About the Center for Academic Excellence

The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) in the College of Letters and Science (L&S) is dedicated to fostering student success through a variety of impactful initiatives. CAE serves undergraduate students with a particular focus on those who are first in their family to attend college, or who come from low-income or rural backgrounds. 

Programs and Services

CAE works with students throughout their college experience and facilitates their engagement across campus via several initiatives, including the Summer College Experience (SCE); the L&S STEM Scholars Initiative; and the CAE Cohort Program. Resources offered include:

  • Holistic academic advising and mentoring
  • Paid research opportunities
  • Health and wellness events
  • Social gatherings
  • Graduate school and career preparation
  • Connections with learning communities for collaboration and growth

A Rich History of Supporting Student Success

The Center for Academic Excellence has a proud legacy spanning over half a century, rooted in its commitment to expanding educational opportunities. 

1966: The Five-Year Program
The precursor to CAE was established in 1966 as the Five-Year Program, founded under the leadership of Ruth Doyle and supported by the NAACP. At that time, the program addressed the low enrollment of African-American students at UW–Madison and offered academic and personal counseling, tutoring, and study skills support.

Ruth Doyle launches the Five Year Program, seeking to bring more students of color to UW-Madison.

1979: Academic Advancement Program (AAP)
In 1979, the program was renamed the Academic Advancement Program (AAP), reflecting a commitment to supporting students to graduate in four years. AAP expanded its objectives to include:

  • Partnering with the Office of Admissions to recruit undergraduate students
  • Providing efforts to support the retention of students, such as early advising and tutoring
  • Extensive orientation programs for new students

2013: The Center for Academic Excellence
In 2013, CAE adopted its current structure within L&S, uniting the missions of its predecessors and expanding its engagement with a wide array of students. Today, CAE serves students from low income backgrounds, who are first in their family to attend college, or who come from low income or rural backgrounds. 

Chadbourne Game
CAE is now housed in Bascom Hall

CAE remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering student success. From its early days as the Five-Year Program to its current structure, CAE is proud to have enriched the lives of countless students who have contributed significantly to the UW–Madison community.