Freshman Interest Groups

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Table
Tabl
e of Contents
What is FIG
FIG,
G, anyway
anyway? ............................................ 3
Each Freshmen
n Interest Group is a Living-Learning Community ............... 3
As a new freshman planning to live
in our residence halls, you might like
to join our Freshman Interest Group
Program or FIG, as everyone calls it.
Why FIG? ............................................................... 4
Getting Connected to UWSP ....................................................................... 4
Locating Academic Support ........................................................................ 4
Developing Your Social Leadership Skills ................................................... 4
How do the FIG groups differ?.............................. 5
Six FIGs to Choose From ............................................................................ 5
It is one of the many options available
to you on campus to help you make a
positive transition to life at UWSP.
Differences Among FIGs ............................................................................. 5
How Much of my time will FIG take? ................... 6
Building Your FIG Community ..................................................................... 6
Where will I live? .......................................................................................... 7
Academic Progress ...................................................................................... 7
This booklet talks about what FIG is,
why you might like to join, and how to
apply for membership.
How are FIG students selected? ............................ 8
How do I apply? ...........................................................................................9
Orientation Sessions Available for FIG Registration ................................... 9
When/how will I know if I am selected? ....................................................... 9
What do I do then? .......................................................................................9
Hansen Hall FIG .................................................. 10
Undeclared/undecided majors................................................................... 10
May Roach Hall FIG ............................................. 11
Interest in life sciences .............................................................................. 11
Knutzen & Neale Hall FIGs ..................................12
Interest in natural sciences ........................................................................ 12
Thomson Hall FIG ................................................13
Focus on general degree requirements .................................................... 13
Watson Hall FIG ...................................................14
Focus on general degree requirements .................................................... 14
If you have questions that our booklet
can’t answer, please contact:
FIG membership agreement ................................15
Just what am I agreeing to? ....................................................................... 15
Instructions for applying to the FIG program .....16
Shari Summers
Application checklist .................................................................................. 16
FIG Coordinator 715-346-3511
[email protected]
Brief descriptions of academic courses in FIGs ...17
What students say about FIG .................................................................... 18
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What is FIG, anyway?
Each Freshmen Interest Group is a Living-Learning Community
•
•
•
Living in the Same Residence Hall
Learning in Some of the Same Classes
Participating in Social and Academic Activities
E
ach FIG has up to 20 students who live in the same residence hall and take 2 or 3 of the same core
classes from the same professors. These courses are selected by FIG faculty and advisors 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 4 to 5 classes each semester. Your membership in FIG
lasts two semesters-both the Fall and Spring Semester of your freshman year.
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 conicts. Please confer with coach or advisor regarding scheduling conicts.
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 that is 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 efciently 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 life outside of FIG?
Will I have a chance to meet other people?
YES! We want you to explore the range of possibilities that 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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Why FIG?
Getting Connected to UWSP
Making a Comfortable Transition to the University.
F
IG students enjoy being part of FIG for a number of reasons. Near the top of the list is having a readymade support group that makes all those college “rsts” a little less stressful — the rst meal in the
dining hall, the rst day of classes, and the rst paper, mid-term, and nal. Programs throughout the fall
semester help freshmen adjust to the university.
Working with Special Student Staff Assigned to FIGs.
Each 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 freshman 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 with
students — formally and informally — to talk about issues that are common to freshmen.
Interacting Socially.
Being part of a FIG means that students have the opportunity to develop social groups within their
residence hall beyond their respective roommates and their oor or house. Each FIG is self-governed by a
leadership team, who plans social activities for the group. 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 lounge available in the residence hall. This lounge is a casual environment for FIG students to gather
socially, study, and have meetings.
Locating Academic Support
Support for Your Classes.
IG 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. 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 efciently, and reducing test anxiety) and registering for classes. They will
also direct students to other academic resources-like tutoring and advising-avail-able throughout campus.
