As a new student in the School of Education, you’ll have access to a supportive, small class that serves as a launching pad to your student experience. Once registered for Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR), you’ll speak with an advisor and create your first-semester schedule.
Begin your journey with one of the following courses designed to build community, connect you with fellow School of Education students, and introduce key campus resources.
The Wisconsin Experience Seminar (CP125)
A one-credit (75 min/week), semester-long, first-year seminar open to freshman and transfer students. Class size is capped at 20 students and taught by a faculty or staff member and an Undergraduate Teaching Fellow. Sections are offered in the fall and spring.
This discussion-driven and community-oriented course will help you transition successfully to academic and student life at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
The School of Education offers eight specialized sections of this course limited to the fall semester
- Course topics:
- Campus academic resources
- Involvement opportunities
- Identity exploration (skills, interests, and goals)
- Study strategies
- Well-being
- Career development
You will learn and mindfully engage with the four pillars of the WI Experience to shape your experience at UW–Madison.
First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs)
Cohorts of 20 first-year UW–Madison students who share a common academic interest and take (usually) three fall semester classes as a group. 60+ FIGs are offered on a wide range of subjects each fall. FIGs are only open to incoming freshmen.
A limited number of FIGs feature School of Education courses.
Learn more about FIGs and explore fall 2025 offerings.
Discipline-Specific First-Year Courses
Some majors within the School of Education offer introductory courses for students interested in a specific academic area. These courses are taken during fall semester of freshman year and will build community and connections while diving into entry-level coursework. Speak with an advisor at SOAR to learn about these options.
Contact Us
Student Services Main Office
139 Education Building
1000 Bascom Mall
Wheelchair accessible entrances are located on the east and north side of building.
Open Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
soeacademicservices@education.wisc.edu
608-262-1651
