Welcome, Western first-year students!
Western Washington University has created special first year academic programs designed to facilitate the transition of new students to college. There are three options available at WWU:
- FIGs: First-year Interest Groups Program
- FYE courses: First-Year Experience Courses
- GUR Strands: General University Requirement Strands
All the options aim to help first-year students integrate into university life by encouraging a stronger sense of academic community.
FIGS
A FIG is a cluster of three courses: two general education courses linked with a two-credit seminar (max. of 25 students). While the seminar itself is small, the general education classes (also known as “GURs”) are usually large. The learning community environment created by a FIG cluster can help students connect more quickly to university life, and foster a smoother transition from high school to college learning and expectations. Advance registration is available for FIGs from May 16 through July 13. They can also be registered for at Summerstart or during fall registration if spaces remain.
Students who participate in a FIG during their first quarter at Western consistently receive higher GPAs than other first-year students at WWU.
FYE
FYE courses are stand-alone courses offered by departments for academic credit (as either a GUR or an elective). Taught in small sections with registration restricted to first-year students, FYE courses provide first-year students with a small group experience similar to the FIGs 2-credit seminar. Registration for FYE courses is available at Summerstart or during fall registration if spaces remain.
GUR Strands
GUR strands are a special way to be more intentional about GUR selections during your freshmen year. A strand is composed of a sequence of three courses that are interrelated. Students enroll in one course during fall, one course during winter, and the final course during spring.