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 15 through July 1. 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!