F
Developing Your Social Leadership Skills
Opportunities for Leadership / Joining Organizations.
IG students have the opportunity to serve on their FIG’s Leadership Team. FIG ARCs offer
presentations on leadership and student involvement including interest and skill inventories and
learning about opportunities for involvement in organizations.
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How do the FIG groups differ?
Six FIGs to Choose From
F
or 2009-2010, we have six FIGs. Three of these groups are for students thinking about a particular
major or broad emphasis, one is for students undecided about a major and two are for students who
want to get a strong start on their General Degree Requirements (GDRs). Further details about each
individual FIG are listed on pages 10-14.
HANSEN HALL FIG
• helps students who are uncertain or undecided about their prospective majors.
MAY ROACH HALL FIG
• focuses on the Life Sciences and Health Sciences.
KNUTZEN HALL FIG
•
focuses on Natural Resources.
NEALE HALL FIG
• also focuses on Natural Resources.
THOMSON HALL FIG
• is for students from a variety of majors who would like to get a good start on their General Degree
Requirements (GDRs).
WATSON HALL FIG
• is for students from a variety of majors who would like to get a good start on their General Degree
Requirements (GDRs). Unlike other FIGs, the design of the Watson Hall FIG is also appropriate for
students who are considering Family and Consumer Education, Physical Education, Elementary
Education, Exceptional Education and Early Elementary Education as their possible major.
Differences Among FIGs
Every FIG is distinctive in a number of ways.
Interests / Majors
Your FIG is directed by its interest focus. Students share the same major or have similar interests.
Courses
Your FIG is shaped by its particular group of FIG courses. With the help of campus academic advisors,
we have carefully selected each FIG-associated course and its professor to ensure that you have a positive
freshman year experience. See pages 17 for descriptions of courses associated with each of the FIGs.
You!
Your FIG develops through the formal input of all of its members. Your FIG will be shaped by you and your
fellow FIG-mates each and every day next year. You will create and maintain your own living and learning
community — with a little help from your residence hall staff and your FIG faculty. Your FIG will reect
you!
“The FIG program made my transition from high school easier.”
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How Much of my time will FIG take?
Building Your FIG Community
F
IGs 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.
Academic
On 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.
Social
On the social side, you and your fellow FIG members will have an opportunity to plan social events and
eld trips — making use of a small budget especially for your FIG group.
A
s previously mentioned, FIG students have an upperclassman that lives in the residence
halls especially assigned to their individual FIGs known as the FIG ARC. The FIG ARC helps
plan biweekly meetings and trainings but they also have a small budget that funds the FIGs social
activities. They attend movies, dinners, on campus events and trips with their FIG. Here are just
some of the trips taken in past years:
•
•
•
•
Mall of America and Underwater World
Laser Tag
Art Village
Rattlers Game
•
•
•
Fireside Dinner Theater – “Music Man”
Baraboo Camping Trip
Sentry Theater production of trio of Jazz
At the end of the year, when asked what they wish they would have known about FIG beforehand,
here is what this past year’s FIG participants said about the program:
“I didn’t know it (FIG) was going to be so fun and there were so many social events!”
“I did so many things that I wouldn’t have been able to do if I wasn’t in FIG!”
“I thought it was going to be a group of students just sitting around and studying all the
time, it was just so much fun and the trips were great”
“The (FIG) study groups were helpful and it was great having someone to get notes from when
I missed a class!”
“(FIG) really helped the rst 2 or 3 weeks when I didn’t know anyone. (FIG) made it so
much easier!”
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Study Groups
We encourage you to help form or at least participate in study groups with some of 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 residence 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 we see excellent results when students study together.
Where will I live?
B
ecause FIG is a “Living-Learning Community,” each FIG is located in the residence hall that bears its
name. When you are accepted into a FIG, you agree to live in that residence hall both semesters of your
freshmen year. 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 six FIGs, we believe the most equitable method is to ask each interested student to
complete a brief application.
