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Home > First-year Students
Experience the FIGS Difference.
What are FIGS?
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| What Students are Saying |
I learned many helpful tips through my FIGS class. I recommend a FIGS to anyone.
— Rena Brandeis
I really enjoyed this class because it has given me an opportunity to explore the various resources that are available here at Rutgers. It was very helpful to meet with Deans and talk to my peers about the classes that I will need.
— Anonymous
I am leaving FIGS with a wealth of knowledge that I'll constantly draw on in my academic pursuits and beyond.
— Audi Syarief
My peer instructor was awesome and it was really cool having a peer as a teacher. I highly recommend taking FIGS . . . you won't regret it!
— Anonymous
To me, a FIGS is like making the class your own. A professor isn't pouring knowledge out; instead, [the students] form the dynamics.
— Michelle Sha
The atmosphere is really laid back and because it's a small class, you get to know your classmates on a better level.
— Anonymous
I feel as if I have gained an advantage over other freshmen. The FIGS class has taught me a lot about who I want to be, and how I should pursue it.
— Philip Donascimento
First-year Interest Group Seminars are a great way to make this huge university your own.
— Kara Golden
(FIGS) helped me find a clear path to what I want to do.
— Anonymous
I learned many helpful tips through my FIGS class. I recommend a FIGS to anyone.
— Rena Brandeis
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First-year students in their first semester at Rutgers are invited to sign up for a First-year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS). Each seminar is worth one-credit and is taught by a trained Peer Instructor. During the 10 weeks of FIGS, students learn about the Rutgers community and explore an academic interest area. To learn more about the history and purpose of the FIGS program visit the About FIGS page.
Why take a FIGS?
Creating a strong foundation during your first semester is essential to your success. One key element to achieving this success is connecting to the Rutgers community early in your college career. FIGS are designed to aid you in transitioning into the Rutgers community while simultaneously helping you explore a potential major or interest area.
Since FIGS are taught by an experienced upper-class student, you gain valuable advice on how to navigate Rutgers from someone who has been in your shoes at one time. Think of your Peer Instructor as an informed mentor who is well equipped to answer your questions and start you on the right path.
Meet the 2009 Peer Instructors.
Benefits of FIGS:
- Small class environment with no more than 25 students
- Meet once per week with an informed Peer Instructor
- Meet faculty in your potential major
- Hear from other upper-class students during a peer panel
- Learn the ins and outs of many resources and services available at Rutgers
- Explore career, research and educational opportunities in your interest area
- Get to know other first-year students who have similar interests to yours
Join the community of hundreds of other Rutgers students who have benefited from the FIGS experience. So you ask, "Why take a FIGS?" . . . we ask, "Why not?!"
Here are a few of the FIGS academic interest areas: (Note: List is subject to change)
| Art/Art History |
Health & Medicine |
| Business |
History |
| Communication |
Journalism |
| Computer Science |
Law & Leadership |
| Dental Professions |
Philosophy |
| Diversity/Global Society |
Psychology |
| Education |
Social Work |
| English/Literature |
Sociology |
| Environmental Policy |
Theater Arts |
| Food Production |
Veterinary Medicine (Animal Science) |
| Foreign Language |
Women's & Gender Studies |
To see descriptions of all FIGS course topics and view sample FIGS syllabi, click here.
Sign-up for FIGS
To see a description of the FIGS available for Fall 2009, click here
When you come to campus for an advising day, talk to your academic adviser about taking a FIGS course and indicate your choice on the appropriate course registration form. If a FIGS course does not appear on your fall course schedule, you can register yourself during the drop/add period at the beginning of the Fall semester. Visit http://webreg.rutgers.edu to register for FIGS courses (course number 01:090:120 or 11:090:120).
Discovery House FIGS
Discovery Houses are unique Rutgers University Living-Learning Communities housed on the Livingston campus. Small, select groups of first-year students enjoy the benefits of sharing common residential and academic experiences while making new friends, exploring common interests and being a part of a close community of peers. A benefit of participating in the Discovery House program is the opportunity to take a cluster of 3 classes together, FIGS, Expository Writing and a content course (i.e., General Biology, Law & Politics, etc.). Not only will you benefit from the small intimate environment of a FIGS, but you will have the opportunity to share your academic interests with your friends! Discovery House FIGS are available in four interest areas: Business, Heath & Medicine, Law & Leadership and Psychology. To learn more about Discovery Houses, click here.
Achievement in Math and Science (AIMS) FIGS
Achievement in Math and Science (AIMS) is a learning community for SAS/SEBS first-year students considering studies in science, math or technology. Students in this program will enjoy the benefits of sharing common academic experiences, making new friends, exploring common interests and being a part of a community of peers. Students will benefit from special meetings, trips and events with faculty, alumni, and upper class students who will share information about scientific innovation that will profoundly affect our lives. Students in AIMS take 3 classes together: FIGS: Exploring Careers in the Sciences, Expository Writing, and Precalculus College Mathematics or Intermediate Algebra (depending on placement test results). To learn more about AIMS, click here.
Want more information?
For more information about FIGS visit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or Contact Us.
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