figs@uw.edu 
  • We will then add the module to the FIG Leader Google Drive as a resource for FIG Leaders to use in their curriculum development based on their student's needs.
FIG Leaders
  • Learn more about FIG Leaders
  • Topics include nominating or requesting a FIG Leader, FIG Leader applications, and connecting with the FIG Leader paired with your course. 
FIG research reports 
Get involved
  • Campus partners interested in discussing potential partnership ideas for the GEN ST 199 course can email figs@uw.edu. 
Submit a Module for FIG Program
  1. Read the instructions about how to create a module and use the "Module Template" provided. You can see an example "Involvement" module at the bottom of the document as a reference. 
  2. Once you have completed your module, you can submit it by emailing it to the FIG Program at figs@uw.edu 
  3. We will then add the module to the FIG Leader Google Drive as a resource for FIG Leaders to use in their curriculum development based on their students needs.
  4. Deadlines: 
    • March: If you want FIG Leaders to have access to your content as they are crafting their curriculum, we need it before Spring quarter starts. 
    • August: If you can't meet the March deadline, providing us with your content by August will allow FIG Leaders to review it as they reassess their curriculum before they start teaching. This will allow them to incorporate your material as they adjust their curriculum to best support their students' needs.