Located in Bluff Hall, the FICS consist of eleven wings of first-year students housed together by a common academic major, pursuit, or interest. These communities are designed to provide residents with the support of other students studying the same subjects. 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.
Students have the benefit of forming study groups and lifelong friendships with peers sharing the same interests and/or classes as one another. In addition, each FIC is housed with a Resident Assistant that has chosen the same major or a major closely related to that Focused Interest Community, as well as, a paired Faculty Fellow from that specific discipline.
Bluff Hall 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 Theater.
2008-2009 Focused Interest Communities:
Business: Pre-majors in the school of Business
Creative Arts: Pre-majors or minors in Art & Design or Theater & Dance
College of Arts & Sciences: Pre-majors in the traditional liberal arts within the College of Arts & Sciences
Education: Pre-majors in the School of Education and Psychology
Engineering & Technology: Declared majors and/or pre-majors in the School of Engineering
Health Sciences & Professionals: Pre-majors in the Pre-Professional program tracks for Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Medicine, Pre-Pharmacy, or health related sciences
Nursing: Pre-majors in the School of Nursing
Quest: Students looking to explore majors and/or those who are undeclared
Scholars: University Meridian Scholarship recipients or students participating in the University Honors Program
What are students saying about the FICS?
“I ended up getting to live with a bunch of guys just like me. How awesome is that? It’s better than getting stuck with someone you have nothing in common with.” -- Tyler Mathis, Technology FIC
“The nursing FIC has helped me foster close ties with my wing mates through cooperative studying and learning to help me understand my classes.” -- Chad Bates, Nursing FIC
“It’s nice to have people on your wing who are in the same classes as I am.” -- Chelsea Ash, Business FIC
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 Lisa Israel, Assistant Director for Residential Education at lisrael@siue.edu or 618-650-5296