“I did the Exploring Human Dimensions with Natural Resources. I’m a science major, so it was a natural fit. In our FIG we got to go out on The Coral Sea -it was pretty cool. We dug up stuff from the ocean floor and saw all kinds of animals. I never thought I’d do something like that my first semester.”
- Casara Adkins, Freshman
Learning with People who Share Your Passions
One of the best ways to transition into college is to join a FIG. What’s a FIG? It’s short for Freshman Interest Group. Each FIG consists of up to 25 students who (in most cases) take two to five-thematically linked classes during the fall semester. The classes count towards your degree requirements and are based around a common theme. Past FIG themes have run the gamut from Leadership, Activism & Social Justice to Exploring the Marine Environment. Most freshmen join a FIG.
Depending on the FIG you pick, you can earn between 2-14 units towards General Education, American Institutions, Diversity and Common Ground, or major degree requirements.
Why Join a FIG?
Why join a FIG? For starters, taking a semester’s worth of classes with a group of people you know (and who share a common interest with you) is a fun way to ease into college life. Plus, signing up for FIGs automatically registers you for some classes your first semester. You’ll also experience small class sizes and the opportunity for in-depth discussions and relationships with professors and peers. FIG classes also tend to do things that are, well, just a lot of fun, such as field trips to Humboldt Bay and local forests, group dinners and movies.
Better Grades, Better Social Life
Students who join FIGs generally do better (academically and socially) than those who do not take advantage of the program. FIG students are likely to continue on to their sophomore year at a significantly higher rate than non-FIG freshmen (77.9% versus 72.7%). FIG students also complete more units during their first semester and are more satisfied with their college experience.
If you wish to participate in a FIG, your placement cannot be confirmed without receipt of EPT/ELM scores or confirmation that you are exempt from this requirement. It is your responsibility to provide SAT scores to the Office of Admissions prior to attending orientation. FIG placement is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to participate in a FIG, taking the exams early would be to your benefit.
Your Success Starts Here
Making the jump from high school to college can be challenging—it requires more work and better time-management skills. That’s why most FIG programs also include a seminar course designed to smooth your transition to Humboldt. Test-taking, study and time-management strategies are covered in your seminar. The seminar also helps you meet friends and potential study partners. The goal? To help you succeed in college.
