We’re looking forward to you joining us on campus for CAE Launch, a week‑long experience created to help CAE scholars confidently launch into the first semester. The week is intentionally planned so that scholars will enjoy meaningful and fun activities that introduce them to key campus resources ahead of classes starting on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Participation in CAE Launch is expected of all CAE Scholars.
If you’ll live on campus next year, you will move into your residence hall on Sunday, August 23.
The schedule for CAE Launch is detailed below. Carefully review it and email your CAE advisor if you have questions or potential scheduling conflicts.
Move-in Questions?
You should have already received instructions regarding your move-in directly from UW Housing. If you have questions or any concerns about your residence hall move-in, contact them directly at:
Email: info@housing.wisc.edu
Phone: 608-262-2522
2026 CAE Launch Schedule
Monday, August 24 – Friday, August 28
CAE Launch activities are planned to help you establish a strong foundation for your success at UW! Throughout the week, we expect you to participate and fully engage in each session you to attend. There will be opportunities to win prizes throughout the week; you MUST participate in as many sessions as possible to win!
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start of each session to check in and get settled. When you arrive, we will scan your Wiscard, so please remember to bring it each day. If you have not yet received your Wiscard by Monday, August 24, you may pick it up that morning before the start of CAE Launch activities.
Many CAE Launch activities will take place in Morgridge Hall. Maps for Morgridge Hall and a few other locations are shown to the right; for all other locations, we suggest using the UW-Madison campus map.
Incoming scholars are also encouraged to participate in Wisconsin Welcome events of interest.
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Sunday, August 23
Early Move In
CAE Scholars living in a UW-Madison residence hall move in. Please review communication from UW Housing for more specific details.
Monday, August 24
| Before 11 a.m. | Pick up your Wiscard from Union South |
| 11 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. |
Lunch is available throughout this time Pick up your bracelet for lunch when you arrive at Gordon Dining and Event Center (GDEC) Pick up your bus pass in GDEC 2nd floor (Ed Gordon Suite 220) |
| 1:00 p.m. |
Welcome to CAE: Launching Your College Journey
Kick off your CAE experience with an official welcome, meet the peer mentor who will guide you throughout the year, and dive into a conversation about what it truly means to be a successful CAE Scholar. This session sets the tone for your journey—because in CAE, you get out of it what you put into it. 1524 Morgridge Hall
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| 3:15 p.m. |
CAE Scavenger Hunt
Explore campus with your new classmates and learn about some of the iconic places you’ll get to know during the next 4 years. A prize awaits the team that deciphers the clues and visits all locations first! Departs from 1524 Morgridge Hall
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Tuesday, August 25
| 9:00 a.m. |
Breakfast & Conversation: Get to Know Some of UW-Madison’s People
Start your day with good food and great company. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast while getting to know some of the faculty and campus staff who help make UW-Madison such a vibrant community. This is a great chance to make early connections, ask questions, and meet some of the people who just might be part of your college experience. 7560 Morgridge Hall
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| 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
It’s a Different World: How to Win in the College Classroom
College learning hits differently—and that’s a good thing. Hear from top L&S faculty as they break down what helps students to shine. You’ll walk away with practical tips, insider insights, and a clearer sense of how to make the most of your academic experience. 7560 Morgridge Hall
|
| 10:05 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. |
The Ultimate Assist: Scoring Help for School and Life You don’t have to go through college alone! Join us to learn about the team of people ready to give you an assist. We will discuss the science behind being a successful student and explore how you can score some help during your college journey! Discover how to connect with various learning support and mental health resources on campus, from Academic Mentoring and University Health Services to the McBurney Center and accountability groups. Don’t wait for the bottom of the ninth to get the help you need! Hit your college experience out of the park by learning about your college resources today! 7560 Morgridge Hall
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11:00 a.m. – 11:35 a.m.
and
11:35 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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Leveling Up: Mastering the Mindset and Habits for Academic Success
College learning moves faster, requires more independence, and asks you to think and engage more critically. These sessions will help you understand what to expect, how to manage the increased academic demands, and how to build strong habits from day one. All sessions run in both time slots.
