IMPaCT Peer Leadership Program

Applications are now open for 2022 IMPaCT Peer Leaders. Apply by Friday, October 29, 2021, at 11:59 p.m.

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INTEGSCI 100: Exploring Biology Peer Leader

Course director:  Dr. Cara Theisen (chtheisen@wisc.edu)

Description
Exploring Biology Peer Leaders support student success in Exploring Biology, a 2-credit course for first-year students interested in the biosciences. Peer leaders support in-class activities, collaborate with instructors, give presentations about campus involvement, and provide guidance to students on opportunities and strategies to make the most of their Wisconsin experience. Students in Exploring Biology learn about the biosciences at the college level and the diversity of majors and beyond-the-classroom learning opportunities at UW–Madison.

Timeline

• Spring 2022: monthly meetings
• Fall 2022: Peer leader position with responsibilities below

Responsibilities

• In Spring, attend monthly Exploring Biology Peer Leader meetings (all other responsibilities below are for Fall Semester)
• Attend assigned Exploring Biology class session each week (Mon OR Wed 2:25-4:20 pm) and weekly meetings with the Course Director and PL team
• Help connect Exploring Biology students to co-curricular experiences and campus resources
• In class, help facilitate student activities, develop and lead presentations to students about campus involvement and academic development, and work to develop personal relationships with students
• Outside of class, hold office hours, organize trips to campus events, and correspond with students
• Be proactive in supporting students and helping the instructional team offer a meaningful learning experience for Exploring Biology students

Internship for Position
Leaders enroll in INTEGSCI 320 (Internship; 1 credit) in Fall Semester.

Requirements

• Completed or will enroll in INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Discipline-Based Leadership and Mentoring (Spring 2022)
• Participate in IMPaCT In-Service Training events
• Must be available in Fall on Mondays OR Wednesdays from 2:25–4:20 pm to attend Exploring Biology class sessions
• Majoring in the biosciences or a related field

*Returning Exploring Biology Peer Leaders who are interested in the Senior Peer Leader or Peer Leader Coordinator positions contact Dr. Theisen to apply.

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INTEGSCI 140: Exploring Service in Science Peer Leader

Course director:  Dr. Anna Bishop Courtier (anna.courtier@wisc.edu)

Description
Students taking this course get a taste of public service in the sciences and find out how to engage various age groups in science effectively. They will learn about university-community partnerships and the essential ingredients for successful outreach while also experiencing successful outreach first-hand by getting involved. Peer leaders will facilitate student participation and active learning, and support and collaborate with instructors for the Exploring Service in Science course, a one-credit seminar course for biology-interested first-year students.

Timeline
Fall 2022

Responsibilities:

• Attend all required classroom sessions.
• Collaborate with the course instructor to provide instructional leadership for the course
• Meet weekly with the assigned course instructor to assist in planning the curriculum and instructional activities
• Coordinate with course instructor to meet with each student outside of class at least twice during the semester. This time period should be used to monitor the student’s academic progress and to intervene with appropriate recommendations that could assist with the student’s retention and success at UW-Madison
• Help students become independent learners by modeling good student behavior – take notes, be on time, etc.
• Publicize and support the academic policies and standards of UW-Madison Support and participate in the evaluation process of the class

Requirements

• Completed or will enroll in INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Discipline-Based Leadership and Mentoring (Spring 2022)
• Participate in IMPaCT In-Service Training events
• Previous experience in a first-year seminar, experience working in the community, or participation in INTEGSCI 140/240/375 Exploring Service in Science/Engaged Children in Science/Service with Youth in STEM

Internship for Position
Leaders enroll in INTEGSCI 320 (Internship; 1 credit) in Fall Semester.

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INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Discipline-Based Leadership and Mentoring Peer Leader

Course instructor: TBD (connect@wiscience.wisc.edu)

Description
Facilitate student participation and active learning, and support and collaborate with instructor for the Exploring Discipline-Based Leadership and Mentoring, a 2-credit lecture/discussion course for STEM student leaders.

