ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
The First Year Research Exposure
(FYRE) program at UW-L is an
academic diversity initiative in the
College of Science and Health (SAH),
which employs an informal learning
community model in order to
improve achievement and retention
of 12 first-year underrepresented
students at UW-L in the STEM fields.
We provide them with the
introductory coursework and career
exploration necessary to help them
progress expediently toward
graduation with a STEM degree.
A dedicated STEM graduate student,
McNair Scholars in STEM fields, and
select faculty and staff in SAH will
collaborate to provide students with
a residential, comprehensive
introduction to college-level math
and science coursework, ongoing
tutoring and academic support, peer
mentoring, and exposure to the wide
variety of majors and careers within
the STEM fields.
Day-long exploratory research
experiences in several STEM
disciplines, supplemental instruction
in gateway courses, visits to two
regional doctoral institutions to
explore graduate programs, and
active participation in UW-L student
and faculty/staff research
presentations are cornerstones of
the program.
Success of the program will be
measured through written and
verbal evaluations, analysis of GPA,
second-year retention rates at UW-L
and in SAH, and application rates to
research-based programs .
Graduate Assistant Position Description

Time Commitment
 20 hours each week August 1 – May 15; and
Approximately 5 flexible hours each week in June & July
The GA will be able to bank & distribute hours as needed in order to
fulfill her/his academic responsibilities.
Compensation
Academic Year: $10,327 plus benefits, paid monthly
Additional summer compensation available
General Expectations
A FYRE assistantship will require enormous flexibility, genuine
intellectual curiosity, independent problem-solving and selfdirection. Excellent time management skills are a must.
Ideal candidates for this position will be able to tutor BIO 105
(General Biology), Chemistry 103 (General Chemistry), and MTH 150
(Pre-Calculus), and be able to supervise a group of 4-6
undergraduate peer mentors. Preference will be given to candidates
who have experience in teaching and tutoring, and who have
demonstrated interest in furthering the mission of the program.
Historically underrepresented multicultural students are encouraged
to apply.
For More Information
Jessica Thill, 608.785.6913, jthill@uwlax.edu or
Dr. Roger Haro, 608.785.6970, rharo@uwlax.edu
SUMMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinate recruitment of 12 first-year SAH students
o Obtain lists of eligible students from Admissions;
o Arrange to meet individually with students and families during Registration &
Orientation days in June & July;
o Develop and implement application process and Needs Assessment; and
o Communicate regularly with potential participants.

Prepare & implement rigorous, academic two-week residential program for 12 participants
o Make appropriate arrangements for room & board for two weeks;
o Finalize schedule of preparatory math and science workshops;
o Arrange for orientation meetings at relevant campus offices & programs;
o Develop interactive leadership and social skills building activities; and
o Communicate with campus partners and students clearly and concisely.

Schedule Immersive Research Modules, as indicated by master calendar
ACADEMIC YEAR RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain weekly small group tutoring & mentoring sessions
o Courses include MTH 150 (Pre-Calculus) and BIO 105 (General Biology) in the fall
semester, and CHM 103 (General Chemistry) in the spring;
o Arrange for tutoring and study space as needed; and
o Supervise 4-6 McNair Scholars who will be employed as tutors and peer mentors.

Conduct bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with FYRE participants
o Help students set & achieve short-term and intermediate goals related to their
academic and professional development;
o Provide encouragement, support, and resources to students;
o Compile referral lists for campus tutoring and advising resources; and
o Develop and carry out plans for intervention if students are not meeting expectations.

Schedule Immersive Research Modules, as indicated by master calendar

Maintain communication with students and the campus community
o Update the FYRE D2L site and website as needed;
o Partner with other campus organizations and programs;
o Work closely with University Communications to promote the program; and
o Create displays and presentations advancing the program’s goals and achievements.

Maintain accurate attendance & budgetary records for all activities
o Submit to WiscAMP & SAH as requested;
o Seek assistance and guidance with administrative questions; and
o Research alternative funding sources for future programming as time allows.