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 CAE prepare students for success both during their time at UW–Madison in preparation for graduate school or their chosen career.
Benefits for CAE Scholars
CAE Scholars have access to multiple academic opportunities and experiences:
- Two courses towards your degree if you participate in the Summer Collegiate Experience (SCE) including tuition, housing, books, and meals at no cost;
- Priority enrollment so you can get in the classes you need before they fill up;
- Academic support for most courses;
- Direct access to advisors and assistant deans committed to your academic success;
- Coordinated reflective experiences which better position you for post-graduation career or graduate school opportunities.
CAE Scholar expectations
In CAE, we want you to not only be successful, but excel in all you do at UW–Madison. Therefore, CAE uses an individualized plan to promote your academic excellence which includes the following expectations:
- 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;
- Connect with CAE Student Leaders in a mentoring relationship;
- Join CAE programming and community building events;
Please read CAE Scholar expectations for more detailed information on requirements/expectations.
FIRST YEAR
- Join at least one high-impact practice.
- Participate in “early-arrival” activities before 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.
Attend both the “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.
- 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 Available Resources and Opportunities 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