CAE Scholars are part of a supportive and dynamic community of staff, faculty, and peers dedicated to their success. Admitted 1st year students learn of their selection as a CAE Scholar in their notification of admission to UW-Madison.
CAE Scholars collaborate with CAE staff throughout their academic journey to co-create and customize their Wisconsin Experience. The support, experiences, and skills gained through participation in CAE prepare students for success both during their time at UW–Madison and in preparation for graduate school or their chosen career.
Benefits for CAE Scholars
CAE Scholars take advantage of multiple academic opportunities and experiences:
- Direct access to advisors and assistant deans committed to your academic success
- Priority enrollment so you can get in the classes you need before they fill up
- The opportunity to attend the Summer Collegiate Experience (SCE) during which new 1st-year students can live on campus and 2 courses and earn 6 credits toward your degree. SCE is free to CAE scholars, including tuition, housing, books, and meals!
- Academic and learning support for many L&S courses
- Access to programs and activities to help you plan and be prepared for post-graduation career or graduate school opportunities.
CAE Scholar expectations
In CAE, we want you to be successful and to excel in all you do at UW–Madison. To support this objective, CAE employs a personalized approach to help promote your academic success. We expect that all CAE scholars will:
- Engage in individualized advising sessions to plan your academics and customize your Wisconsin Experience
- Participate in high-impact opportunities such as Undergraduate Research Scholars, Residential Learning Communities, First-Year Interest Groups, and/or internships;
- Create a reflective Capstone Presentation during their 3rd year
- Actively engage with your CAE Peer Mentor
- Participate in CAE activities and community building events
Please read CAE Scholar expectations for more detailed information on expectations.
FIRST YEAR
- Enroll in or join at least one high-impact practice.
- Participate in “CAE Early-Arrival” activities just before the start of the fall semester.
- Meet with your CAE advisor at least three times per semester, including group advising sessions.
- Submit a midterm progress report each semester.
- Meet with your peer mentor at least twice per semester.
- Attend the following CAE events:
- One peer mentoring event per semester. “Empowering You” Career Conference and the “Capstone Symposium” in the spring.
SECOND YEAR
- Meet with your CAE advisor at least twice per semester.
- Participate in the Equity and Inclusion Career Fair in the fall.
- Attend both the “Empowering You” Career Conference and the “Capstone Symposium” in the spring.
- Declare your major.
THIRD YEAR
- Meet with your CAE advisor at least once per semester.
- Attend the Equity and Inclusion Career Fair in the fall (optional).
- Create and present a reflective Capstone presentation at the “Capstone Symposium” in the spring.
FOURTH YEAR
- Meet with your CAE advisor at least once each semester
- Attend CAE Graduation.
Additional Resources and Opportunities available for all CAE students:
- Academic Mentoring
- Access to limited enrollment classes and resources (e.g., Chemistry and Physics Learning Centers)
- Participation in CAE and/or CAE-sponsored events
- Student leadership opportunities
- Priority class enrollment
“Being a Badger means being a part of a litany of high-achieving, community-oriented, and committed individuals who all work toward a goal of bettering Wisconsin, this country, and the world at large.”
— CAE Scholar and Class of 2016 Graduate, Journalism & Political Science Certificate in African Studies