WISE Learning Community

Location: Waters Residence Hall (three houses) | # of Residents: 137
Types of Rooms: coed by wing doubles (gender inclusive room options available)
Sponsors: College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, College of Engineering
Additional Fee: $250 (exception request form)
Instagram: @wise_uw

The Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) learning community is a welcoming environment for all students interested in learning about women’s contributions in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Residents will build a strong community with each other and staff/faculty who share their interests.

WISE’s mission is to cultivate engagement in STEM fields for all and to expose students to the many important contributions women have and continue to make in STEM.

By combining social, cultural, academic, and professional development, WISE helps students thrive in their first year at UW–Madison while building a foundation for lifelong success in a diverse workforce and interconnected world.

How to Join

All items must be completed by your due date (May 1 for most admitted students). You can be assigned to any learning/theme community even if you did not preference it.

Sign your University Residence Halls contract and submit your advance payment in My UW Housing.
Rank the WISE Learning Community first when you submit your hall preferences in My UW Housing.
Prioritize learning communities over residence halls when you submit your hall preferences in My UW Housing.
Indicate if you want a random or preferred roommate in My UW Housing, and create/join a roommate group if you have a preferred roommate(s). Make sure all preferred roommates have matching preferences.

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 professors and corporate professionals from all 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 professors or corporate STEM professionals, and/or a discussion on topics relevant to women’s contributions in STEM. Each semester students take field trips that might include a corporate visit, a lab tour, movie, or a performance. The seminar is only open to WISE students and fulfills the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences first-year seminar requirement.

Programming

Community Goals

Build a strong community with other WISE students (including past residents), UW–Madison faculty and staff, and the larger community of STEM scholars
Provide a community that inspires students to thrive in their first year at UW–Madison and beyond
Build a foundation for lifelong success in STEM fields
Improve the retention and success of students in STEM fields at UW–Madison
Expose students to women’s contributions in STEM fields
Expose students to different areas of study and research
Develop skills that will support students’ success as a college student and future professional

Events & Activities

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

Community building is at the core of the events and programs that take place in WISE. Residents have an opportunity to enjoy events in the community and around campus as well as field trips in our region. Examples include:

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

Community Expectations

WISE residents agree to abide by these community expectations:

Acknowledge that the WISE first-year seminar is an integral part of the WISE experience and agree to attend at least one semester of the seminar.
Agree to attend (at minimum) one WISE community event each month. These include activities such as: study groups, campus outings, arts and crafts, and info sessions from various campus departments.
Agree to meet twice per semester with your assigned WISE Peer Mentor (this person is a past-WISE resident who is a great resource for when you are new to campus).
Be open and respectful to the other residents of the WISE community.