What is FIG?

The Engineering Focused Interest Group (FIG) is designed to facilitate academic success at UTSA for incoming students.

The FIG program is made up of first-year students that share a common major, College, or theme, live together on the same floor of Guadalupe Hall, and share similar core classes.

Klesse College FIGs are co-enrolled in:

  • Calculus I
  • General Chemistry I
  • EPICS (Engineering Projects in Community Service)

They have access to a Peer Advisor who also lives in the same area of Guadalupe Hall and each FIG is assigned to a Faculty Mentor who hosts activities and presentations throughout the year.

FIG students on a couch

Interested in joining FIG?

The Engineering Focused Interest Group (FIG) Program is designed to facilitate academic success at UTSA for incoming students.

First step: Apply for housing

More Information About Engineering FIG

  • FIGs provide built-in study groups and mentoring from near peers to promote self-efficacy
  • A strong first semester sets the foundation for continued success and shorter time to graduation
  • Students are connected to a faculty mentor from day one and view faculty as an approachable resource and guide
  • FIGs are built around a common major or interest, helping students quickly find peers with similar passions and goals
  • All Klesse College FIG students will reside in the Honors Residential Community and enjoy the benefits of being considered an Honors cohort including early registration (typical Honors College requirements do not apply; however, Honors activities and programs are open to FIG students.
  • FIGs are built around a common major or interest, helping students quickly find peers with similar passions and goals

Faculty for each CEID FIG Course were selected to support students who are interested in pursuing a career in engineering. They will discuss potential pathways in engineering, including academic research and public and private industry.

Faculty mentors will provide insights on the different resources available to help you become involved in undergraduate research. You will learn about the research process, professionalism, and how to succeed at UTSA. Students will also be able to participate in social events and special presentations with faculty.

Klesse College FIG students will be paired with a Peer Mentor, a dedicated and experienced upper-classman who has been specially trained to help new students make the transition to university life. They provide support and guidance to students on a variety of challenges and help students get further connected to UTSA. The Klesse College FIG Peer Mentor lives on campus in the same residence hall as the FIG students.

Students selected to join the Klesse College FIG will be required to live on campus for their first year in Guadalupe Hall. Why live on campus? Studies show students who reside on campus report a higher degree of satisfaction with their college experience, have higher retention and graduation rates and are more likely to achieve a higher grade point average.Students in a dorm studying

The convenience of living on campus is invaluable. Students are within walking distance of the library, classroom buildings, the University Center, dining options, Health Services, and the Campus Recreation Center. They can get to early morning classes without fighting traffic, and participate in a late-night study group at the library or University Center without concern about the drive home. On-campus residents also have the added security of a dedicated university police force that patrols the campus 24 hours a day.

Employers have identified key skills and traits they seek when hiring a recent college graduate. These skills also lay the foundation for effective leadership which is necessary to advance in most fields. All Klesse College FIG students will have access to cutting edge leadership curriculum, training, and access to the Wiley Student Leadership Challenge assessments and materials. Students will participate in group sessions where they explore leadership styles and attributes to help you succeed in college and beyond.

Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design FIGs are co-enrolled in:

  • Calculus I
  • General Chemistry I
  • EPICS (Engineering Projects in Community Service (2 semesters))

The EPICS courses replace the Texas-mandated AIS course requirement.

FIG-specific course numbers and sections will be updated in mid-spring semester.