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 two options available at WWU:

• FIGs: First-year Interest Groups Program
• FYE courses: First Year Experience Courses

Both options aim to help first-year students integrate into university life by encouraging a stronger sense of academic community. Students who participate in either a FIG or FYE during their first quarter at Western consistently receive higher GPAs than other first-year students at WWU.

FIGs and FYE: How are they similar? How are they different?

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 1 through July 20. They can also be registered for at Summerstart or during fall registration if spaces remain.

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.

Explore first year programs!