Academic Progress
F
IGs are designed to set you on the most efcient path toward graduation. The courses associated
with each FIG have been chosen specically 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 freshmen year. The courses
associated with each FIG are identied in the FIG course listings on page 17.
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How are FIG students selected?
W
ithin each interest focus, we are looking for a diverse group of students because we believe that
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 freshman who has signed a residence hall contract has a good chance of being selected.
We strive for a mixed group of students and in order to get that mix, we consider the following:
1. Gender mix As much as possible, we strive for an equal a balance of men and women.
2. ACT scores A variety of aptitudes provides a rich mixture of learning styles. FIGs are benecial to both ends of the
ACT score spectrum.
3. Various background, skills, and attitudes Each FIG reects the personalities of its members. From diversity comes strength.
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How do I apply to the FIG program?
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hen your Orientation reservation card arrives in the mail in April, you need to ask for an early
Orientation (Orientations 1 through 6). Because of our campus logistics, we can only enroll students
in FIG who attend Orientations 1 through 6 (June 8th to June 25th).
Orientation Sessions Available for FIG Registration
1st - June 8-9
2nd - June 10-11
3rd - June 15-16
4th - June 17-18
5th - June 22-23
6th - June 24-25
IMPORTANT! ORIENTATION INFORMATION WILL BE SENT TO YOU MID-TO LATEAPRIL. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM CALLING ORIENTATION BEFORE THIS TIME TO
REQUEST ORIENTATION MATERIALS.
When/how will I know if I am selected?
Mid-May we will mail potential membership notications to each student identied for one of the six FIGs
to the address you list on your FIG application.
What do I do then?
At orientation you are responsible for the following:
• Fill out your FIG enrollment forms on Day One of Orientation
• Sign your FIG agreement
• Register for classes
• Conrm your FIG membership on Day Two of Orientation
On Day One of Orientation,
come to the FIG Check-In Table at your rst orientation session. Please make sure to come at least 10
minutes prior to the start of this session to complete your FIG Enrollment Packet.
On Day Two, CONFIRM
your FIG enrollment at the FIG Conrmation Table when you register for classes.
IF YOU FORGET TO COME TO THE FIG CONFIRMATION TABLE ON DAY TWO, WE WILL
NEED TO REMOVE YOUR NAME FROM THE PROGRAM TO MAKE ROOM FOR OTHER
STUDENTS.
You are not ofcially a FIG member until you conrm during your
orientation session!
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Hansen Hall FIG
Undeclared/undecided majors
Designed for–
Students who are uncertain or undecided about their prospective majors.
Purpose
To 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 nd the right major and career.
Special Features
You will each be assigned a professional advisor from the Student Academic Advising Center (SAAC) for
your freshman FIG year. Includes a two-credit course entitled “Career Exploration” (Health Promotion/
Wellness 107) in the Spring Semester, taught by Career Counselor John Zach, designed to help you
discover careers/majors that might interest you and build upon your strengths. Includes two “golden
bullets,” to give you plenty of exibility in later selecting a major.
FIG COURSES FOR FALL SEMESTER 2009
Course
Title
GDR or Elective
Credits
English 101 or
Freshman English
GDR
3
** English 150
(Advanced Freshman English)
(GDR)
(3)
Interior Architecture
Survey of Design: Minority Cultures in the U.S.
GDR+
3
Health Promotion/Wellness 107
Career Exploration
GDR
2
Total FIG Credits
8
GDR or Elective
Credits
GDR
3
Summary:
3 FIG Courses
NOTE: Information is accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without prior notice.
FIG COURSES FOR SPRING SEMESTER 2010
Course
Title
English 102 or
Freshman English
Communications 101
Fundamentals of Oral Communication
(GDR)
(2)
Sociology 101
Intro to Sociology
GDR+
3
Religious Studies 100
Religions of the World: Eastern
GDR+
3
Total FIG Credits
8 or 9
Summary:
3 FIG Courses
NOTE: Information is accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without prior notice.
