January 2025

Supervisor Information

SSEP is a summer program for females in grade 11 (and grade 10 in rural areas of the province),
in Newfoundland and Labrador, who are interested in exploring careers in science and engineering.
It offers students the opportunity to work in paid science and engineering placements for 7 weeks,
allowing them to experience firsthand the exciting and rewarding opportunities that come from a
career in science and engineering. Along with their work experience, students benefit from
workplace and educational tours, site visits, personal and professional development activities,
guest speakers, networking opportunities, and social activities with young women their age from
across the province.

WISE SSEP offers the opportunity for Supervisors to advance their research or other work at no
financial cost, while providing the rewarding experience of mentoring a bright young female
student interested in a career in science, engineering, mathematics, medicine or technology.
Individuals such as faculty members, researchers, and scientists apply to WISE NL to become
Supervisors every summer. Many return year after year due to the rewarding experience and often
encourage new colleagues to take part as well. Applications for summer 2025 will be available on
Monday, January 13th.

SSEP 2025 Important Dates and Scheduling Information

SSEP 2025 begins Tuesday, June 24th and ends Monday, August 11th.

Tuesday, June 24th will be an Orientation Day for students. This is a ‘full day’ event. The first day
of work within your lab or office will be Wednesday, June 25th.

Students completing placements outside of St. John’s-metro area will also attend a “Virtual
Orientation” via Zoom prior to the first day of their placement. During the Virtual Orientation
students will learn more about WISE NL, SSEP, and confirm completion of WHMIS and Lab
Safety Training if required.

SSEP Workplace Introduction and Orientation

Students will begin their placement on Wednesday, June 25th, 2025, with their last day of work
being Friday, August 8th.

Students work 35 hours per week. Students should not miss more than three (3) days of work
during their placement. Students shall advise you and the WISE SSEP Program Administrator if
they must miss a day of work.

On the student’s first day of work, please take the time to orientate them with the work environment
and allow them to become comfortable with the people and equipment in your lab or office. The
students are new to this type of work environment and will likely be shy and or nervous at first.
Please take the time to ensure they fully understand any dress regulations, workplace procedures
(particularly in the case of injuries and or accidents), and safety precautions. If changes have been
made to the original job description, please ensure that the student and the WISE SSEP Program
Administrator are updated on their tasks.
As part of this program, students may be taken on workplace tours or engage in other SSEP
activities during work hours. The WISE SSEP Team will provide a calendar in advance of the
activities over the summer, as well as reminders of when your student will not be present.

Payroll

Payroll for SSEP students is handled by WISE NL and Memorial University. Students are asked
to submit all relevant forms (direct deposit, tax forms, etc.) prior to beginning employment. It is
important for supervisors and students to be aware that payroll can take up to 3 weeks to process.
The earlier students submit the necessary paperwork the earlier they will be paid. Supervisors
should encourage students to address any concerns regarding payroll to the WISE NL Program
Administrator or Summer Coordinators. There is NO financial cost to the supervisor for this
program. The students are paid minimum wage, and this is subsidized by private donors, and
Provincial and Federal funds (i.e. Canada Summer Jobs).

Supervisor Guidelines and Expectations

It is important to the success of WISE SSEP that participants come away with new experiences
and knowledge of science and engineering careers that they may not have had before the program.
Whenever possible we encourage supervisors to include their students in hands-on tasks in the
work environment, participate in field work, and attend any work site visits.
To ensure the students have a positive experience and feel challenged throughout their work
placement, it is important that students are given a clear and detailed description of the tasks and
research that they will be responsible for during the summer at the beginning of their placement.
Please note that supervisors will be matched with students by early June (depending on
confirmation of funding and student acceptance). If you are no longer able to accept a student
between the end of the application period and being matched with a student, please contact us so
we can remove you from the list of available positions.

Student Guidelines and Expectations

As students will be considered paid employees for the duration of the program it is important that
they conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner. All participants must adhere to
regulations and safety precautions that have been set out by you, as their supervisor, and the WISE
SSEP team. If there is ever a concern with a student, please contact the WISE NL Program
Administrator immediately to discuss the matter and develop a way to improve the situation.

Any Questions?
Contact Melissa Keats
WISE NL Program Administrator
administrator@wisenl.ca
(709) 864-2484