The Summer Collegiate Experience (SCE) is a high-impact, quality-learning, first-year experience for students entering the university. Students typically enter SCE through PEOPLE, First Wave, and CAE; however, any interested student may apply to participate through CAE. As an SCE student, you will take two classes for degree credit, register for fall courses, and learn about UW-Madison resources and campus culture during a six-week residential summer program.
The curriculum is designed to advance your skills in writing, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. You will have the opportunity to meet a diverse group of other first-year students and faculty/staff, while getting adjusted to the University’s academic and social environment. In the sections below, you can find out more about SCE academics, programming, and housing during the six-weeks.
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Academics
As an SCE participant, you will be enrolled in L&S 121, Critical Approaches to Thinking and Writing. You will also be enrolled in one other 3-credit course, which you will select from six offered electives.
Students will be pre-registered in these courses as part of their SCE enrollment; students do not need to register for these classes on their own. Courses are Monday through Friday.
Required Programming
Attendance is required at the following events:
- SCE Kick-Off Lunch
- All SCE meetings
- Study Table (writing staff will be available to work with students during these study sessions)
- Floor Meetings
- American Players Theatre
- SCE Showcase
- SCE Closing Banquet
Social Community-Building Events
The following are examples of past social events in which students and staff have participated. Attendance is optional at these events. The purpose of these events is to build community among students and staff, as well as to provide a study break for students.
- Bonfire
- Cookout
- Students and Staff Kickball Game
- Farmer’s Market Outings
- Devil’s Lake Trip
- Kayaking
Housing
Move-In
All SCE Students will be residing in Tripp Hall this summer. The address is 1510 Tripp Circle, Madison, WI, 53706.
As you arrive, SCE Staff will greet you outside Tripp Hall and help you through the move-in process. During move-in, vehicles can park in Lot 34.
Room Amenities:
All rooms are fully furnished; click here for a list of what each room is equipped with.
Special Circumstances and Arrangements
Please contact the Director of SCE with any special requests about housing, meals, classroom accommodations, etc.
Items You May Wish to Bring
- Photo ID (for SOAR)
- Health Insurance information (in the event of a medical emergency)
- Microwave
- Water bottle
- Laptop (*there are two 24-hour computer dens available for students, and students may also rent out laptops from the library)
- Alarm clock
- Laundry bag/basket
- High efficiency laundry detergent/dryer sheets/fabric softener
- Raincoat/umbrella/rain boots
- Clothes for hot and cool weather
- Workout clothes/shoes
- Bathrobe
- Sleepwear
- Personal hygiene items/toiletries (shampoo/conditioner, body wash, lotion, toothbrush/toothpaste, etc.)
- Personal medications
- Shower caddy
- Shower shoes
- Towels
- *SCE will provide backpacks and all school supplies for students
- *Cooking utensils may be rented out from the Carson Gulley Front Desk (two kitchens are available for student use at Tripp Hall)
- *Each room in Tripp has an air conditioning unit
Items Not Allowed
- Toasters
- Candles/incense burners
- Coffeemakers that use a hot plate
- Electric frying pans and grills
- Any appliance with an open heating element or exposed heat source
Questions? Contact the SCE Director or the SCE Program Coordinator.
SCE has been an inspirational growing adventure, both academically and emotionally.