Women in Science & Engineering Learning Community

WISE’s mission is to cultivate lifelong engagement in STEM fields in UW-Madison undergraduate women and other underrepresented genders. By building a diverse and affirming living and learning community that integrates students’ cultural, academic, personal, and professional backgrounds and aspirations, WISE shapes its residents’ on-campus experiences and learning opportunities.

By combining social, cultural, academic, and professional development, WISE helps students thrive in their first years at UW-Madison while building a foundation for lifelong success.

How to Join

Sign your University Residence Halls contract and submit your advance payment in My UW Housing
Select the Women in Science & Engineering Learning Community as your top choice 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
Receive your room assignment

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

Programming

Community Goals

Build a strong community with other WISE students (including past residents), UW-Madison faculty and staff, and the larger community of women and underrepresented genders in STEM
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 retention and success of women and underrepresented genders in STEM fields at UW-Madison
Provide additional support for underrepresented groups
Expose students to gender issues in STEM
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

Seminar

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 female-identifying 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 professors or corporate STEM professionals, and/or a discussion on topics relevant to underrepresented populations studying or working 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 Freshman Seminar Requirement.

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.