First Year Programs

New & Returning FIG Leader

As a FIG Leader, you’ll gain valuable experience for the future while helping students succeed in their transition to college.

If you are interested in the Engineering Peer Educator position please visit the Emerging Leaders in Engineering (ELE) website.

Detailed information about the FIG Leader Role: FIG Leader Policies & Expectations Packet

Hiring Timeline & Application: Student Leadership - Dates & Applications 

  • FIG Leaders develop a ten-week curriculum in the spring quarter consisting of modules, lesson plans, and active learning classroom activities that will assist first-year students in their transition to university.
  • In the autumn quarter, FIG Leaders facilitate a section of GEN ST 199, by serving as a teacher and a mentor to the students in the FIG.
  • FIG Leaders collaborate with each other to develop lesson plans that help fulfill the purpose of GEN ST 199 and support new students as they develop confidence in navigating the UW and Seattle.

If offered the role, I will adhere to the following (See FIG Leader Policies & Expectations for date details):  

  1. I will attend the FIG Leader Welcome Night. 
  2. I have time blocked on my academic calendar to enroll in & attend one of the sections of GEN ST 270/470 (3 credits) in Spring Quarter. 
  3. I have blocked my calendar to attend FIG Leader Community Day. 
  4. I have blocked my calendar to complete 5-10 hours of Self-Guided Prep in September.
  5. I have blocked my calendar to attend the Pre-Quarter Meeting in September, in person on the UW Seattle campus. 
  6. I have blocked my calendar to attend Connection Group Meetings & Husky Kick-off in September. 
  7. I understand that I will be teaching one 50-minute section of the GEN ST 199 course in Autumn Quarter. (Scheduling of that 50-min time will occur during the Spring Quarter)
  8. I understand that in addition to teaching my GEN ST 199 course, I will enroll in one 50-min section of the GEN ST 270/470 course (3 credits) in Autumn Quarter. 

Full details on the hiring timeline, application questions, and the application form can be found here: Student Leadership - Dates & Applications

*Note: There are separate application forms for New- and Returning FIG Leaders. Please be sure to select the correct form when submitting your application.

Previous FIG Leaders

Meet previous FIG Leaders who have helped shape the FIG program!

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out some commonly asked questions about the First-year Interest Group Leader job and selection process.

Student Testimonials

“I have done it the past 2 years, and it was one of my most cherished experiences at UW.  This program let me be creative and manage a group of new students all by myself (for the most part).  I really strengthened my public speaking skills, which I will be able to effectively apply to my upcoming job after college.  I also learned a lot about interpersonal communication, how to motivate others, motivate myself, and be a role model.”

"In all honesty, being a Transfer FIG leader was one of the coolest academic experiences that I've ever had. I think that it's just as important for the student teachers as it is for the students who are in the Gen Studies 199 classes. I want to do it again next year!”