Each year, a talented group of students develop engaging one-credit courses that introduce first-year students to dozens of exciting fields and to a wide range of involvement, academic, and professional development opportunities here at Rutgers.
Interested in teaching a course at Rutgers as a First-Year Interest Group Seminars (FIGS) Peer Instructor? Peer Instructors are full-time juniors or seniors when they teach a FIGS course. The Peer Instructor application and selection process is held each fall semester for the following academic year.
Attend an information session to learn more about the FIGS Peer Instructor position, the selection process, and hear from FIGS staff and former PIs. Information sessions will be offered in September and October. Interested students can register for these virtual events through Handshake. These information sessions are not required, but highly encouraged. More information on the Peer Instructor position can be found in our information packet linked below.
Students enrolled in the School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers Business School, the Mason Gross School of the Arts, and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences can register for a FIGS class during the advising and registration process at New Student Orientation. Students are welcome to add a FIGS class to their schedule via WebReg throughout the summer and during Drop/Add week in the fall semester.
FIGS students gain new insights on an area of study and establish connections within the Rutgers community. Students can choose from 46 topics and learn related strategies for academic success. Through FIGS, students connect with peers with a similar interest, an undergraduate Peer Instructor, a faculty member, and staff from various offices. The course culminates with students developing a personal plan for their academic, extracurricular, and career development at Rutgers. 95% of students that took a FIGS agree that this course covers information that could help a student be successful in their first year at Rutgers.
Peer Instructor candidates must be full-time sophomores and juniors with at least 24 credits and at least one full semester completed at Rutgers at the time of application. Candidates must be in good academic and disciplinary standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application and at the time of teaching. All PIs must enroll in Peer Instructor Education (01:090:320), a three-credit course in the spring semester before they teach. Peer Instructors receive a stipend of $2,000 in the fall semester when they teach. Students are responsible for any applicable taxes.
We believe that teaching a college course is an incredible professional development opportunity for any Rutgers student. Whether you are planning to study law, practice medicine, work as an engineer, become a counselor, or enter the world of business, teaching a FIGS helps you develop the skills you’ll need to be successful in your field. Those include the NACE Career Competencies: Critical Thinking, Communication, Leadership, Professionalism, Equity & Inclusion, Career & Self-Development, Teamwork and Technology. Plus, 92% of PIs agree that the Peer Instructor Education course and the Peer Instructor experience have helped them prepare for their next steps as young professionals.
Applications will be available in Fall 2024 for candidates for Peer Instructor for the Fall 2025 semester. Students who meet the requirements above are welcome to apply by noon on Friday, October 18. Select candidates will be invited to a virtual interview in November. Candidates who interview must also acquire a recommendation form from a Rutgers faculty or staff member. Final decisions will be made in December.
Are FIGS available to all first-year students?
Currently, only students enrolling in the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, and the Rutgers Business School can enroll in a FIGS. Starting August 1, 2023, students enrolled in the Mason Gross School of the Arts can add a FIGS course via WebReg.
How many students are in a FIGS?
Each FIGS course has no more than twenty-five first-year students. The small class size means that our courses are a great way to get to know fellow students and your FIGS Peer Instructor.
I’m not sure what I want to major in. How should I select my FIGS topic?
FIGS are great opportunities to learn more about an area that interests you and to explore related majors, minors, and career paths. Ultimately, you should care about the content of the class, so select a topic that you’d like to learn more about.
What should I expect each week in my FIGS?
Your weekly FIGS class will be planned and facilitated by your Peer Instructor. FIGS are seminar courses, which means they are based on participation. You will receive the most benefit from this class if you come each week and take advantage of learning from your Peer Instructor and fellow students. All FIGS students will have the opportunity to hear from a peer panel, meet a faculty member, explore various aspects of your interest area, and learn about the many services and resources available at Rutgers. You will have some short homework assignments and projects, but they are all designed to complement your learning, not provide you with busywork.
How do I register for a FIGS?
When you attend New Student Orientation, talk to your academic advisor about taking a FIGS. You can select only one FIGS course. Visit WebReg to register for FIGS courses (course number 01:090:120 or 11:090:120. To see the list of available FIGS, visit the Fall 2024 FIGS Course Catalog. Don’t delay. FIGS fill quickly.
Can I add a FIGS after New Student Orientation?
First-year students can add a FIGS from the start of New Student Orientation up to and including the Drop/Add period at the beginning of the fall semester. Visit WebReg to register for FIGS courses (course number 01:090:120 or 11:090:120).
