The University of Wisconsin-Superior recently revamped its previously named Interdisciplinary Studies/Individualized Major program in an effort to strengthen and streamline the popular degree option.

The program – now known by a singular name, Interdisciplinary Studies – may be taken as a comprehensive major which does not require a minor, or a non-comprehensive major, which does require a minor. In addition, a Customized Minor is available. Together, these program options give UWS students the ability to design their own major around their unique interests and career goals.

Jayson Iwen, professor of writing in the Writing, Language & Literature Department, has been appointed as the inaugural Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) coordinator. Through this role, Iwen will provide dedicated guidance and support for students as they design their plans of study.

“We realized it was time to revise the process for managing Interdisciplinary Majors,” said Iwen. “It was an update we wanted to make to offer students more of a cohort experience. Previously, nearly every student was working independently, and they didn’t have the opportunity to interact and share the same experience that other students in more traditional programs had while moving through their studies in cohorts.”

In his new role, Iwen will be responsible for redesigning the capstone course for the program, IDS 495, and will serve as the instructor for the course – supporting students in developing their plans, as well as completing their senior year experience (SYE) projects and presentations.

“The capstone will be the most significant change for incoming students,” said Iwen. “They’ll have the chance to work more closely with others and build a sense of community.”

Iwen will also collaborate with academic advisors and departments to establish guidelines for student plans and to develop individualized academic paths.

“Some departments are still unsure how to support interdisciplinary studies students who wish to take their courses,” Iwen explained. “This position was created to provide outreach to those departments, offering guidance on how to most effectively integrate their courses into interdisciplinary programs of study.”

With years of leadership, assessment and interdisciplinary experience as a department chair, Iwen is a member of the UWS Academic Assessment Committee and the Public Leadership and Innovation Advisory Committee. He has a strong track record of teaching and advising, having served as the advisor of The Nemadji Review for nine years, and received the Students’ Choice Award for Outstanding On-Campus Teaching at UW-Superior in 2022-23. Iwen’s award-winning writing spans genres and topics, all focused on critically reflecting upon the human experience.

These accomplishments make Iwen well-suited to mentor students through SYE work and presentations, helping them reflect on the content and skills they’ve gained, as well as their personal growth and development.

“These customizable degree options have significant value for our students and a long history at our institution,” said Shevaun Stocker, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. “The new coordinator position demonstrates our investment in providing structural support for students, advisors, and academic programs. I am grateful for Jayson’s wisdom and talents in taking on this inaugural IDS Coordinator role and look forward to seeing his leadership in action.”