IN YOUR FIRST YEAR
- Join at least one learning community;
- Participate in “early-arrival” activities on campus before the start of Fall semester;
- Meet with your CAE advisor at least three times each semester, including group advising;
- Submit a midterm progress report each semester;
- Meet with your peer mentor at least twice per semester;
- Participate in the following CAE events: one peer mentoring event per semester, both “Empowering You career conference” and “Capstone Symposium” in the spring.
IN YOUR SECOND YEAR
- Meet with your CAE advisor at least twice each semester;
- Participate in Equity and Inclusion Career Fair in the fall and both “Empowering You career conference” and “Capstone Symposium” in the spring;
- Declare your major.
IN YOUR THIRD YEAR
- Meet with your CAE advisor at least once each semester;
- Attend the Equity and Inclusion Career Fair in the fall;
- Create a reflective Capstone presentation and present at the Capstone symposium in the spring.
IN YOUR FOURTH YEAR
- Meet with your CAE advisor at least once each semester;
- Attend CAE Graduation.
Additional Available Resources and Opportunities for all CAE students:
- Appointments and drop-in help from CAE’s writing instructor, Larry Edgerton;
- 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.
Q: Can CAE help me get a scholarship?
A: The CAE advisors work closely with each of their students to identify the student’s financial needs and concerns. They assist their students in identifying and applying for scholarships. Often times, they serve as an advocate by writing letters of support and recommendation on behalf of the student.
CAE also award the Shinners Family Fund Scholarship annually to in-state CAE students and coordinates the Lawton Undergraduate Minority Retention Grant, an incentive- and need-based retention grant awarded to Wisconsin resident students from four targeted student populations (African American, Latino, Native American/American Indian), and Southeast Asian of Vietnamese, Cambodian, or Laotian descent.
How did I get selected to participate in CAE?
During their review of your application, the Office of Admissions and Recruitment recognized your strong commitment to your academic pursuits and identified you as a student who would take full advantage of the opportunities provided by CAE. We agree that you’d be a great fit, and we look forward to partnering with you to meet your goals and to reach your full potential for success.
If I’m admitted to the College of Letters & Science, can I still switch to a different school or college?
CAE recognizes the importance of students’ major and career endeavors, and as such, supports students’ pursuit of majors outside of the College of Letters & Science. CAE advisors and staff have strong working relationships with advisors from other schools and colleges and can assist students with the process of transferring and applying to academic programs outside of L&S.
Can transfer students join CAE?
Transfer Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many support systems offered through CAE. Please fill out an on-campus application, if interested in joining CAE.
Can I join CAE if I wasn’t admitted to the program as an incoming first-year student?
Yes, there are many ways you can get involved with CAE if you weren’t admitted to the program as an incoming first-year student. For instance, you could request additional learning support in the form of an Academic Mentor or apply to receive the Lawton Undergraduate Retention Grant. For a full list of ways to get involved, please explore our website and reach out to the individuals listed as contacts for each area of CAE.
What is the difference between CAE and the Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)?
The Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO) is a federal- and state-funded program that serves students who meet specific federal family income guidelines, and students with documented disabilities. CAE is housed in the College of Letters & Science and works with a diverse set of students who are admitted through the college. Both programs provide academic and social support to enhance students’ success at the university.
What are the benefits of working with CAE?
CAE is an office that exists for students’ benefit. We encourage you to explore the CAE website to learn more about how CAE can assist you in your pursuit of success. A few benefits include: direct and frequent access to advisors, in-house learning support for almost any subject, priority registration as first- and second-year students (register with juniors), access to L&S assistant dean services specifically within CAE, connections to experienced CAE students through the peer mentoring program, and ample study/gathering space in the Center.
How can I learn more about SCE?
The Summer Collegiate Experience (SCE) is a credit-earning summer-bridge program for students entering the University. More information on SCE can be found here.
How can I schedule an appointment with my CAE advisor?
You can use Starfish to schedule an appointment. You can also call the CAE front desk at 608-263-5068 or stop in to make an appointment in person.
What do I go to my CAE advisor for?
Your CAE advisor is a resource to help you navigate transitions and challenges and to support you in important decisions. Here are a few ways CAE advisors can help you: understand degree requirements and registration, connect you with key resources across campus, including additional advising units in your areas of interest, find scholarship and internship opportunities, and clarify academic policies and requirements.
Can I switch CAE advisors?
We encourage you to work with your assigned CAE advisor, but also want you to be your own best advocate for what works best for you. You are more than welcome to meet with any CAE advisor or CAE staff member to get the assistance you need.
Can I continue working with my advisor, and with CAE after I declare my major?
Yes, you can continue to meet with your advisor and utilize CAE services through the duration of time at UW-Madison.
What learning support does CAE offer?
One-on-One Academic Mentoring and Peer Learning, and Writing Support. One-on-One Academic Mentoring is available for any course a CAE student enrolls in; if we currently do not support the course, we will begin the hiring process for someone who does. We also want students to engage with relevant learning centers (if available) before assigning a One-on-One Academic Mentor.
Peer Learning is a group of 4 to 8 students taking the most challenging courses first- and second-year students take. These groups are facilitated by our most experienced and best trained academic mentors. In this setting, students collaborate with each other to master important concepts in the course, all facilitated by the Lead Academic Mentor.
How do I sign up for learning support?
CAE students can request peer learning and/or academic mentoring through an online form. Peer learning is automatic enrollment after filling out the form, but academic mentoring requires a follow-up meeting with your academic advisor or a staff member from the learning support team.
Is there a fee for learning support services?
CAE Academic Mentoring and Peer Learning are 100% free to eligible students.
Is any L&S student eligible to receive learning support services?
Yes, L&S non-CAE students are eligible for Academic Mentoring provided they meet the following criteria:
- L&S or undeclared students during their undergraduate career;
- First generation, low income and/or underrepresented students of color;
- Students who do not have options through other campus programs that offer tutoring support.
What is the difference between academic mentoring and tutoring?
Tutoring is a reactive service, where students wait until they have questions or experience difficulties to visit tutoring. Academic Mentoring is focused on supporting students to avoid difficulties within challenging courses. Additionally, Academic Mentors:
- will assist students in overcoming difficulties in the class and answering questions whenever they arise;
- collaborate with students to develop study skills, exam-taking skills, and time-management skills;
- assist students in approaching and engaging faculty and navigating academic resources in higher education;
- offer tips and strategies to be successful in the classroom.
What is the difference between academic mentoring and peer learning? Can I sign-up for both during the same semester?
One-on-One academic mentoring involves individualized support for any course, while Peer Learning engages students with peers to create a team of learners. There is no limit to the number of peer learning and/or One-on-One academic mentoring requests.
Can I have both an academic mentor and a student leader? How would I benefit from/utilize one versus the other?
Academic Mentors collaborate with students around academic transitions and skills, while Student Leaders collaborate with students around social transitions and skills. Yes, students are encouraged to engage with both programs!