A New Direction for the Wisconsin International Scholars Program

The Wisconsin International Scholars (WISc) program is excited to announce a new faculty fellows model expected to enrich the WISc student experience by connecting them with faculty, including teaching professors, who are committed to global work across a wide range of academic fields.

The WISc program is a cohort-based, globally-focused program that brings together intellectually curious undergraduate students who want to deepen their knowledge of language and the world. This is done through regular group meetings, some common coursework, and shared experiences.  

The new faculty fellows program offers a three-year opportunity for faculty, who can join in either the spring or fall 2026 terms, to support WIScholars as they integrate a global component into their education.

“We are very unique in that we are serving students from across all schools and colleges on campus with many different professional interests and academic goals,” said  Melody Niwot, associate director of the WISc program. “This new model will provide additional resources and support the interdisciplinary focus of the program.”

Another core component of the new model will be the inclusion of faculty fellows in the program’s one-credit seminar, a required course for first-year scholars. Faculty will rotate in teaching this class, bringing a variety of voices, perspectives, and experiences to the WISc community. The goal is to help students see how their specific interests—whether in STEM, the arts, or the social sciences—can be connected to global issues.

This new direction of the WISc program represents a period of growth and transition. The program looks forward to connecting with faculty and teaching professors who seek to inspire and mentor ambitious, globally-oriented undergraduates through meaningful dialogue and mentorship. Learn more and apply.