Timeline
Spring 2022

Responsibilities

• Attend all required classroom sessions
• Collaborate with the course instructor to provide additional mentoring and activities for students
• Work to develop personal relationships with students
• Develop and lead activities emphasizing campus involvement and academic development throughout the semester
• Lead a primary discussion or activity for one class period
• Model good student behavior – take notes, be on time, etc.
• Publicize and support the academic policies and standards of UW–Madison Support
• Participate in the evaluation process of the class

Requirements

• Completed INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Discipline-Based Leadership and Mentoring prior to Spring 2022
• Earned a grade of B or higher in INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Discipline-Based Leadership and Mentoring
• Attend IMPaCT In-Service Training events

Internship for Position
Leaders enroll in INTEGSCI 320 (Internship; 1 credit)

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Anatomy & Physiology 235: Human Physiology and Health Peer Leader

Course instructor: Dr. Janet Branchaw (branchaw@wisc.edu)

Description
During the Human Physiology and Health course, students learn basic physiological concepts, apply them to understand human health and disease, and link them to broader core concepts in biology. Peer Leaders in this course will support the course instructor and help increase students’ engagement in the course. The foundational knowledge covered during A&P 235 serves those interested in health sciences majors, as well as non-science students interested in life-long health.

Timeline
Fall 2022

Responsibilities

• Attend all required classroom sessions
• Collaborate with the course instructor to provide additional mentoring and activities for students
• Work to develop personal relationships with students
• Publicize and support the academic policies and standards of UW–Madison Support and participate in the evaluation process of the class

Requirements

• Completed or will enroll in INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Discipline-Based Leadership and Mentoring (Spring 2022)
• Attend IMPaCT In-Service Training events
• Completed either A&P 235, A&P 335, or A&P 435 with a B or better

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INTEGSCI 240: Service with Youth in STEM

Course instructor:  Dr. Anna Bishop Courtier (anna.courtier@wisc.edu)

Description
Service with Youth in STEM (SWYIS) peer leaders facilitate student discussion and active learning in both lecture and lab components. Students in enrolled SWYIS learn how to work with community partners and lead after-school science clubs in the Madison area. Peer leaders taking this 1-credit internship build upon previous work in the community to provide leadership, lead small discussion groups, and support after-school activity development and implementation.

Timeline
Fall 2022-Spring 2023 (Full academic year): Peer leader position with responsibilities below.

Responsibilities

• Attend the lecture section and at least one lab section of the course for both Fall and Spring semesters
• Complete weekly meetings with the Course Director and Community Liaison
• Help connect SWYIS students with logistics of working with community partners, including assisting with information on transportation to the after-school sites
• In class, help facilitate student activities, in-class discussion, and work to develop personal relationships with students
• Outside of class, manage lab and activity materials, and correspond with students (in-person and electronically) to support after-school site activities
• Lead a primary discussion or activity for one class period
• Complete pre- and post-class discussions and reflections assigned by the course director

Requirements

• Completed or will enroll in INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Discipline-Based Leadership and Mentoring (Spring 2022)
• Attend IMPaCT In-Service Training events
• Previous work in the community, preferably in INTEGSCI 240 or INTEGSCI 375 Engaged Children in Science / Service with Youth in STEM

Internship for Position
Leaders enroll in INTEGSCI 320 (Internship; 1 credit) in Fall and Spring Semester.

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Undergraduate Research Peer Leaders

Program Director: Dr. Amber Smith (amber.smith@wisc.edu)

Description
Use your research experience and training to help undergraduates identify areas of research interest and potential research mentors as well as provide insight into navigating lab cultures. Research Peer Leaders share resources with students interested in engaging in or already engaged in research through workshops, panels, one-on-one meetings, and courses. These peer leaders will also work with WISCIENCE staff to develop new resources and workshops to meet the needs of undergraduate researchers. Through their various responsibilities, Undergraduate Research Peer Leaders will develop skills in public speaking, facilitation, active learning techniques, and more.

