What is a FIG?
A Freshman Interest Group (FIG) is a block of classes taken together by 20-25 students during the fall term of their first year. The students are co-enrolled in two regular group-satisfying classes and a one-credit College Connections class. The College Connections seminar is intended to help students think critically, acquire necessary academic skills, and adjust to university life. FIGs are offered in fall term only.
Some FIGs have special characteristics. Residential FIGs offer students the opportunity to live in the same residence hall as the other students in their FIG, thereby bringing together living and learning experiences. In Challenge FIGs, one of the two group-satisfying classes that make up the FIG block is a 300 level course. These are designed for motivated students who want the challenge of an upper level course their first term, while having the support of the FIG.
Each of the FIGs is led by a faculty member and an undergraduate FIG Academic Assistant (FA). Residential FAs assist in residential FIGs and live in the hall with the FIG students.
What is the College Connections seminar?
College Connections is a 1-credit seminar. The class is typically led by a faculty member teaching one of the academic courses in the FIG, with the assistance of an undergraduate FIG Academic Assistant (FA). The faculty member and the FA work collaboratively to help students draw connections between the other two courses in the FIG, and to help the FIG students integrate well into university life.
What are the goals of the FIG Program?
- Develop mentor relationships between student and faculty members
- Make connections between academic classes
- Develop a sense of community among students with similar interests
Who is eligible to enroll in a FIG?
Each FIG is limited to 25 students. The two academic courses will have both FIG and non-FIG students enrolled; only the 1-credit seminar is exclusive to the FIG. (When possible, discussion sections of one or both of the academic courses will have only students from the FIG.)
What is the compensation policy for teaching a College Connections course?
Total compensation for teaching a College Connections (199) course is $2,000 (+OPE*, if taken as pay). Two faculty members can co-teaching a College Connections course and share the compensation. For more complete information, see Compensation Policy and Procedures.
*OPE: Other Payroll Expenses. These are expenses that the University (through your department) pays for you such as: PERS contributions, Social Security, Medicare, Workers Compensations, etc. Any health insurance costs are paid by the faculty’s home department.
What are the Rippey Innovative Teaching Awards?
Rippey Innovative Teaching Awards, funded generously be an endowment established by Jim and Shirley Rippey, are intended to encourage and support the teaching of undergraduate courses by senior faculty members in the College of Arts and Sciences. For more information, see Rippey Innovative Teaching Awards & Application Process (pdf).
How do I propose a FIG?
The two academic classes must be regularly taught, introductory-level courses that meet general-education requirements. (A Challenge FIG may have one 300 level class.) The courses should be from different disciplines, but be linked by a common theme.
To propose a FIG:
- Contact the Director of First-Year Programs, Marilyn Linton at 541-346-1352 or email mlinton@uoregon.edu.
- Determine the theme and the two academic courses you would like to link.
- Contact the instructor(s) of the general-education course(s) and determine who will lead the College Connections seminar.
- Obtain the signatures requested on the FIG Proposal Form 2013. Written approval by email is also accepted for both department heads and course instructors. If you are applying for the Rippey award, that must be noted on the email approval as well, as faculty must be committed and able to teach the FIG two consecutive years.
- Attach the syllabus from each of the two academic courses and return the proposal to Jackie Etchison, First-Year Programs, 470 Oregon Hall or by email at jle@uoregon.edu
The 2013 FIG proposal deadline is Thursday, January 31, 2013.
