"If you can, take a TrIG. Don't worry that you won't fit in and don't wait until after your first quarter to start getting involved. The UW has so many services, resources, and opportunities that you will have to find and pick those that are a match for your interest. There are far too many to take advantage of them all, but that is a good thing."

—Kim, CHID TrIG Leader

What is a TrIG?

Most TrIGs consist of one or two departmental courses that you take along with other transfer students. Each TrIG also contains General Studies 199: The University Community; this two-credit class, which meets each week of autumn quarter, is facilitated by a TrIG Leader, who is a UW undergraduate and a former transfer student. A handful of themed TrIGs are offered stand-alone and can be combined with any class schedule.

Why should I take a TrIG?

TrIGs give you the opportunity to meet other students with the same academic interests, get connected with an academic department, familiarize yourself with the larger university community, and learn how to complement your University experience both socially and academically.

How do I take a TrIG?

First, attend your Advising & Orientation date over the summer. Once eligible to register for classes, you may register using the SLN (Schedule Line Number) next to the TrIG name on the list of TrIGs below. Note: TrIG clusters can't be broken up. You must take the entire set of courses in the TrIG or not take the TrIG at all.

2009 Transfer Interest Groups (TrIGs)

CLUSTERED
Theme SLN Courses Sec Days Time Credits

Architecture

14033 Gen St 199: The University Community T1 Th 2:30pm–3:20pm 2
Arch 350: Architecture of the Ancient World C MWF 9:30am–10:20am 3

Biology

14034 Gen St 199: The University Community T2 W 2:30pm–3:20pm 2
Biol 355: Foundations in Molecular Cell Biology (Lecture) A MW 1:30pm–2:20pm 3
Biol 355: Foundations in Molecular Cell Biology (Quiz section) AC F 12:30pm–1:20pm

Comparative History
of Ideas (CHID)

14036 Gen St 199: The University Community T4 W 10:30am–11:20am 2
CHID 250: Special Topics: BioFutures (Lecture) A MW 2:30pm–4:20pm 5
CHID 250: BioFutures (Quiz section) AF F 11:30am–12:50pm

Political Science

14038 Gen St 199: The University Community T6 T 11:30am–12:20pm 2
Pol S 307: Religion and World Politics (Lecture) A MWF 10:30am–11:20am 5
Pol S 307: Religion and World Politics (Quiz section) AC TTh 10:30am–11:20am

Psychology

14039 Gen St 199: The University Community T7 W 2:30pm–3:20pm 2
Psych 202: Biopsychology (Lecture) A MTWTh 9:30am–10:20am 5
Psych 202: Biopsychology (Quiz section) AC F 8:30am–9:20am
Psych 209: Fundamentals of Psych Research (Lecture) A MWF 12:30pm–1:20pm 5
Psych 209: Fundamentals of Psych Research (Quiz section) AC Th 10:30am–11:20am
STAND-ALONE
Theme SLN Courses Sec Days Time Credits

Humanities

14035 Gen St 199: The University Community T3 T 11:30am–12:20pm 2

International Students

14037 Gen St 199: The University Community T5 W 10:30am–11:20am 2

Running Start

14040 Gen St 199: The University Community T8 W 2:30pm–3:20pm 2

Social Sciences

14041 Gen St 199: The University Community T9 Th 1:30pm–2:20pm 2

Meet the 2009 TrIG Leaders

Kim

Kim

TrIG: CHID

Why did you volunteer to be a TrIG leader? When I transferred to UW I reluctantly joined a TRIG, but it turned out to be great experience! I know how overwhelming it can be to try to adjust to a school of this size. The TRIG was an enormous help to me, so I wanted to help other transfer students in their transition. I enjoyed being a TRIG leader last year so much that I signed up to do it again.

Words of advice for incoming students? If you can, take a TRIG. Don't worry that you won't fit in and don't wait until after your first quarter to start getting involved. The UW has so many services, resources, and opportunities that you will have to find and pick those that are a match for your interest. There are far too many to take advantage of them all, but that is a good thing.

Emily

Emily

TrIG: Humanities

Why did you volunteer to be a TrIG leader? I'm seeking teaching experience, as I may opt to pursue teaching positions later in my academic career.

