Because reasons for women's attrition from science and engineering vary from one individual to another, no one retention strategy will be effective for all. WISP's design incorporates multiple strategies:
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WISP's
Biweekly Electronic Newsletter (pdf)
The WISP Newsletter edited and produced by students, informs the campus community about WISP sponsored events, campus science colloquia, leave-term internship opportunities, profiles of faculty members and graduate students, articles on women in science and student perspectives. The newsletter is electronically distributed to more than 1,400 students, faculty, and administrators. - First-Year
Research Internships
First-Year Research Internships allow first-year women to work closely with a scientist and gain hands-on research and laboratory experience. These paid part-time internships culminate in a presentation at Dartmouth's annual science poster symposium. The internship experience enhances students' understanding of the process of scientific inquiry, builds their confidence in the laboratory, and introduces adult mentors. - Karen E.
Wetterhahn Research Science Symposium
The Karen E. Wetterhahn Research Science Symposium is an annual celebration of undergraduate scientific research at Dartmouth College. Named in honor of the late Professor of Chemistry Karen E. Wetterhahn, co-founder of WISP, the Women in Science Project initiated this symposium in 1992 to culminate the first-year research internship experience with an opportunity for the interns to present their work and share the excitement of doing science with others. Upperclass students who are conducting research through other programs, e.g., senior honors thesis research and the Presidential Scholars Program, are also invited to present scientific posters of their work. - Peer
Mentoring Program
The Peer Mentoring Program introduces first-year women to older peers who help them understand Dartmouth's academic environment and science curriculum. Peer mentors assist newly-matriculated students in learning about opportunities and confronting challenges. WISP implemented a group peer mentoring model last year that brings together one or two first-year students with several upper-class mentors to form a team with similar academic or career interests. - MentorNet
MentorNet is the award-winning e-mentoring network that is increasing retention and success rates for individuals in science, engineering mathematics and technology, especially for women and others underrepresented in these fields. MentorNet's One-on-One program links highly motivated proteges with mentors who are professionals in industry, government and higher education. In addition, MentorNet offers discussion groups and other useful resources.
- Visiting
Women Scientists
Visiting Women Scientists introduce women to academic and industrial role models in public forums and informal settings. Scientists provide students with inspiration, encouragement, and valuable perspectives on career paths, personal challenges, and success strategies. - Faculty
and Curriculum Development
Through science teaching seminars, institutes and workshops, faculty listen, learn and share ideas from peers and invited speakers on science teaching. They gain new appreciation for common issues about the retention of students in the sciences and across scientific disciplines, particularly at the introductory level.