Welcome to WISE
The Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Program seeks to increase the number of individuals from various underrepresented groups in science, math and engineering fields through outreach, recruitment and retention efforts. Combining the vast resources of a major university with the close bonds of a small community, the WISE College Program enables undergraduate students to work closely with peers and faculty to form friendships and to achieve a solid background in their field. The WISE Precollege Program reaches out to local schools to inspire younger students to choose to pursue science math and engineering degrees.
The WISE Program offers a variety of opportunities that are designed to serve a student's
changing needs throughout the four-year college experience. Students admitted into
the WISE Program receive merit based scholarships to help with tuition, most often
receiving Presidential or Provostial scholarships. Specially designed courses introduce
the diversity and vast opportunities within science and engineering, and give first
hand experience in a variety of disciplines. During the first year, students will
join five or six other first year WISE students in a small study group led by an advanced
undergraduate mentor devoted to helping with the transition to college. Students attend
evening programs specially designed for the WISE program. These programs introduce
the opportunities in science and engineering both on and off campus, and facilitate
taking advantage of those opportunities. Students receive academic advising from faculty
and staff who are familiar with the requirements of STEM majors, and advanced priority
registration that make it more likely that students would get the courses they choose.
Residential WISE scholars will be grouped together in clusters in certain buildings
so students can live and study together. WISE students join a supportive community
of students, faculty and staff who are committed to helping students pursue their
interests in science math and engineering. WISE students learn about opportunities
for internships and research by being a part of this community.