WISE Learning Community
An Undergraduate Residential Community of Scholars
"The best thing is the WISE Learning Community. I love it. Here, my roommate is in the same classes as I am - so we are on the same wavelength when it comes to homework and studying. Also, I can just walk down the hall and talk to almost anyone about problems in chemistry or engineering or calculus."
What is the WISE Learning Community?
The Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Learning Community provides a supportive living-learning opportunity for first-, second-, and third-year women majoring in an array of science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines (STEM). The WISE LC, first offered for the 1996-97 school year, is the oldest academic learning community at the UI and has been a model program for developing other learning communities on campus, not just because we do a great job supporting learning but because we also have a ton of FUN!
As part of the WISE Learning Community, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Participate in facilitated study groups, peer tutoring and advising sessions (see tutoring web page);
- Take advantage of the LC buddy system which matches first-year women with upper-level women also in the community;
- Attend presentations on academic involvement, research opportunities, community service, and volunteer activities, as well as career exploration;
- Socialize with other WISE Women while decorating cookies, carving pumpkins, decorating t-shirts, or attending Sunday night suppers;
- Interact with K-12 students, community members, and corporate sponsors by taking part in activities organized by the WISE Ambassadors; and
- Give back by taking part in the WISE LC Outreach Program, returning to your hometown school to talk about the importance of taking math and science in high school and to discuss the transition to college life.
How does it work?
Starting with an orientation picnic, scavenger hunt and ice cream social the first week of the fall semester, LC women learn to study, play, laugh, and cry together. For many WISE women the relationships made in the WISE LC last well beyond their years at the University.
Getting involved in the University and Iowa City communities through your connections at WISE will help make your college years the best they can be. This is a time to explore the opportunities available to you as a student and as a young, independent adult. WISE will help you experience your newfound independence and develop the skills needed to meet the challenges of life as part of a community that supports academic excellence and recognizes the importance of your commitment to long-term goals.
WISE Works!
Read more about the Learning Community by reading information specifically for prospective students and current students. Don't hesitate to contact wise@uiowa.edu if you have further questions!
Incoming first-year students also have the opportunity to take part in the WISE Peer Mentoring Program. Although the LC and the Peer Mentoring Program are separate programs involving separate applications, each year between 30% and 40% of LC residents also request a mentor.
