Two programs that provide an important introduction to university life for freshmen are seeking proposals from UO faculty members for the 2015-16 academic year.

First-Year Seminars and Freshman Interest Groups are small classes that expose incoming students to new and thought-provoking subjects while helping them adjust to university life. Both are part of the university’s first-year programs effort to provide a solid academic foundation for new students and ensure their success.

Faculty proposals are being sought for both programs. Proposals for First-Year Seminars are due by Jan. 15, and Freshman Interest Group ideas are due Jan. 30.

First-Year Seminars are small courses that emphasize active discussion and interaction with faculty. They introduce freshmen to challenging subjects of special interest to the faculty member and carry three or four credits.

Subjects vary, with recent seminars covering the evolution of American popular music, nutrition myths, Buddhist art and health and development around the world. Faculty from all disciplines are encouraged to submit proposals.

Faculty involved in Freshman Interest Groups teach a one-credit College Connections seminar during fall term. The seminars have 20 to 25 students who are co-enrolled in two regular, group-satisfying courses from different disciplines but linked by a common theme, which is the topic of the seminar.

FIGs are meant to encourage students to think critically and acquire academic skills as well as introduce them to campus resources. Previous activities included an archaeological dig on the coast, Oregon Shakespeare Festival performances and a Eugene Symphony performance.

For more information on First-Year Seminars, contact Drew Brandel at 346-1136 or freshsem@uoregon.edu. For more information on Freshman Interest Groups, contact Marilyn Linton at 346-1352 or mlinton@uoregon.edu.

—By Greg Bolt, Public Affairs Communications