Programs

Explaining the Experience

Fulfilling the "E" in WMSURE, we curate a variety of different experiences that offer unique programming opportunities for our WMSURE Scholars, cultivating Curiosity, Belonging, & Excellence.

Check out our programs below.

Wednesday Workshops

Join us every Wednesday from 4:30 to 6:00 PM for engaging workshops designed to support your first-year success.

Rooted in the first-year experience, these sessions cover essential topics to help students thrive:

• Fall: Academic Acclimation
• Spring: Summer Research Preparation

Learn more about our Wednesday Workshops here.

WMSURE^R

Branching from the Wednesday Workshops, WMSURE^R engages upperclassmen students in preparing for post-graduate opportunities. These workshops are monthly on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:00 PM.

WMSURE^R covers the following topics:

• Graduate Test & Application Preparation
• Networking
• Job Applications & Interviews
• Life Skills (budgeting, rent, etc.)

Learn more about WMSURE^R here.

Summer Research

WMSURE provides holistic support for summer research, from developing a project to presenting at a conference. WMSURE students who apply through the Charles Center Summer Research Grant process can receive $4,000 to support seven full-time weeks of research during the summer.

WMSURE supports students through:

• Assisting students in the full cycle of the application process (find research advisors, develop research idea, etc.).
• Providing expert grant application assistance through our Faculty Fellows and Student Fellows.
• Offering workshops that review the Charles Center Summer Research Grant application.
• Mentoring students during their summer research experience.
• Awarding $4,000 in funding to support seven weeks of summer research.

Research Internships

WMSURE connects students with transformative research internship opportunities designed to deepen academic interests and foster professional growth. Through hands-on experiences and personalized mentorship, these internships allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, develop critical research skills, and build meaningful connections with experts in their fields. 

WMSURE supports students by: 

• Curating mentored internship experiences that incorporate research in the field. 
• Offering workshops on professional development and research skills. 
• Supporting students as they navigate internship expectations and responsibilities. 

Research Abroad

WMSURE provides students opportunities to explore national and global research opportunities that broaden their academic perspectives and deepen cross-cultural understanding. These opportunities are organized by the Faculty Directors and Faculty Fellows, who lead these expeditions during the summer. 

WMSURE provides:

• Identifying international programs and faculty-led research options personal to them. 
• Navigating the Charles Center Research Abroad funding process.
• Preparing students for international fieldwork, travel logistics, and cultural expectations. 
• Offering post-travel support for presenting or publishing global research findings. 

Research abroad experiences allow students to immerse themselves in new environments, engage with global communities, and apply their academic interests in meaningful, culturally informed ways. Learn more about them here. 

Suite Events

WMSURE fosters a strong, supportive community through intentional programming designed to promote connection, belonging, and shared academic success. 

Suite Events include: 

• Social gatherings that help students build networks with peers, faculty, and mentors. 
• Collaborative study sessions and academic support events. 
• Volunteer service opportunities that connect students with the Williamsburg community. 
• Informal meet ups that create space for reflection and growth around mental health topics. 

These events cultivate a welcoming environment where students feel supported, encouraged, and celebrated throughout their academic journey. Learn more about them here.