Timeline
Fall 2022-Spring 2023

Responsibilities

The Research Peer Leaders work as a team to accomplish the following. Once you are selected, you will have the opportunity to have input on which responsibilities you take on.

• Facilitate undergraduate research workshops and/or participate in panels on topics such as “Finding a Research Experience at UW-Madison”
• Meet one-on-one with students who have questions about undergraduate research experiences
• Develop new workshops and resources such as workshops and guides in support of undergraduate research
• Be a peer leader in a WISCIENCE research course, with responsibilities such as attend weekly class meetings, build community amongst students, lead small group discussions, provide peer feedback, and share your research insights and experiences
• Participate in regular peer leader meetings with the Research Mentor and Mentee Training Coordinator

Requirements

• Engaged in undergraduate research for two or more semesters by Fall 2022.  In your application, be sure to describe your research experience as part of your response about the skills (qualifications/experiences) you will bring to the position
• Completed or will enroll in INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Discipline-Based Leadership and Mentoring (Spring 2022)
• Attend IMPaCT In-Service Training events

Compensation
Leaders can choose to volunteer their time or enroll in INTEGSCI 320 (Internship; 1 credit) in Fall and Spring Semester. To receive internship credit, leaders must develop and implement one new resource or program each semester.

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BioCommons Ambassadors

Program Director: Dr. Jerí Bryant (jlbryant2@wisc.edu)

Description
Help build community and connect students to campus resources through the BioCommons. The BioCommons is a welcoming home base and central gateway to the biological sciences at UW-Madison. It includes a set of spaces in Steenbock Library, which are available for biology-related and STEM opportunities and activities hosted by groups from around campus as well as compilations of information about STEM-related opportunities such as study abroad trips, summer research, or student orgs. Resources are available in the physical space and online at biology.wisc.edu. The BioCommons promotes diversity and cross-campus community and helps students find answers to their questions, learn about the STEM landscape at UW-Madison, get engaged in high-impact learning experiences, access support services, and become more proactive in shaping their education.

Responsibilities

• Staff the welcome desk in the BioCommons
• Assist with BioCommons programming
• Compile and maintain BioCommons print and web resources
• Advertise the BioCommons through social media
• Promote BioCommons services and resources
• Provide administrative and operations support
• Attend weekly BioCommons staff meetings
• Maintain integrity of the physical and virtual spaces of the BioCommons

Requirements

• Experience in a leadership role through the IMPaCT Peer Leader Program
• Completion of INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Discipline-Based Leadership and Mentoring
• Participation in IMPaCT Program

Compensation

BioCommons Ambassadors starting pay is $10.00/ hr for assisting with WISCIENCE programming and working desk hours and events at the BioCommons.

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WISCIENCE Communications & Marketing Peer Leaders

Program Director: Jon Hess (hessjr@wisc.edu)

Description
Assist in the development and implementation of the marketing and communication plans and work of WISCIENCE across multiple platforms to various target audiences. This position works in collaboration with the WISCIENCE Director of Marketing and Communications to develop and coordinate communications specific to each unique program/course/event, while maintaining common branding/themes across all unit communications. Develop professional skills and gain exposure to a wide range of marketing and communication fields of work (copywriting, graphic design, web development, digital/social media, photography/multi-media, event planning, data/analytics, branding, and more).

Timeline
Spring and Summer 2022

Responsibilities

• Regular meetings with WISCIENCE Director of Marketing and Communications
• Assist with planning and executing communication plans for WISCIENCE programs, courses, and events

Requirements

• Completed or will enroll in INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Discipline-Based Leadership and Mentoring (Spring 2022)
• Participate in IMPaCT In-Service Training events

Compensation

This is a volunteer position. 

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