Undergraduate Learning Community

The WISE learning community was designed to bring together undergraduate women in the sciences and engineering. Students in the community share similar goals and academic interests. By choosing to live in this environment, students will be able to interact with other women enrolled in similar classes and programs at Syracuse University. The WISE learning community has three main goals:

1. Improving the academic climate for women in the sciences and engineering
2. Strengthening the university experience for these women
3. Creating a close-knit network of support, mentorship, and guidance between undergraduate and graduate students and faculty

Students living in the WISE learning community participate in a number of events throughout the academic year that aim to help them to succeed in their fields and become more comfortable with life at Syracuse University. The events are broken up into three categories:

1. Social events allow WISE members to meet with other students, faculty, and members of professional organizations outside of the university. Previous events include a dinner at Dr. Shobha Bhatia’s house, where students were able to personally invite influential faculty members as well as an informal dinner with members of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Alpha Omega Epsilon (AOE).
2. Community-building events bring together members of WISE as well as members of other organizations and learning communities on campus. Previous events include a field trip to the MOST Science and Technology Museum followed by dinner at the Mission Restaurant, a trip to New York City with SWE and AOE, and participation in a ropes course at Cornell University.
3. Academic events are aimed at providing students with support in their studies. These include lectures, workshops, pizza study breaks, and WISE sections of required university courses.

WISE Mission:

• Learn about careers in engineering and technology from experienced people
• Ease the transition into college and then into the workplace
• Advance your excitement and skills through internship and research opportunities
• Reach your potential in school and in the world by providing supportive programs
• Network with other people in science and engineering at Syracuse University and in the field

Learning Community Events

Dinner at Dr. Bhatia’s House
February 10, 2006
Undergraduate students met with faculty from the physics, engineering, and earth sciences departments; the dean of engineering; and members of SWE, AOE, and NSBE for dinner at Dr. Shobha Bhatia’s house. This event gave the girls an opportunity to interact with faculty and upperclassmen and to express any concerns they may have had. Older students also offered advice to the undergrads based on their prior experiences at Syracuse University.

Mall Trip with SWE, AOE, and NSBE
November 18, 2005
WISE members took a trip to Carousel Center with members of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Alpha Omega Epsilon (AOE), and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). They enjoyed dinner and a movie and were able to spend time with upperclassmen who helped them with any questions or concerns they may have had.

Student and Faculty Dinner and Discussions
November 13, 2005

The WISE Learning Community got together with several faculty members in various fields for dinner and discussions in Shaw dining hall. The topic of the evening was the remarks made by Harvard’s president on women in the sciences and engineering. This was expanded as the discussion went on to general problems with stereotypes and the chilly climate women in science and engineering are facing, as well as what can be done to make these fields more welcoming to women.

Drumlins Golf Lesson
October 1, 2005

In today’s world more and more decisions, deals, and transactions are made on the golf course. Therefore it is important for future women of industry and academia to be able to play the game. With this in mind, the WISE Learning Community took an afternoon off and attended golf lessons at the Drumlins Country Club just up the hill from the University.

WISE Learning Community Ropes Course
September 10, 2005

Students participated in a ropes course where WISE members engaged in collaboration activities that taught them to work together and trust one another. This activity reaffirmed the importance of teamwork and confidence amongst WISE members.

Welcome Event
Dessert Evening in Shaw Hall
August 29, 2005
WISE learning community members were welcomed on campus with a fun evening filled with desserts at Shaw Hall. Students were introduced to WISE and learning community faculty. This event also provided them with the first opportunity to become acquainted with other students in the program.