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| 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. |
Lunch Pick up your bracelet for lunch from CAE staff member in the morning Pick up your bus pass in GDEC 2nd floor (Ed Gordon Suite 220) |
| 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
We’ve Been There: Real Talk with CAE Scholars
Hear directly from CAE Scholars in their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years as they share the lessons, insights, and honest advice they wish they’d had when they started. Learn from their experiences and walk away with practical tips for navigating campus life with confidence. Students who did not participate in SCE — 7560 Morgridge Hall
Students who participated in SCE — 1524 Morgridge Hall
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| 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Learning the City of Four Lakes The Native American name for the place now known as Madison, Wisconsin is Teejop (also spelled Dejope), a Ho-Chunk word meaning “Four Lakes.” In addition to its cultural importance, Madison is also part of your university campus and exploring can be part of the fun of college. Choose one of four informal excursions led by CAE staff and peer mentors that each highlight a different corner of the city. Whether you’re into nature, animals, gardens, or simply discovering new places, there’s a Madison adventure waiting for you. Locations include UW Arboretum, Olbrich Gardens, and Henry Vilas Zoo. Depart from Morgridge Hall
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Wednesday, August 26
Academic Exploration sessions: All CAE Scholars are expected to choose one of the following:
| Option 1 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
WISCIENCE Welcome For STEM-interested students Develop foundational academic success skills for STEM learning 1570 Morgridge Hall
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| Option 2 9:15 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. Students not attending WISCIENCE Welcome should plan to participate in this option. |
Thinking, Listening, Learning: A Hands-On Introduction to Humanities & Social Sciences at UW
Explore what makes studying people, culture, and society so fascinating. During this engaging and interactive discussion, you’ll also pick up practical tools for preparing for lectures, staying engaged, and taking smarter notes —then try them out in a lively mock‑lecture experience that brings the Humanities and Social Sciences to life. 1524 Morgridge Hall
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| 10:50 a.m.-11:30 a.m. |
The Opportunity Lab: Humanities and Social Sciences: Choose from 3 sessions:
2516 Morgridge Hall
2522 Morgridge Hall
2532 Morgridge Hall |
| 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. |
Lunch
Pick up your bracelet for lunch from a CAE staff member in the morning
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| 1:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Conversations with your CAE Advisor (Bring your laptop!)
Meet with your CAE Advisor to establish mutual expectations for your sessions, discuss your first-year goals, and gather actionable tips to start the semester strong. You will also explore the CAE Canvas course to discover helpful tools and modules, and learn how to engage with your instructors through our mid-semester check-in exercise. Various locations – Grainger Hall
Grainger 1170 – Hernan Grainger 1175 – Jessica Grainger 1180 – Monica Grainger 1185 – Priscilla Grainger 1190 – Maddie Grainger 1195 – Amihan, Aygul, Marisa
If you are unsure who your CAE Advisor is, please review the CAE Advisor assignment list.
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| 3:30 p.m. | Community building activities with your Peer Mentors and fellow CAE Scholars
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Thursday, August 27
If you are receiving need-based financial aid, you should have received information from the Office of Financial Aid about your REQUIRED attendance at one of the following sessions to learn important information about your financial aid and scholarship expectations. This is a session you should not miss!
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
Mandatory BANNER Orientation
Shannon Hall, Memorial Union
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| 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
Mandatory Bucky’s Pell Pathway Orientation
Shannon Hall, Memorial Union
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| 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. |
Lunch
Pick up your bracelet for lunch from your CAE Advisor on Wednesday
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| 2:00 p.m. | Community building activities with your Peer Mentors and fellow CAE Scholars
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Friday, August 28
| 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Campus Resource Showcase
At the Resource Fair, you can explore academic tools, wellness resources, involvement opportunities, and campus support teams all in one place. Stop by to connect, ask questions, and find what you need to make your college experience smoother, stronger, and more fun from the very beginning. CAE space (B-47 Bascom Hall)
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| Beginning at 11:00 a.m. | Grab and Go lunch available in room 58 Bascom Hall |
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Morgridge Hall
Gordon Dining and Event Center map
CAE Map
The office is located on the west side of Bascom Hall. The entrance is between Ingraham and Bascom Hall; go down the steps and enter the door with “College of Letters and Science / Center for Academic Excellence” above it.