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The Women in Science Program (WISP) Learning Community is open to all incoming students in the College of Science regardless of gender. Participants are paired with an upper-level WISP mentor. WISP strives to build a cohort by 1) promoting the development of individual personal and professional identity, 2) increasing persistence, and 3) offering support by addressing issues of isolation and/or imposter syndrome in the STEM fields. Through our standards for excellence, WISP offers tutoring, implements programming, facilitates networks and fosters relationships with faculty, staff, alumnae, industry partners and peers who serve as positive role models and mentors sharing their path to expertise, providing support, and recommending strategies which contribute to student success. Data shows higher GPA, retention and graduation rates for those involved in WISP. 

For more information about the Women in Science Program, call (765) 496-6095, email sciencewisp@purdue.edu, or visit the WISP website. College of Science students are also encouraged to apply for combined participation of the WISP learning community with other College of Science learning communities. Please see individual learning community profile pages for eligibility requirements. 

If you are interested in participating in WISP and another learning community, the learning community you preference higher will dictate your housing assignment.

 

In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University’s educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran. See Purdue’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance at vpec@purdue.edu or 765-494-5830.

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Eligibility

  • First-time beginning students admitted to the College of Science
  • In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University’s educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran. See Purdue’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Ethics and Compliance at vpec@purdue.edu or 765-494-5830.

Residential Component

  • Students will indicate interest in learning communities (LCs) and apply during their housing application process. Students will be informed of the status of their LC application in mid-May.
  • Roommate selection will occur after LC decisions have been made. If admitted to an LC, students will need to match with other student(s) admitted to the same LC. If not selected for an LC, the student's original housing preferences will be considered during general housing placement and the student will be able to roommate match with other general housing students.
  • The location of learning community housing will be determined based on the incoming class size and the needs of the learning community.
  • For specific question regarding learning communities, email learningcommunities@purdue.edu 
  • For housing questions, visit (https://www.housing.purdue.edu/) or email housing@purdue.edu.

Duration

Full academic year

Associated Courses and Information

Fall

  • SCI 19500 Women in Science Program I (1 cr)

Spring

  • SCI 19500 Women in Science Program II (1 cr)

Every fee eligible student involved with a learning community (LC) at Purdue will be assessed the $200 LC fee to their university account.  These funds support activities and travel, signature LC events, housing assignments and/or course registration and instructor stipends.

Events and Activities Included:

  • Participation in a peer mentoring program
  • Current science and life skills-based topics
  • Guest speakers from alumnae, industry and academia
  • interactions with faculty and staff
  • Introduction to Purdue University resources
  • Convenient and complimentary tutoring access
  • Variety of social and outreach opportunities
  • Annual field trip to science museums

Information above is subject to change. If you are placed in the LC, the associated courses will be on your schedule prior to you registering for the rest of your courses.

Last modified: December 18, 2025

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