Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can CAE help me get a scholarship?

A: CAE advisors work closely with students to identify financial needs and assist in applying for scholarships. They often advocate for students by writing letters of support and recommendation.

Q: How did I get selected to participate in CAE?

A: 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.

Q: If I’m admitted to the College of Letters & Science (L&S), can I switch to a different school or college?

A: 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.

Q: Can transfer students join CAE?

Transfer students may take advantage of some of the resources s offered through CAE. Please email us at cae@saa.ls.wisc.edu to learn more.

 Q: Can I join CAE if I wasn’t admitted as an incoming first-year student?

A: You can get involved with CAE in various ways. For a full list of our resources, explore our website and contact us at cae@saa.ls.wisc.edu to discuss further.

Q: What is the difference between CAE and the Center for Educational Opportunity (CeO)?

A: CeO is a federally- and state-funded program serving students meeting specific income or disability criteria. CAE is part of L&S and supports a diverse group of students admitted to L&S.  Both programs enhance student success through academic and social support.

Q: What are the benefits of joining CAE?

A: 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. We encourage you to explore the CAE website to learn more about how CAE can assist you in your pursuit of success.

Q: How can I learn more about the Summer Collegiate Experience (SCE)?

A: SCE is a credit-earning summer program for incoming students. More information on SCE can be found here.

Q: How can I schedule an appointment with my CAE advisor?

A: You can use Starfish to schedule an appointment, call the CAE front desk at 608-263-5068 or stop in to make an appointment in person.

Q: What should I discuss with my CAE advisor?

A: Your CAE advisor is an invaluable resource to help you navigate your college experience. Some of the ways CAE advisors can help you include understanding degree requirements and registration connecting you with key resources across campus such as including helping you to find scholarship and internship opportunities and clarifying academic policies and requirements.

Q: Can I switch CAE advisors?

A: While we encourage working with your assigned advisor, you’re welcome to meet with any CAE advisor or staff member to address your needs.

Q: Can I continue working with my CAE advisor after declaring my major?

A: Yes, you can continue utilizing CAE services and meeting with your advisor throughout your time at UW-Madison.

Q: What learning support does CAE offer?

A: Academic Mentoring is available for any course a CAE student enrolls in; if we currently do not have a mentor who can support the course, we will try to find other resources on campus. We also want students to engage with relevant learning centers (if available) before assigning an Academic Mentor.

Q: How do I sign up for learning support?

A: CAE students can request academic mentoring through an online form. Academic mentoring requires a follow-up meeting with your academic advisor or a staff member from the learning support team.

Q: What if I just want to connect with other students in my class?

A: You can do that through CAE, too! Because of legal considerations, we cannot connect you unless everyone opts in, which you can do using this form.

Q: Is there a fee for learning support services?

A: CAE Academic Mentoring and Peer Learning are 100% free to eligible students.

Q: Is any L&S student eligible for learning support services?

A: Yes, L&S non-CAE students may take advantage of Academic Mentoring is they meet certain eligibility requirements such as:

  • They are a L&S or undeclared undergraduate student
  • Identify as a first–generation college student, or are from a low income background, or a rural background
  • Students who do not have other options through other campus programs that offer learning support

Q: What is the difference between Academic Mentoring and tutoring?

A: Tutoring takes many different forms on campus, and you can learn more about those services here. When you are assigned to an academic mentor, you commit to meeting with them every week and can expect them to help with much more than just the course content! Read more about academic mentoring here.