*
Communication 101 FIG seats are only for Hansen FIG students who were enrolled in English 150 during Fall Semester or who tested out of Freshman English.
** English placement - On day one of Orientation you will participate in a writing assessment exercise to determine your English placement. The FIG course schedule is designed to accommodate
you wherever you place.
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May Roach Hall FIG
Interest in life sciences
Designed for–
Students seeking to major in biology or other life and health sciences – either teaching or nonteaching.
Purpose
To place you with a group of fellow students who are also interested in pursuing studies in any aspect of
biological science.
Special Features
Provides immersion in Life Science courses required for biology majors both Fall and Spring Semester.
Encourages natural study groups to form which focus on big courses related to this major.
FIG COURSES FOR
R FALL SEMES
ESTE
TER
R 20
2009
09 (TE
(TESTED OUT OF MATH 100
00))
Course
Title
English 101 or
Freshman English
** English 150
(Advanced Freshman English)
Biology
gy 130
Chemistry 105
S
Summary:
GDR or Elective
Credits
GDR
3
(GDR)
(3)
Introduction to Plant Biology
gy
Required
q
for Biology
gy
5
Fundamental Chemistry
Required for Biology
5
Total
T
t l FIG C
Credits
dit
13
3 FIG C
Courses
NOTE: Information is accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without prior notice.
FIG COURSES FOR SPRING SEMESTER 2010 (TESTED OUT OF MATH 100)
Course
Title
English 102 or
Freshman English
Communications 101
Fundamentals of Oral Communication
Biology 160
Chemistry 106
Chemistr
Summary:
GDR or Elective
Credits
GDR
3
(GDR)
(2)
Introduction to Animal Biology
Required for Biology
5
Fundamental
F
ndamental Chemistr
Chemistry
Required
Req
ired for Biology
Biolog
5
Total FIG Credits
12 or 13
3 FIG Courses
NOTE: Information is accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without prior notice.
** English placement - On day one of Orientation you will participate in a writing assessment exercise to determine your English placement. The FIG course schedule is designed to accommodate
you wherever you place.
*
Communication 101 FIG seats are only for May Roach Hall FIG students who were enrolled in English 150 during Fall Semester or who tested out of Freshman English.
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Knutzen & Neale Hall FIGs
Interest in natural sciences
Designed for–
Prospective Natural Resources majors.
Purpose
To place you with a group of fellow students who are also interested in natural sources 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.
Special Features
The Academic Advisor from the College of Natural Resources will be your ofcial freshman year advisor.
Includes Natural Resources Freshman Seminar (Natural Resources 1). Includes two “golden bullet” GDRs.
Two FIGs - both focused on Natural Resources.
FIG COUR
CO
OURSE
U SE
UR
SES
ES FO
F R FA
FOR
FALL SEMESTER
SEMES
E TE
TER 20
2009
009
Course
Title
English 101 orr
Freshman English
GDR or Elective
Cred
dit
its
GDR
3
** English 150
(Advanced Freshman English)
(GDR)
(3)
Sociology 101
Introduction to Sociology
GDR+
3
Natural Resources 150
People, Resources and the Biosphere
Required to Major
2
Natural Resources 1
Natural Resources Freshman Seminar
Required
q
to Major
j
0
3 FIG Courses
Total FIG Credits
9
GDR or Elective
Credits
Summary:
NOTE: Information is accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without prior notice.
FIG COURSES FOR SPRING SEMESTER 2010
Course
Title
English 102 or
Freshman English
GDR
3
Communications 101
Fundamentals of Oral Communication
(GDR)
(2)
Natural Resources 151
Ecological Basis for Natural Resource Management
GDR+
3
History 204
Modern Global Environmental History
GDR+
3
Total FIG Credits
8 or 9
4 FIG Co
Courses
rses
NOTE: Information is accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without prior notice.
