Mentor. Lead. Make an Impact.
Sigma Phi Epsilon--Wisconsin Beta is seeking a Resident Scholar to live in our chapter facility for the 2027-28 academic year to help our undergraduate members succeed academically, personally, and professionally. The Resident Scholar is a full-time graduate student who serves as a mentor and role model for our undergraduate members. The position combines graduate study with meaningful involvement in the lives of undergraduate students—helping them navigate college, develop as leaders, achieve academic success, and prepare for life after graduation.
The Opportunity:
As Resident Scholar, you will work closely with undergraduate members and chapter leadership throughout the academic year. Your primary focus will be:
Academic Success: Help members develop effective study habits, stay on top of coursework, and reach their academic potential.
Leadership Development: Mentor chapter executive officers and help them develop the skills necessary to lead the chapter effectively.
Personal & Professional Development: Help members navigate the transition from high school to college and, ultimately, from college into professional life.
Mentorship: Build meaningful relationships with members and serve as a trusted resource when they encounter academic or personal challenges.
Chapter Programming: Work with undergraduate and alumni leaders to develop and support academic, leadership, and developmental programming.
What You'll Do:
The Resident Scholar maintains a regular presence in the chapter and has responsibilities throughout the day, week, month, and semester. This position would follow the University academic calendar, beginning the first day of classes in September and and in May after the completion of final exams. For the 2027-28 academic year, the start date would be September 2nd 2027, and the end date would be May 7th, 2028.
Each Day:
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- Conduct a brief walkthrough of the chapter facility.
- Identify and report significant facility, safety, or risk-management concerns to chapter and alumni leadership.
Each Week:
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- Hold at least 5 hours of posted office hours in the chapter house.
- Provide academic support, study strategies, and assistance with course expectations.
- Meet with members whose GPA is below chapter's minimum during the previous semester.
- Assist with tracking GPA through semester to support members' semester GPA goals.
- Attend New Member Education meetings.
- Attend Executive Board and Chapter meetings.
Each Month:
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- Attend the Alumni Volunteer Corporation meeting and report on chapter status.
Each Semester:
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- Meet with chapter and alumni leaders to discuss the upcoming academic plan.
- Provide a study-skills presentation for new members and members who were previously below the chapter's minimum GPA.
- Attend Executive Committee retreats.
- Attend the Carlson Leadership Academy in the spring or complete SigEp volunteer training.
- Provide one chapter-wide presentation on a topic aligned with SigEp values and current chapter priorities.
Who Is a Resident Scholar?
The Resident Scholar is a graduate student and professional role model, not an undergraduate member of the chapter. The position requires maturity, discretion, and an understanding of appropriate professional boundaries when working with undergraduate students. You don't have to be a Sigma Phi Epsilon alumnus—or even have fraternity experience. Potential Resident Scholars may be:
- An alumnus of another Greek-letter organization
- Someone with no previous Greek-affiliation experience
- A recent graduate continuing into graduate school
- An older alumnus returning to school for an advanced degree
The Resident Scholar may be any gender. We are particularly interested in individuals who demonstrate:
- Leadership experience
- Strong academic interests
- Character and maturity
- An interest in mentoring and developing others
- A commitment to helping college students succeed
Housing & Compensation:
The Resident Scholar will reside in a private, first-floor Resident Scholar suite within the Wisconsin Beta chapter facility at 237 Langdon Street in Madison, Wisconsin. The standard rental rate is $9,000 per semester under a 12-month lease, equivalent to $1,500 per month. Rent includes all utilities, as well as standard bathroom and kitchen supplies. Upon successfully fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of the Resident Scholar position, the Resident Scholar will receive a $3,000 rental credit at the end of each semester. This credit reduces the effective housing cost to $6,000 per semester, or $1,000 per month. Resident Scholars will also have the opportunity to opt into the facility meal plan.
An Opportunity to Make a Difference:
The Resident Scholar plays an important role in the Wisconsin Beta experience. You will have the opportunity to:
- Help younger students successfully transition into college.
- Encourage and support academic achievement.
- Mentor emerging chapter leaders.
- Help students prepare for life after graduation.
- Support members who are struggling academically or personally.
- Contribute to a culture centered on learning, leadership, and personal development.
An Opportunity for Graduate Students:
This position is designed to complement the experience of a full-time graduate student while providing an opportunity to mentor and develop undergraduate students. The role combines graduate study, mentorship, leadership development, and involvement in a historic Madison chapter facility. If you are looking for an opportunity where your presence and experience can make a difference in the lives of college students, Wisconsin Beta would like to hear from you.
Apply Today!
If you are interested in learning more about the Wisconsin Beta Resident Scholar opportunity or would like to apply, please contact: Alumni and Volunteer Corporation President Bryan Kirschbaum (E-mail: kirschbaumb@gmail.com; Phone: 608-732-3538).