FIGS at FAU

What is the Difference Between the First-Year Interest Group (SLS 1411) and the Learning Community (SLS 1412)?

A FIG (SLS 1411) is a 1-credit course offered across many majors and colleges that helps you get college-ready while building connections through a mix of online learning and in-person sessions. It is designed for students who have elective credits.

In contrast, The Learning Community (SLS 1412) is a 0-credit course that is free to students who have no elective space in their majors.

It is only available to:

  • Exercise Science/Health Promotions & Health Science majors
  • Computer Science and Data Science & Analytics Majors or other Engineering major
  • First Generation students from all majors
Similar to the FIG (SLS 1411), in The Learning Community (SLS 1412), students will connect with peers in their major and build their academic skills to support their transition into Florida Atlantic and college life, but through in-person sessions.
sls courses

Why Join?

  • Whether you're in a FIG (SLS 1411) or Learning Community (SLS 1412), the goal is the same: to help you start strong at 麻豆精品视频and help you feel connected early.
  • By joining, you can:
    • Meet other first-year students who are in your major (or closely related majors)
    • Connect with a staff or faculty member in your college and get the inside scoop on the opportunities and expectations in your major
    • Get familiar with 麻豆精品视频resources, people, and opportunities that can help you succeed
    • Learn practical strategies for college life like time management, studying, staying motivated, and getting help when you need it
    • Feel more confident navigating your first semester

How Do I Join?

  • Check which course applies to you:
  • SLS 1412 (The Learning Community) is only for these majors:
    • Exercise Science/Health Promotions & Health Science majors
    • Computer Science and Data Science & Analytics Majors or other Engineering majors
    • First Generation students from all majors
  • All other eligible students typically join SLS 1411 (FIG) through their college (or an Undecided FIG if you haven't declared a major yet).
  • Register in using the CRN (5-digit number) or the section information listed for your college's course option. You can find these numbers in the program list.
  • Make sure the meeting time doesn't conflict with your other classes.
    • If you're not sure which one you should take or you don't see the right section for your major, your best next step is to:

If you have any questions about First-Year Experience classes at FAU, email isucceed@fau.edu.

Figs Program List

Program List

Colllege of Arts and Letters

Pre-Business

Social Work and Criminal Justice

College of Engineering and Computer Science

College of Science

College of Education

Special Interest FIGS

麻豆精品视频has a FIG for almost every college.

Only students with a declared major in the sponsoring college will be able to register for a First-Year Experience (SLS) course. If you are still deciding on your major, you can join one of our Undecided FIG sections. First Generation students are also encouraged to join the SLS1412: First Generation Learning Community. To join a First-Year Experience (SLS) course, you will register yourself for your college-sponsored FIG (SLS 1411) or Learning Community (SLS 1412), using the registration information, including course schedules, found on the FIG Registration Information page.

Note that SLS 1411 or SLS1412 may be required for certain majors, so read carefully through the descriptions.

麻豆精品视频has a FIG for almost every college.聽

Only students with a declared major in the sponsoring college will be able to register for a First-Year Experience (SLS) course. If you are still deciding on your major, you can join one of our Undecided FIG sections. First Generation students are also encouraged to join the SLS1412: First Generation Learning Community. To join a First-Year Experience (SLS) course, you will register yourself for your college-sponsored FIG (SLS 1411) or Learning Community (SLS 1412), using the registration information, including course schedules, found on the FIG Registration Information page.聽

Note that SLS 1411 or SLS1412 may be required for certain majors, so read carefully through the descriptions.聽

School of Communications & Media Studies Majors

In this FIG, students will explore Multimedia and Communication Studies while considering how media, communication, and human expression shape personal experiences, cultures, and society.

Pre Law (Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, History, English)

In this FIG, students will explore ideas of justice, power, and human behavior across philosophy, political science, sociology, history, and English while building a strong foundation for law-related interests and goals.

Explorations in Museum Studies (Art, Public Administration, History, Anthropology)

In this FIG, students will explore how museum studies connect communities to history, art, and culture while considering how objects, stories, and public spaces shape understanding of society, the past, and the present.

Explorations in Arts and Letters (Open to all Dorothy F. Schmidt Arts and Letters Majors)

In this FIG, students will explore the ideas, histories, cultures, and forms of expression that shape human experience while considering social, cultural, political, and creative perspectives across Arts and Letters.

Explorations in Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

In this FIG, consider how language, linguistics, and literature shape communication, culture, and human expression across time, place, and perspective.

