(Re)Introducing the STEM Commons
After a year-long closure for a complete renovation of Steenbock’s first floor, the BioCommons has a new look and name—the STEM Commons!
The space has a new, modern design and updated features to make it even better for the STEM community. It will reopen in September 2026—and everyone is welcome!
An event & gathering space for the STEM community
Located on the first floor of Steenbock Library, the STEM Commons welcomes all students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine). It’s the home base of a community that can help make it easier to navigate and find your place in STEM at UW–Madison.
At STEM Commons, students can:
- Connect with other STEM students from different departments and schools
- Participate in events and programs that get you involved beyond the classroom
- Talk to peer leaders who’ve been there and can give you the real story
- Learn about campus resources and opportunities and get tips for taking advantage of them
- Meet up with friends to study, play a game, or just hang out
- Reserve a room for your student organization, study group, or event
Staff, faculty, and grad students—you can use this space, too! Reserve a meeting room, host an event, or connect with us for ideas about reaching STEM students.
STEM Commons includes a gathering area for studying and relaxing, and two reservable rooms for events and meetings.
Gathering Space
This space includes both soft seating and typical tables and chairs, and it’s a comfortable area for visitors to use as desired (e.g., studying, meeting with friends, hanging out between classes).
Reservable Rooms
Large Meeting Room
- Seats up to 74 people
- Equipped with technology features suitable for large groups as well capability for hosting hybrid meetings
- Ideal for events, workshops, collaborative small group studying, or discussion
Small Meeting Room
- Seats up to 6 people
- Has a round table and technology features with capability for hybrid meetings
- Ideal for small group meetings, office hours, or collaborative studying
Room reservations for fall semester will be available soon.
Mission
The mission of STEM Commons is to enhance the undergraduate STEM experience at UW-Madison by fostering communities of support and increasing awareness of and access to programming, services, and resources that help them understand, find their place in, and take full advantage of the STEM community on campus.
Goals
STEM academic support services and beyond-the-classroom learning opportunities are plentiful, yet widely dispersed across the UW-Madison campus. Consequently, they can be challenging for students to find. STEM Commons creates on-ramps and pathways that help students navigate the landscape and find the resources and learning experiences they need.
STEM Commons aims to:
- Increase student awareness and use of available academic, professional, and support resources
- Provide a space for high-impact, beyond-the-classroom learning experiences that enhance and extend traditional STEM coursework
- Cultivate an inclusive and collaborative learning environment for STEM students
- Create and maintain dedicated space for STEM student-led activities, initiatives, and events
- Support student well-being as a foundation for success in STEM
Creating Connections in STEM
The STEM Commons is a joint Educational Innovation initiative by WISCIENCE and Steenbock Library, with initial funding provided by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
STEM disciplines are spread all across campus, and it’s not always easy for students to connect with the people and opportunities that can make a difference in their education. The STEM Commons was created to make these connections easier—helping students find what they need to thrive in STEM at UW-Madison.
Units across campus that serve STEM students can bring services and events to a central location with which students are already familiar. Everyone is welcome to get involved in this cross-campus community—let’s work together to broaden access to opportunities and support STEM students and those who work with them!
STEM Engagement Peer Leaders
STEM Engagement Peer Leaders are undergrad students who can help you connect to people, resources, and experiences to support your success in STEM. Housed at the STEM Commons in Steenbock Library, their role blends mentorship, community-building, and academic support.
Some Peer Leaders have research experience. Others are transfer students. Their majors range from biology to data science. All have experience navigating the STEM life at UW–Madison and can help you do the same.
STEM Engagement Peer Leaders are here to help you on your research journey!
These students have a year or more of undergrad research experience—and they can help you get started with yours.
During Drop-In Hours, Peer Leaders can:
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- Answer your research-related questions
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- Share research opportunities and resources
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- Offer tips for contacting potential mentors
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- Discuss what they’ve learned along the way
Stop by anytime—no appointment needed.
Drop-In Hours are available every semester. If none are listed, check back at the start of next semester!
Are you interested in doing research as an undergrad, but aren’t sure how?
Attend a Find a Research Mentor Workshop to hear from STEM Engagement Peer Leaders and learn how to find the best research experience—and mentor—for you. We’ll cover:
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- The benefits of doing research as an undergrad
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- How to find research experiences at UW–Madison
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- How to choose the right mentor for you
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- Resources to help you navigate the process
Workshops are offered every semester. If none are listed, check back at the start of next semester!
Make it easier to stay on track by joining a STEM Study Squad!
In small, peer-led group meetings, students combine individual work time with social support and collaboration in order to stay on track, deepen their understanding of course material, and build consistent study habits.
More than just study groups, STEM Study Squads foster momentum, persistence, and shared success—helping students not only keep up, but move forward together.
STEM Engagement Peer Leaders receive training through the WISCIENCE Peer Leader program, in which they develop inclusive and adaptive leadership skills through hands-on practice, reflection, and mentorship.
Supporting undergraduate students in a variety of ways, STEM Engagement Peer Leaders:
- Build Connections
- Create welcoming spaces where STEM students can meet peers and form study networks
- Facilitate introductions between students and campus resources
- Help students feel a sense of belonging in STEM environments
- Support Academic Engagement
- Lead STEM Study Squads – small, peer-led groups designed to help undergraduate students stay on track, deepen their understanding of course material, and build consistent study habits
- Encourage active participation and persistence in challenging coursework
- Promote Campus Resources & Opportunities
- Connect students to tutoring, advising, research opportunities, and engagement programs
- Highlight internships, scholarships, and co-curricular STEM experiences
- Help students navigate where to go for different types of support
- Mentor and Guide Peers
- Serve as approachable role models who have “been there” in STEM courses
- Offer guidance on goal-setting, time management, maintaining motivation, and exploring your STEM identity
- Foster Inclusive Community
- Create environments that are supportive, collaborative, and inclusive
- Encourage participation from students of diverse backgrounds and experiences
- Help reduce barriers to engagement in STEM spaces
- Support Programs and Events
- Plan and host STEM engagement events, workshops, or information gatherings such as Find a Mentor Workshops and Self-Care Sundays
- Offer Drop-In Hours to discuss topics such as undergraduate research, sharing about the STEM student experience, navigating academic & social challenges, and more.