Can I take a FIGS and a Byrne Seminar?
Yes. If you are interested in both FIGS and Byrne Seminars, you should note this on your course request form when selecting your fall classes. FIGS are only offered during the fall. Byrne Seminars are offered in both fall and spring semesters.
How am I graded in FIGS?
FIGS are one-credit courses graded Pass/No Credit. There will be some homework to complete, but you will spend much of your time in this course exploring your interest area, discussing hot topics, and learning about the many resources available to you at Rutgers.
Does participation in FIGS impact my grade point average?
No. FIGS are graded Pass/No Credit, which means you do not receive a letter grade. Therefore, the grade that you receive is not factored into your grade point average.
Does the credit count towards graduation?
Yes, all students who successfully complete a FIGS course will receive one credit toward graduation. If you do not come to class and fail to complete the minimum assignments, you may receive a “No credit” grade in the course. FIGS do not satisfy specific core curriculum requirements.
Can I drop my FIGS?
The FIGS program follows the university-wide deadlines to withdraw. Students participating in a FIGS connected to their learning community should consult with the program director on the implications of dropping their FIGS course.
What do FIGS Peer Instructors do?
Peer Instructors (PIs) are responsible for teaching one section of a First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS). Each FIGS class meets a total of ten times during the fall semester only (once a week for eighty minutes). PIs collaborate with the FIGS Team to plan, develop, and implement a customized curriculum, designing classes around their academic expertise and the nine FIGS Elements. PIs also serve as helpful mentors, aiding students in adjusting to college life and understanding the many resources available at Rutgers.
What are the qualifications to become a FIGS Peer Instructor?
To apply to be a PI, you must be a full-time Rutgers undergraduate currently in their sophomore or junior year with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, with at least one full semester completed at Rutgers University. All PI’s must register for the 3 credit Peer Instructor Education seminar in the spring semester and participate in a three-day training August.
View the FIGS Peer Instructor Application Packet here.
What are we looking for in Peer Instructor candidates?
We are looking for candidates who are committed to their studies, involved in the Rutgers community, and excited about mentoring first-year students. Strong leadership and public speaking skills are a plus!
How do I apply?
Applications will be available in late Summer/early Fall 2024 for candidates for Peer Instructor for the Fall 2025 semester.
When will you hold interviews for the position?
Following the review of applications, select candidates will be invited to sign up for virtual interviews in November. Final selection announcements will be made in December.
Who are the interviewers, and what does the process entail?
The selection committee consists of Career Exploration and Success professionals, student staff, and current PIs.
For the virtual interview, candidates will be asked to facilitate a 10-minute engaging activity sharing a concept related to their potential FIGS course topic. These interviews will allow candidates to discuss their interests, skills, and experiences with several members of the selection committee. The purpose of the interviews is for us to get to know you better and for you to see if becoming a PI is the right leadership position for you.
When does the position start, and what is the time commitment?
Serving as a PI is a major commitment. Once chosen, PIs must enroll in the 3-credit Peer Instructor Education course in the spring semester and attend a summer training in August. In the following fall semester, PIs teach their FIGS course, and meet regularly with members of the FIGS staff.
Are Peer Instructors compensated for their services?
In the spring semester, Peer Instructors earn three credits by completing the Peer Instructor Education course (01:090:320). In the fall semester in which they teach, PIs receive a stipend of $2000.
When is Peer Instructor Education offered?
All PIs must register for Peer Instructor Education, a three-credit course in the spring semester. Multiple sections of PI Education will be offered. After hiring, Peer Instructors rank their class section preferences and then receive a SPN for registration. Peer Instructors receive three credits for the course, which meets for 180 minutes (3 hours) a week.
How can I learn more about becoming a Peer Instructor?
For more information, e-mail figs@echo.rutgers.edu.
"My experience being a FIGS Peer Instructor has taught me not only more about others, but also more about myself! I've learned great time management skills and have also discovered my love of teaching. It is by far one of my favorite experiences at Rutgers."
Hannah Posluszny
Former Peer Instructor
"Teaching first-year students through the FIGS program was an incredible and formative experience! By getting to create and lead my own class, I was able to embrace what it means to be a mentor and challenge myself to find unique ways to make an impact on my students."
Sujaan Sanghvi
Former Peer Instructor
"Getting in front of a classroom every week to teach a subject I’m passionate about has really helped me to be comfortable with being myself and trust in my abilities. Now that I’m graduating, I know that FIGS will definitely be one of my fondest Rutgers memories.”
Janelle Raymundo
Former Peer Instructor
