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. 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.
If you are interested in participating in SCE 2021 as an incoming freshman student to UW Madison, please fill out the SCE Application. Decisions on SCE applicants will be made after May 1st.
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Academics
As an SCE Participant student, you will be enrolled in two courses for 6 credits, which you will select from 11 different course offerings.
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
- 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 sce@saa.ls.wisc.edu with any special requests about housing, meals, classroom accommodations, etc.
Any changes to the program as a result of Covid-19 will be shared with participants as soon as possible.
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 sce@saa.ls.wisc.edu.
SCE has been an inspirational growing adventure, both academically and emotionally.