Guest Blogger: Nicole Frisk, WISE House community advisor

Today's post features Nicole Frisk, community advisor for the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) House Living Learning Community in Frontier Hall. Learn more about the U of M's Living Learning Communities on the Housing and Residential Life Web site.

In many ways, the WISE community is just like any other in the U of M residence halls. We hang out, explore Minneapolis, and hold social events such as birthday parties, movie nights, and other fun get-togethers.

In addition to the typical residence hall feel, there are some important differences about the WISE community. First of all, we all come here with something in common: Our goal of becoming professionals in the fields of science and engineering. Many WISE residents find that others in this community are more understanding and sensitive to their academic and study needs due to this shared experience.

Also, many WISE residents take similar classes, so there are always study groups and friends to help you out right where you live. Finally, as a community advisor, I try to tailor our hall’s offered programs to match the academic interests of WISE students by planning events that focus on science and engineering, such as related tours, career planning info sessions, and more.

The WISE community offers a fun environment that is conducive to academic success, strong and lasting friendships, and a good sense of direction as you continue your education.

-Nicole

Don't forget!

Tomorrow is the big day -- the December 15 priority application deadline!

If you are wondering about the status of your application, we have a great online tool that you can use to track your application's progress called Application Tracker. You may also want to check out our list of frequently asked questions about completing an application for admission. If you are a high school senior and you are interested in the U of M, be sure to submit your application right away. Applications received after the December 15 deadline are reviewed on a space-available basis and admission is more competive.

As always, if you have any questions you are more than welcome to contact the Office of Admissions at 612-625-2008 or 1-800-752-1000.

Stay tuned...this week, I will have a guest blogger! IT student and Women  in Science and Engineering (WISE) Community Advisor Nicole Frisk will be writing about the WISE Living Learning Community located in Frontier Hall for women interested in technical studies.

Dani

What is your college experience going to be?

A really important part of being in college and successfully working towards a degree in engineering, physical sciences or mathematics (outside of going to class!) is getting involved within the IT community.

Students in the Institute of Technology have the opportunities to expand their horizons, discover new passions, and engage their minds in new innovations everyday outside of the classroom.  

Beyond the classroom you can:

Get involved in award-winning student groups like Engineers Without Borders, Solar Vehicle Project, or IAESTE - the International Association for hte Exchnage of Students for Technical Experience. (In other words, this student group helps you travel the globe to earn on-the-job experience through a technical internship!)

Gain international experience through IT's Learning Abroad Program. Choose from among hundreds of programs (ranging from 3 weeks to 1 year) available in Africa, Australia, the Middle East, the Americas, Asia and Oceania, and Europe where you can enhance your cross-cultural skills, language ability or professional experience!

Explore research in topics that you find interesting. As a student you can participate in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) to work with a faculty member on a research topic that you help develop. This isn't the only way to get involved -- talking with your advisers and professors can also open doors to other research opportunities on campus.  By doing this, I landed an awesome job as an Undergraduate Research Assistant working at the Multi-Axial Subassemblage Testing (MAST) Lab helping to build components of life-sized structures to see what happens to them during extreme events like earthquakes. You can check out a video of what I worked on here!  Below is a picture of the lab:

Dani

p.s. Remember, the December 15, 2009, priority application date is fast approaching!!! If you have not already, be sure to submit your complete application today.