Fostering Excellence, Empowering Students
The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) is dedicated to helping students thrive. From providing a welcoming and inclusive community within the College of Letters & Science, to empowering students to create a transformational undergraduate career, the staff in CAE empower students to reach their highest degree of success. CAE is made up of 3 distinct initiatives that combine to support student success:
The Summer Collegiate Experience (SCE), a six-week summer residential experience that allows students to jumpstart their college career by enrolling in classes and earning credit toward their college degree. Even more importantly, SCE introduces resources and services throughout campus that will ensure that when they arrive on campus for the start of their 1st semester, they already have the knowledge and connections to soar.
The CAE cohort programs offer community, connection, academic mentoring and other resources to a select group of incoming students each fall. CAE Scholars have access to comprehensive support that includes personalized advising, academic resources, and paid research opportunities. They may also participate in a host of activities, including health and wellness events, community gatherings, mentorship programs. and career and graduate school preparation, CAE also fosters personal and professional growth by connecting students with learning communities and impactful academic experiences that promote collaboration and a strong sense of belonging.
The L&S STEM Scholars offers students interested in STEM an extensive science-based support network and access to unique opportunities to enrich their learning experience and prepare them for future science careers.



















CAE = Student Success
Engagement throughout the undergraduate experience
Beginning the summer before they enroll, CAE scholars have access to leadership and high impact learning experiences that help them maximize their college experience. The initiatives housed within CAE combine to support students to achieve both inside and outside the classroom. These opportunities include:
- Summer Collegiate Experience (SCE)
- HIPS and Undergraduate Learning Communities
- L&S STEM Scholars
Connected community and a place to call home
CAE scholars build a close-knit community within the largest school at UW-Madison. They learn and grow within a network of other high-achieving students and take full advantage of the Wisconsin Experience.
- Physical space in one of the oldest and most distinguished buildings on campus
- Hallmark Events and Activities
- Peer Mentoring
- Leadership Experiences