*
Communication 101 FIG seats are only for Knutzen/Neale FIG students who were enrolled in English 150 during Fall Semester or who tested out of Freshman English.
** English placement - On day one of Orientation you will participate in a writing assessment exercise to determine your English placement. The FIG course schedule is designed to accommodate
you wherever you place.
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Thomson Hall FIG
Focus on general degree requirements
Designed for–
students from any major (except Education or Performing Arts)
Purpose
To place you with a group of fellow students-from many different majors-who are also interested in getting
a good start on their General Degree Requirements (GDRs), so that you have a natural study group.
Special Features
Offers a greater range of subject matter in the FIG courses, which include both humanities and social
science areas. Offers the exibility of only two FIG courses each Fall and Spring Semester, with all the
other benets of FIG membership. Includes one “golden bullet” GDR.
FIG COURSES FO
OR FALL SE
EMESTER 2009
9
Course
Title
English
g
101 or
Freshman English
g h
GDR
3
** English 150
(A
Advanced Freshm
man English)
s
(GDR)
(3)
Sociology 101
In
Introdu
ntrod
o u
uction
ction
n to
o Sociology
Socciology
GDR+
3
Interior Architecture 150
Crross-Cultural Survvey of Applied Design
GDR+
3
Total FI
FIG
IG Credits
9
GDR or Elective
Crediits
GDR
3
(GDR)
(2)
Summary:
3 FIG Courses
GDR or Elective
GD
Credits
NOTE: Information is accurate att the time of publication
publication,, but is subjectt to change
ge
e without
witho
wit ut prior notice.
notice
FIG COURSES FO
OR SPRING SEM
EMESTER 2010
Course
Title
English 102 or
Freshman Eng
glis
lish
h
Communications 101
Fundamentals of Oral Communication
Philosophy 101
Contemporary Moral Problems
GDR
3
HP/W 102
The Healthy American
GDR
2
Total FIG Credits
7 or 8
4 FIG Courses
NOTE: Information is accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without prior notice.
*
Communication 101 FIG seats are only for Thomson FIG students who were enrolled in English 150 during Fall Semester or who tested out of Freshman English.
** English placement - On day one of Orientation you will participate in a writing assessment exercise to determine your English placement. The FIG course schedule is designed to accommodate
you wherever you place.
GDR General Degree Requirement - All UWSP students must take a group of GDRs that equip them with a foundation of broad based skills and knowledge.
GDR+ Golden Bullet - Some GDRs are worth twice the GDR credit because they satisfy requirements in two GDR categories.
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Watson Hall FIG
Focus on general degree requirements
Designed for–
Students from any major (except Performing Arts)
Purpose
To place you with a group of fellow students - from many different majors - who are interested in getting a
good start on their General Degree Requirements (GDR’s), so that you have a natural study group.
Special Features
Offers a greater range of subject matter in the FIG courses, which include both humanities and social
science areas. Offers the exibility of only two FIG courses in the Spring Semester, with all the other
benets of FIG membership. Is appropriate for many majors including Family and Consumer Education,
Physical Education, Elementary Education, Exceptional Education and Early Elementary Education.
Acceptance and participation in the Watson Hall FIG in no way guarantees student’s
acceptance into the School of Education.
FIG COURSES FOR FALL SEMESTER 2009
Course
Title
English 101 or
Freshman English
GDR
3
** English 150
(Advanced Freshman English)
(GDR)
(3)
Sociology 101
Introduction to Sociology
GDR+
3
Interior Architecture 150
Cross-Cultural Survey of Applied Design
GDR+
3
Total
T
t l FIG C
Credits
dit
9
GDR or Elective
Credits
GDR
3
(GDR)
(2)
GDR
3
Total FIG Credits
8
S
Summary:
3 FIG C
Courses
GDR or Elective
Credits
NOTE: Information is accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without prior notice.
