Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these detailed answers to frequently asked questions about First-Year Interest Groups and Living-Learning Communities. If you are a faculty member who would like to find out how to sponsor a FIG, scroll to the second set of FAQs.

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student questions

Have a question that is not here? Email figs@uwyo.edu and we will answer it and add it to our collection!

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FIG is a Freshman (or First-Year) Interest Group -- a community where first-year students live and on the same floor and take some of the same courses while getting to know a faculty member who sponsors the floor. A Living-Learning Community (LLC) is when students opt to live together but may not have common courses. There is still a faculty or staff sponsor who gets to know students on the floor through some events or meals.

Yes, you need to take all of the classes in the FIG. If you have prior credit for one of the courses in the FIG,  you won't be required to retake that course. All students in a FIG must be enrolled in the faculty-sponsored course. If you have prior credit for a course, have your college send an official transcript, or have an official copy of your AP results documenting your credit sent to the Admissions Office, then notify the FIG manager at figs@uwyo.edu. They will drop you from the class. You must remain enrolled in the classes and sections specified for your FIG.

Floor communities are living and learning communities, so a major component of the program is living on the same floor in the residence halls. FIG students are required to live on the FIG floor, and UW's policy is that all new students live in the residence halls. If you need more information on residence halls, please visit the Housing website.

The University Studies Program (USP) is the general education program that all University of Wyoming undergraduate students are required to complete. Many of the FIGs have anchor courses that are in the USP. The science courses satisfy the PN. Some FIGs have POLS 1000 which satisfies the V. For more information, check the FIG courses against the USP requirements on the USP website.

NOTE:  General Biology and General Chemistry require passing the math placement exam at level 3, or a minimum ACT math subscore of  23. 

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Some FIGs have specific requirements that the department has issued.  

Some FIGs require you to have a declared a major in the department which is offering the FIG.

Some floor communities have classes that require students to be at a certain math level. FIGs that contain CHEM 1020 (General Chemistry) or LIFE 1010 (General Biology) require students to be at a certain math level.  

In addition, in order to be eligible to join a LLCs, all students must fulfill the general requirements for joining.

The success of the community is dependent on students being in the same courses and sections together, so changes to the schedule are not allowed. If you're having a difficult time working out your schedule, contact  figs@uwyo.edu to talk about your options.

FIGs are beneficial in many ways. Being in a FIG or LLC helps with adjusting to campus, accessing resources, and connecting to faculty and staff across campus. In addition, FIG students have higher four-year graduation rates compared to their UW peers.

 

FIGs are beneficial in many ways. Being in a FIG or LLC helps with adjusting to campus, accessing resources, and connecting to faculty and staff across campus. In addition, FIG students have higher four-year graduation rates compared to their UW peers.

As you look through the available FIGs/LLCs, you will notice a few that contain course work that is specific to various majors. These FIGs are a good opportunity for students to build a community with other students with similar interests. You will also live on the same floor in the residence halls, where you will have access to special programming opportunities, designed specifically for your LLC.

The majority of the LLCs are designed around broad themes. They are generally designed to meet University Studies Program requirements, so you can't go wrong! The best strategy is to choose a LLC that sounds interesting. Even if you decide on a different major down the road, most of the courses you've completed as part of the LLC will still count toward your University Studies requirements. You will also live on the same floor in the residence halls, where you will have access to special programming opportunities, designed specifically for your LLC. All freshmen are encouraged to join - whether you're undeclared, have already declared a major, or just want to explore!

Faculty and Staff Questions

Have a question that is not here? Email figs@uwyo.edu and we will answer it and add it to our collection!

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Go to our Past FIGs website

We would love to have new LLC sponsors. Please take a look at the Floor Community Proposal Form and email figs@uwyo.edu if you have any questions.

No, we have lecturers and staff who are floor sponsors. You just need to be dedicated to first-year student success.

Sponsoring a floor requires you to attend two events in the fall and one in the spring as well as a meal in both semesters.