First-Year Seminars
First-year seminars are small, discussion-based courses designed to support new students in their transition to academic and student life at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
The Office for Student Transition and Family Engagement (OSTFE) recommends that all new students participate in at least one first-year seminar during their first year at UW–Madison. To meet the needs and interests of our large, diverse, first-year class, UW–Madison provides different types of first-year seminars based on student population.
OSTFE administers CP125: The Wisconsin Experience Seminar for first-semester freshmen and transfer students.
The course introduced me to encouraging faculty and supportive peers and helped me begin to make my college experience exactly what I want it to be.
The Wisconsin Experience Seminar (CP125)
The Wisconsin Experience Seminar (CP 125) is a one-credit (75 min/week, 15-week), extended orientation first-year seminar open to all new students (freshmen and transfers) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It is taught by a faculty or staff member and an Undergraduate Teaching Fellow in an active, discussion-driven, and community-oriented learning environment. Class size is capped at 20 students. Transfer and freshmen sections are offered in the fall and spring each year.
This small, interactive course is designed to help students transition successfully to academic and student life at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Students will explore campus resources and opportunities; their skills, identity, interests, and goals; and the history and purpose of UW–Madison to help them make the most of their Wisconsin experience.
As a result of this course, students will be able to:
- Discuss the history, culture, and purpose of UW-Madison and how those shared reference points may influence their Wisconsin Experience
- Engage with campus resources and opportunities to develop the habits of a successful college student and have a fulfilling Wisconsin experience
- Develop positive relationships with faculty, staff, and students
- Assess their skills, interests, and values to make the most of their Wisconsin experience and further their personal and career goals
- Analyze the multiple dimensions of social identity and how those dimensions impact their and others’ experience at UW–Madison
- Plan how they will engage with and contribute to the University of Wisconsin–Madison and other communities during their undergraduate career
Course learning outcomes are achieved through meaningful assignments, readings, in-class discussions and activities, and interactions with campus resources and opportunities.
What will you get from the class?
- A good start on your academic and career goals
- Information about campus resources and opportunities
- Tips on how to get involved and make the most of your Wisconsin Experience
- An extended orientation to academic and student life at UW–Madison
- Friends and mentors
What makes this class unique?
- Only for new students (freshman or transfer)
- Small (20 students or less)
- Interactive and discussion-oriented with meaningful assignments
- Co-taught by an experienced undergraduate student
- It’s a fun way to ease into life at UW–Madison!
“CP 125 made the transition from a small high school to a big university much less intimidating. I made a lot of new friends in my class and learned so many useful tips and tricks to help me navigate my way through freshman year.” – Natalie C.
” CP 125 helped make UW–Madison feel like home, and it was so much fun!” – Joelle S.
“CP 125 gave me a place where I felt comfortable asking questions about general campus life. It really helped me become accustomed to college and made me aware of all the opportunities I have available to me here. It also created a very welcoming environment, and I’m still friends with many of my classmates.”– Leslie F.
Find the Wisconsin Experience Seminar on My Course Guide by searching for CP 125.
Please contact the academic engagement team at academics@studentaffairs.wisc.edu with questions or registration issues.
Every section of CP125 is co-taught by an instructor and an Undergraduate Teaching Fellow (Fellow). Our teaching teams help guide first-year students through their transition to UW–Madison by facilitating discussions, holding weekly office hours in the Office of Student Transition & Family Engagement (OSTFE), and supporting course-related activities. This position is ideal for those who are passionate about peer learning, community-building, and supporting new Badgers.
- Instructor roles, expectations, and application process
- New Instructor Application (coming soon)
- Undergraduate Teaching Fellows (coming soon)
- Student Employment and Volunteer Opportunities
What it means to be a Badger
Listen to a podcast about her Wisconsin Experience, created by Kaitlyn Cummings, a former CP125 student.
Other First-Year Seminar Options
All new students (freshmen and transfers) are encouraged to enroll in at least one first-year seminar during their first year at UW–Madison to help them acclimate to academic and student life, connect with faculty and peers, and learn about the resources and opportunities available to them to make the most of their Wisconsin Experience.
Students who enroll in first-year seminars consistently earn higher first-year GPAs, persist and graduate at higher rates, and utilize University resources at a higher rate than students who do not enroll.
UW–Madison provides a number of different first-year seminar options for new students, including:
First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs) – FIGs are clusters of (usually) three courses linked together to explore a common theme with a small cohort.
Residential Learning Community Seminars – Courses for students living in residential learning communities to further explore their learning community theme.
School/College/Major/Program Seminars – Courses designed to orient students to their School or College, major, or program.
Students should speak with their academic advisor to determine which course(s) might be most helpful and relevant for them. Requirements for specific first-year seminars for Schools and Colleges, majors, and programs are outlined in the Guide.