FIG COURSES FOR SPRING SEMESTER 2010
Course
Title
English 102
Freshman English
Communications 101
Fundamentals of Oral Communication
Psychology 110
General Psychology
Summary:
3 FIG Courses
NOTE: Information is accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without prior notice.
** English placement - On day one of Orientation you will participate in a writing assessment exercise to determine your English placement. The FIG course schedule is designed to accommodate
you wherever you place.
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FIG membership agreement
Just what am I agreeing to?
I would like to participate in the FIG Program for 2009-2010.
In signing this agreement I understand that the FIG Program is two semesters in length - Fall 2009 and
Spring 2010. I realize this is a two semester commitment.
I agree that I will:
• Live in the residence hall designated for my FIG both semesters.
• Enroll in all courses designated for my FIG both semesters (unless I have approval from
the Coordinator of the FIG Program to make changes from the ofcial course schedule
for my FIG).
• My FIG is a living-learning community of which I will become a vital part; therefore
I agree to participate as much as I am able in ofcial academic and social activities
related to the FIG, such as study sessions, eld trips, and special events like plays, FIG
faculty dinners, or canoeing/camping (depending upon the particular FIG).
• I and my FIG-mates are the FIG. I agree to become involved in organizing and
participating in our FIG, so that we all will have a successful FIG experience.
• I authorize the Registration and Records Ofce at UWSP to release my academic records
to the FIG Program for the purpose of tracking my academic progress throughout my
term at UWSP.
Name (please print): __________________________________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________________________________
FIG: _____________________________________________________________________
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Instructions for applying to the FIG program
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 UWSP has many other academic programs for our
incoming freshman. You will learn about other opportunities at Orientation.
Application checklist
READ the FIG Membership Agreement on the previous page. FIG agreements extend through both
semesters. We feel it is very important that you carry through on your agreement when you sign it at
orientation.
FILL IN all the blanks and answer all the questions on the enclosed application form.
MAIL the application. (The mailing address is given on the application.) We begin reviewing of
applications on May 5th. We will accept applications until the program is lled.
READ “When/how will I know if I am selected for FIG?” and “What do I do then?” on page 9.
Remember...
The only students eligible to apply for the FIG program are those who have:
Requested an early Orientation (Sessions 1-6, June 8 - June 25)
Signed a Residential Living (housing) contract
CONFIRM your registration in person at your Orientation Session, otherwise we will remove your name
from our program.
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Brief descriptions of academic courses in FIGs
Course Prex & Credits Course Title
GDR or Elective
Biology 130
5 credits (Major)
Introduction to Plant
Biology
General biological principles with emphasis on growth, reproduction, structure, and functions of
plants; morphological studies of typical plants.
Biology 160
5 credits (Major)
Introduction to
Animal Biology
Anatomy, physiology, adaptation, and classication
of animals; morphology and anatomy of various types of animals.
Chemistry 105
5 credits (Major)
Fundamental
Chemistry
For students who desire one year of college chemistry. Fundamental principles and theories of
chemistry, stoichiometry, nuclear chemistry, thermochemistry, atomic structure and bonding,
descriptive chemistry of the nontransition metals.
Chemistry 106
5 credits (Major)
Fundamental
Chemistry
Continuation of 105. Equilibria, chemical kinetics, acids and bases, electrochemistry,
thermodynamics, descriptive chemistry of nonmetals and transition metals, qualitative analysis,
organic chemistry.
Communication 101
2 credits (Required GDR)
Fundamentals of
Oral Communication
Introduction to and application of those principles that lead to an understanding of and facility
with practical discourse.
English 101
3 credits (Required GDR)
Freshman English
Critical reading, logical thinking, and effective writing. Write frequently in and out of class, using
specic rhetorical strategies for a variety of purposes and audiences. Prereq: Satisfactory
placement test score.
English 102
3 credits (Required GDR)
Freshman English
Analytical reading and writing and the methods of inquiry common to various academic
disciplines. Write frequently in and out of class, using suitable sources of information and
appropriate methods of documentation.
