group of WISE residents at convocation

Women in Science & Engineering Learning Community

How to Join

  1. Sign your University Residence Halls contract and submit your advance payment in My UW Housing
  2. Select the Women in Science & Engineering Learning Community as your top choice when you submit your hall preferences in My UW Housing
  3. Prioritize learning communities over residence halls when you submit your hall preferences in My UW Housing
  4. Receive your room assignment

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WISE opened doors. It helped me go to another country and succeed in my classes. It helped me learn to recognize when to ask for help and when to do things on my own. The possibilities are endless.

Christine M., WISE Resident

Seminar

WISE residents enjoy their convocation barbeque

WISE Seminar
Interdisciplinary Courses 175 | 1 Credit

The WISE seminar helps residents network to build their social and professional community by developing connections with other WISE residents, as well as to a large and diverse group of women professors and corporate professionals in STEM fields. The Seminar often includes dinner, although this varies depending on the program. Students may enjoy a guest speaker, a round table discussion with visiting women professors or corporate STEM professionals, and/or discuss a particular topic relevant to women studying or working in STEM. Two to three times each semester students take field trips that might include a movie, a corporate visit, a lab tour, or a performance. The seminar is only open to WISE students and fulfills the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences Freshman Seminar Requirement.

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Programming

Community Goals

  • Live together with women who share an interest in science and engineering
  • Build strong academic and personal connections with peers, faculty and professionals
  • Create a smaller community within a large university
  • Develop lifelong friendships with women who share a passion for STEM
  • Explore new ideas in a seminar designed to build a foundation for lifelong success
  • Learn about cutting-edge scientific research topics and future career possibilities
  • Connect with UW-Madison faculty that can share student research opportunities
  • Network with professional women from our local community
  • Access summer research grant money just for WISE students
  • Visit innovative scientific labs and companies
  • Experience local cultural arts, visits to area attractions and hands-on arts activities

WISE gives each young woman a place that is comfortable and where she can thrive socially and academically. WISE residents develop lifelong friendships with each other and as well as supportive relationships with peer mentors, faculty and Madison-area professionals.

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Events & Activities

WISE integrates a regular schedule of social and enrichment activities including lab and research tours, plays and concerts, and community building events. Students have opportunities to network with professionals in the STEM fields while also developing relationships and discovering a variety of interests and topic areas.

Discovery and community building are at the core of every event and program that takes place in WISE. Residents have an opportunity to enjoy events in the community and around campus as well as field trips in our region:

  • Cultural events and workshops
  • Hands-on arts activities
  • Career and professional development
  • Performing arts events — theater, concerts and more
  • Behind the scenes tours
  • Self-care and de-stress workshops
  • Holiday celebrations
  • Birthday celebrations
  • Fun community building
  • Outdoor activities

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WISE Professional Staff

Becky Larson

Position title: Faculty Director of WISE
Associate Professor – Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies

Sophia Muta

Position title: Residence Life Coordinator

Aurelie Rakotondrafara

Position title: Faculty Director of WISE, Associate Professor - Department of Plant Pathology

Jacqueline Whitley

Position title: Residence Life Program Manager