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Focused Interest Communities house first year students together based on common academic major, pursuit or interest. These communities are designed to surround residents with other students who share similar goals and focus. By sharing their experiences in a community setting, students participating in the FICs will expand their understanding of special interest areas as well as form lifelong friendships with peers in related fields.
Each FIC is housed with Resident Assistant (R.A.) that has chosen the same major or a major closely related to that Focused Interest Community. A Faculty Fellow from that specific discipline is also connected with the FIC. In addition, FICs make it easier for students to create study groups with peers sharing the same interest and/or classes.
FIC residents have the opportunity for specialized programs geared towards their individual FIC. Students have participated in such programs as the School of Business Networking Dinner, Academia Mania, the Engineering FIC Egg Drop Competition and trips to the Fox Theatre.
"It's nice to be surrounded by people who are all here for the same reason, and know it."
- Kaydi Legate, 2008-2009 FIC resident
"It's really fun and great living in the Education FIC because you meet so many new people who have the same major and same classes. If you have questions about a class it's easy to find someone to help!"
- Katrina Moss, 2008-2009 FIC resident
"Living in a FIC is great because it's so easy to make friends. Everyone has the same interests."
- Luke Potthast, 2008-2009 FIC resident
New students wishing to become part of a Focused Interest Community should indicate their interest on their University Housing application.
To learn more about the Focused Interest Communities, please contact Vicky Dean, Assistant Director of Residential Education at vdean@siue.edu or 618-650-5296.
