Students enrolled in the Resource Navigator Program are living the Wisconsin Experience.
Students engage in intellectual and personal growth in:
- Empathy and humility
- Relentless curiosity
- Intellectual confidence
- Purposeful action
Exceptional Learning: the Resource Navigator Program
Our undergraduate students participate in a highly sought-after service-learning experience providing community resources to clients in Madison. This program embodies the Wisconsin Experience!
Learn more about the Resource Navigator Program, and how to apply, below.
“During my time at the Resource Navigator Program, I have learned an immense amount about how social determinants of health equity affect peoples’ lives. I have also learned a lot about patient advocacy, the Madison public works system, and the variety of resources our community has to offer. These experiences have reaffirmed my passion for helping others and strengthened my commitment to advocating for equitable access to healthcare.”
– Emma L., BA in anticipated 2025
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Community Resource Navigator Program
Undergraduate students enroll in Legal Studies 473/699 to participate in the Resource Navigator Program. (This course requires an application.)
With the help of supervisors, students work with clients to help them connect with needed community resources. Students follow-up with clients regularly to help them stay healthy. Meeting regularly as a class, students learn about the important links between basic social and economic needs and health, interact directly with patients to help them meet their needs, and learn important patient advocacy skills.
Law and pre-law students are on hand to help patients with health-harming legal needs. In this win-win-win program, clients receive guidance as they navigate the web of social service and legal systems, students learn important skills and perspectives, and providers gain allies in supporting clients and patients who struggle to access the resources that will boost health outcomes.
Spring 2025 Applications will open October 2024.
Contact Curran Cauldwood, our Student Services Coordinator, to learn more.
Learn more about the Resource Navigator Program here
Legal Studies 473: Health Impacts of Unmet Social Needs
Legal Studies 473 Health Impacts of Unmet Social Needs is the required first-semester service-learning course for the Resource Navigator Program. Students engage in direct work with patients at a local clinic six hours per week.
Students develop an understanding of how social determinants of health affect peoples’ lives.
Students attend a weekly seminar where they will reflect on their experiences in the clinic and further explore how social location impacts health, legal, and social service delivery.
Law and pre-law students are on hand to help patients with health-harming legal needs. In this win-win-win program, clients receive guidance as they navigate the web of social service and legal systems, students learn important skills and perspectives, and providers gain allies in supporting clients and patients who struggle to access the resources that will boost health outcomes.
Legal Studies 473 is offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Learn more about Legal Studies 473/699 and the Community Resource Navigator Program here
Legal Studies 699: Continuing Semesters in the Community Resource Navigator Program
Legal Studies 699 is offered for 1-2 credits for returning Resource Navigator students who have completed the required introductory Legal Studies 473 course.
Students perform service-learning for 4 hours a week per credit and complete short assignments including annual HIPAA training and learning reflections.
Application Information and Logistics
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Application
Spring 2025 Applications will open October 2024.
Contact Curran Cauldwood, our Student Services Coordinator, to learn more.
Service-learning site location
Most Resource Navigator Shifts are held at the UW South Madison Partnership, 2238 S. Park Street.
The SMP is on Madison Metro Route B and has BCycle bikes located nearby.
Technology Requirements for Students
Hardware and Software Requirements:
- Operating System
- Windows: Windows 10 or higher
- Mac: Mac OS X (10.12 or higher)
- Internet
- You will need sufficient internet bandwidth/speed to complete all tasks required in our courses. For the Applied Advocacy Experience, this includes activities such as frequent video conferencing and telephone calls via your computer.
- Video & Sound
- Headset with microphone (REQUIRED)
- Webcam (REQUIRED)
- Browser
- Firefox (latest version)
- Chrome (latest version)
- Safari (latest version)
- Check to see what browser you are using now and if you need to update it at www.whatbrowser.org.
- Programs & Plugins
- Java (free)
- Adobe Reader (free) or Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Flash Player (free)
- E-Mail
- You must have the ability to send and receive e-mail from your computer
Contact us at learning@patientpartnerships.org if you have specific questions about the above requirements.