Development is facilitated by Institute mentors, access to resources, and discussions with other teams with similar projects and goals. This is intensive working time, uninterrupted by telephones, meetings and outside commitments. Plenary sessions are chosen to expose all participants to the concepts central to the Institute. Topics include student-centered ways of teaching, gender studies as they related to science and pedagogy, strategies for successful project implementation, and a look at the history of women in science. Caucus sessions allow participants to customize the Institute experience by selecting topics most pertinent to their areas of interest.
Caucuses are informal sessions which encourage interaction between participants and mentors.
Mentors remain in their rooms so that teams are able to find leaders to complement the work already done on their projects. All members can post and reply to the list. This listserv is used for introductions before the workshop, announcements of programs relating to common areas of interest, and general discussion as teams continue development and implementation of their courses. It is a quick way to celebrate with colleagues who are interested in your project, and to bounce ideas off others if problems occur. Spring Retreats include a conference component, with time reserved for project presentations by Institute teams.