Words of advice for incoming students? To quote Douglas Adams: Don't panic. To quote David Bowie: You're not alone, no matter what or who you've been. And to quote my mother; eat good food, get lots of sleep and don't wear the same pair of jeans with the holes in them EVERY day for heaven's sake.

Megan

Megan

TrIG: Former Running Start

Why did you volunteer to be a TrIG leader? After learning more about the TRIG Program I became very disappointed that I did not take the class. I think that it is very important to build community and the TRIG Program is a great place to do it. I am excited to help incoming students connect to the community of UW.

Words of advice for incoming students? Do not be afraid to ask questions and to ask for help. I know that as a transfer student it can feel like there is a lot of pressure to have everything planned out and to already know how to be a "college student." I think it is important not to get caught up in this mindset. Don't be too hard on yourself at the beginning and remember that transferring to a large university requires an adjustment period.

Alaina

Alaina

TrIG: Architecture

Why did you volunteer to be a TrIG leader? I volunteered for the TRIG program because I want to help create a sense of community among transfer students interested in pursuing a degree in Architecture.

Words of advice for incoming students? Know your resources! The University of Washington can be an overwhelming experience, especially when you have questions and don't know where to look for the answers. With a little effort you can find your niche and the community that will enhance your educational experience.

Michael

Michael

TrIG: Political Science

Why did you volunteer to be a TrIG leader? I volunteered for the TRIG program because I wanted to be able to assist new transfer students with the process of becoming a part of the UW community. Being a transfer student myself I understand the excitement and challenges of transferring to the UW and hope that from my experiences I can help others through that transition and help new transfer students be successful.

Words of advice for incoming students? Never be afraid to ask questions. EVER. Whether you are in a lecture with 200 kids or meeting one-on-one with an adviser there is no reason to not ask questions and get answers you need to succeed. Try to not let opportunities pass you by, be open to trying new things, and make the absolute most of your time here at the University of Washington.

Hyerin

Hyerin

TrIG: International Students

Why did you volunteer to be a TrIG leader? Since I experienced such a frustrating transition, I totally sympathize with incoming international transfer students. Therefore, I volunteered for the TRIG program. I want to expose new students to opportunities at the UW and help them meet other students.

Words of advice for incoming students? Participate in events. Meet as many people as you can; don't be shy. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Stay on campus as much as you can so that you become familiar with what the UW has to offer.

Aswathypriya

Aswathypriya

TrIG: Biology

Why did you volunteer to be a TrIG leader? I volunteered to help incoming transfer students cope with their transition and provide information and resources to be successful in their chosen area of study. Being a transfer student myself there are many resources I wish I knew early. I hope to pass on this information to transfer students and help them have a well-rounded academic life.

Words of advice for incoming students? Take charge of your education. Ask questions and find people with similar interests. TALK TO YOUR ADVISER! Last but not least, have fun!

Amy

Amy

TrIG: Social Science

Why did you volunteer to be a TrIG leader? As a transfer student I attended a TRIG my first quarter and found it to be a helpful resource and the class provided a welcoming transition into the UW campus and culture.

Words of advice for incoming students? Welcome! You have a done a great job of working hard and making the great leap to the University of Washington. There are many, many resources now at your disposal. Before classes begin I encourage you to spend some time familiarizing yourself with the UW website to get a feel for the great opportunities we offer. The transition from a community college to a large university campus can be a bit of a challenge, let us join you in making that transition as successful as possible.

Greg

Greg

TrIG: Psychology

Why did you volunteer to be a TrIG leader? I took the TRIG class last year and found it extremely helpful to my transition to the University of Washington because the program directly connects students to important aspects, knowledge and people in the psychology department. I developed a clear academic map unique to meet the UW's psychology requirements, formed relationships with people in departments outside of psychology and made friends with other psychology students -- all of which made UW my new academic home. Since I benefitted so much from the Psych TRIG, I volunteered to facilitate our transfer students' acclamation to their new academic home.

Words of advice for incoming students? The large size of the UW becomes much smaller with the more friends you make, both in and out of your psych classes. A must for academic success is to form study groups. I cannot stress this enough. Also, visit the psychology advising office for more than the bare requirements.

First Year Programs

Transfer Interest Groups
Brought to you by First Year Programs
University of Washington
Box 352805
Seattle, WA 98195
trigs@u.washington.edu
Phone: (206)543-4905
Fax: (206)685-8299