English 150
3 credits (Required GDR)
Advanced Freshman
English
Research and writing using appropriate rhetorical strategies for students with potential for
accelerated reading, writing, and research. Prereq: Satisfactory test scores.
Health Promotion/
Wellness 107-2 credits (GDR)
Career Exploration
Practicum in career exploration.
History 204
3 credits (GDR)
Modern Global
Environmental
History
This course is a survey of global environmental history from 1750 to the present. Environmental
history explores the relationship between humans and nature and how it changes over time.
This class will explore that relationship in a global context, looking at the comparative inuence
of culture and society. The principal goal of the course is to encourage an understanding of the
importance of nature to human life.
HP/W102
2 credits (GDR)
The Healthy
American
Design, prescription, and implementation of personal exercise programs; lifestyle assessments,
diet techniques, stress management, tness theory.
Interior Architecture 150
3 credits (GDR)
Cross-Cultural
Survey of Applied
Design
Compare and contrast the design and use of everyday manufactured goods in Western culture
with their counterparts in a variety of non-Western societies. Explore material culture from micro
to global view of the home, workplace, and beyond.
Interior Architecture 160
3 credits (GDR)
Survey of Design:
Minority Cultures in
the U.S.
Understanding the design of utilitarian objects and the design of space in selected Native
American and non-European immigrant cultures. Investigates stereotype, discrimination,
majority inuence and historical tradition as a concet of design evolution in the U.S.
MATH 100
3 credits
College Algebra
Graphing linear equations and inequalities, exponents, radicals, quadratic equations, systems
of equations, study of.functions including exponentials and logarithmic functions. Prereq: 90 or
suitable placement test score.
Natural Resources 1
0 credits (Major)
Natural Resources
Freshman Seminar
Designed to introduce freshmen interested in natural resources to that eld of study.
Natural Resources 150
3 credits (Major)
People, Resources,
and the Biosphere
Global resource and environmental problems from a historic, socioeconomic, and biological
perspective.
Natural Resources 151
3 credits (Major)
Ecological Basis for
Natural Resources
Management
Basic principles of ecology and the application of those principles to management of natural
resources.
Philosophy 101
3 credits (GDR)
Contemporary Moral
Problems
An attempt to clarify selected contemporary moral issues by applying insights of moral
philosophy and tools of critical reection.
Psychology 110
3 credits (GDR)
General Psychology
The study of experience and behavior.
Religious Studies 100
3 credits (GDR)
Religions of the
World: Eastern
A survey of the ideas and practices of major Eastern religions: Hinduism and Buddhism.
Sociology 101
3 credits (GDR)
Introduction to
Sociology
Sociology as a special eld of social science, social relations, and social systems; the
organization of societies and other human groupings; fundamentals of sociological investigation,
dealing with the underlying premises, concepts, logic, and methods of sociology.
NOTE: Information is accurate at the time of publication, but is subject to change without prior notice.
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What students say about FIG
•
“The FIG Program has been a good way for me to meet
people and adjust to my classes.”
•
“I liked having the lounge room to be able to study in, and
have privacy.”
•
“The FIG Program helped me gain a social life faster.”
•
“I liked having people to have group study sessions with.”
•
“Being in the FIG Program made it easier to approach
faculty members for help.”
•
“It was good to see familiar faces in my classes, especially
the rst day.”
•
“The eld trips are a lot of fun.”
•
“I was more comfortable with faculty members because of
the FIG Program.”
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WELCOME TO UWSP!
M
aking a successful transition to college is one of the biggest challenges you may
face as an incoming freshmen. It has proven to be a real benet 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 freshmen start out on the right foot at college. Thank you for considering FIG!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Shari A. Summers
Freshmen Interest Group (FIG) Program Coordinator - UWSP
Phone: (715) 346-3511
[email protected]
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