WCER Fellows

A goal of the program is for WCER Fellows to engage in a diversity of research experiences, without increasing time to degree. We do this by ensuring WCER Fellows are immediately and consistently integrated into research projects that will allow them to gain experience and to generate academic products (e.g., national presentations, publish articles, etc.) that will allow Fellows to secure jobs. Additionally the goals of the program are:

1. To diversify the School of Education and WCER graduate student population, and to further develop an inclusive climate in both the School of Education and WCER for diverse populations of graduate students.
2. To study the effectiveness and sustainability at UW of a research-based model of graduate student development, and its potential for expansion in the School of Education and wider University.
3. To contribute to the diversity of scholarly leaders in the professoriate and other research professions.
4. To enrich the climate for all in the School of Education.

Why WCER Fellows?

As a WCER Fellow you will develop a comprehensive skillset that equips you with the ability to do independent research, you will be supported by a diverse community of both peers and faculty, and have access to leading professionals in various careers.

Experience

WCER Fellow program provides a holistic research-based graduate socialization experience. We do this by cultivating social and professional support via peer and faculty mentoring, summer boot-camp, academic planning and a seminar series. These experiences provide exposure to successful role models, opportunities to develop professional skills, and create a sense of community among Fellows.

WCER Fellows Summer Bootcamp is a preparatory program to provide an orientation to the program and graduate student life.

The pro-seminar series provides training on professional development skills, opportunities to discuss research projects, and builds community among the Fellows.

WCER Fellows are eligible for 4-years of funding from the WCER Fellows Program, WCER, and ED-GRS.

Fellows receive annual travel stipends for research conference attendance.

Diversified research experiences both faculty-guided and individual projects are immediately and consistently integrated throughout the program.

Individualized development plans (IDP) ensure that Fellows are provided the experiences and skills to be successful without increasing time to degree.

Eligibility and Nomination Process

To determine your eligibility, please visit the UW–Madison Graduate School Graduate Research Scholars Communities page. Once students have been accepted to one of our graduate programs, a committee of faculty members in each department reviews profiles of eligible applicants and submits a list of nominees to the WCER Fellows Selection Committee. The Selection Committee will review all nominations and communicate decisions back to the nominating departments. Each department will contact applicants directly who have been selected to receive the WCER Fellowship. Students must accept or decline the offer no later than April 15.