Sociology FIG (Open to all Dorothy F. Schmidt Arts and Letters Majors)

Examine how social structures, human behavior, and cultural influences shape communities, relationships, and everyday life through the lens of sociology and explore the ideas, histories, cultures, and forms of expression that shape human experience while considering social, cultural, political, and creative perspectives across Arts and Letters.

Political Science FIG

Explore how power, government, policy, and civic life shape societies while building a deeper understanding of political systems and public issues.

History FIG

This FIG gives students the opportunity to connect with other History majors while exploring shared interests and learning about opportunities and resources within the major.

NOTE: The Dean of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters expects all incoming FTIC students to participate in a FIG, given capacity.

Pre-Business FIG: Exploring Majors, Minors, and Careers in the World of Business

The College of Business (COB) encourages new students to enroll in the Pre-Business FIG, taught by an expert COB faculty member who will help you build an academic learning map and explore paths to internships, jobs, and a successful career after graduation. You will be introduced to business careers, majors and minors, resume and interviewing techniques, and best practices to help you successfully enter the College of Business in your junior year.

Students in this FIG will explore the fields of Social Work and Criminal Justice, which often work together in service of justice and the public good. You will be introduced to skills such as time management, working with people, and relational, analytical, and critical thinking to support your transition into 麻豆精品视频and your future career. Open to first-year Criminal Justice and Social Work majors.

NOTE: All incoming freshmen in this major are required to complete this FIG in their first semester.

The College of Engineering & Computer Science pioneers big ideas that impact the global good. Similar to a FIG, this 0-credit Learning Community helps students explore engineering, computer science, and technological innovation while connecting with a cohort of peers who share similar academic and career interests. Designed to be flexible for student schedules, this course is expected for Computer Science and Data Analytics students, though other students may register if space is available.

NOTE: Incoming freshmen majoring in Computer Science and Data Analytics are expected to register for this course.

Pre-Health Professions

FAU’s Pre-Health Professions FIG offers students the opportunity to develop the skills and credentials needed for admission to medical school and other health-profession programs. This course helps students demonstrate academic excellence, understand the profession, and build strong interpersonal skills while developing a balanced approach to academics and health-related outreach or volunteering.

Exploring Science FIG

This FIG is the right fit for students who want to explore the many facets of science through career and academic development. The College’s education and research programs span the sciences and mathematics, with major efforts in fields ranging from biotechnology, bioinformatics, and brain science to cryptology and developmental systems.

Explore Exercise Science/Health Promotion and Health Science Learning Community (SLS 1412)

Note: This Learning Community is limited to incoming freshmen majoring in Exercise Science & Health Promotion and Health Science.

As part of this 0-credit Learning Community, students will be introduced to the University, ways to prepare for class, student resources, and connections between majors and careers while exploring total well-being, healthy aging, and the social, spiritual, biological, emotional, physical, and environmental aspects of health.

Exploring Biological Sciences FIG

Biology is the study of living things and their vital processes. Pursuing a Biology major can prepare students for a variety of careers in medical, environmental, and scientific fields. In this FIG, students will explore the biology curriculum, research opportunities, current 麻豆精品视频faculty research, and meaningful connections with the College of Science and each other.

Students in this FIG will explore the four core education career paths, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Exceptional Student Education, and Early Care & Education, while learning how to succeed in their desired major within FAU’s College of Education. Students will be introduced to educational topics and resources grounded in proven principles and new teaching innovations, while also connecting with key faculty, staff, and peers in a supportive learning community. Open to first-year Education majors and students who are undecided but interested in the College of Education.

NOTE: The College of Education recommends that all incoming first-year students in an Education major participate in a FIG.

UNDECIDED STUDENT FIG

Undecided (UN) FIGs are designed for students who are still exploring their major options and want support as they learn more about 麻豆精品视频majors and how they connect to their long-term goals. In these FIGs, students will also learn what it takes to be university- and career-ready.

*Pre-Health Profession FIG sections are also open to our undecided majors who are considering a career in medicine.

NOTE: For fall-admitted students who are undecided, this course is required in the fall.

FIRST-GENERATION LEARNING COMMUNITY

This course is designed to help first-generation students make the transition into college. Students will build community with each other, explore campus resources, and strengthen academic skills like task management, note-taking, learning strategies, short- and long-term planning, and more. Open to all majors.

STUDENT SUCCESS FIG

This course focuses on study skills, time management, organization, and other strategies that help students build strong academic habits and succeed in college. Open to all majors.

COCE (CENTER FOR ONLINE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION) FIG

This live virtual course is designed for students in online degree programs and helps them connect with other students, learn about 麻豆精品视频resources, and develop the academic skills needed to succeed as an online student.

NOTE: The COCE FIG is required for any student in an online degree program.

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Contact Us

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