Academic Enhancement Seminars

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What is the structure and goal of AES?

Students meet once a week for ten-sessions. The seminar is divided into three distinct phases. The first phase focuses on helping students clarify the reasons they are in school and what they expect to achieve. The objective of this phase is to assist students to develop clear short- and long-term goals while simultaneously coming to a better understanding of their sources of internal and external motivation. The second phase extends the goals set forth in phase one, helping students to formulate strategies and improve problem-solving skills that facilitate achieving both academic and social goals. Finally, the third phase focuses on developing the types of social competence that are integral to academic and interpersonal success.

Download the current AES Syllabus

What are the objectives of AES?

  • Improve grades
  • Enhance communication skills both academically and socially
  • Develop more efficient study skills
  • Learn to manage time more effectively
  • Gain knowledge of available university resources

Who is eligible to enroll in AES?

Any student who is currently on academic probation status and has not previously enrolled in the seminar.

When does the seminar begin and end?

AES typically begins during the second or third week of each semester.

​What are the seminar meeting times and places?

The following is information for the Spring 2024 seminars, which are offered in-person.

Please note, section 003 will be conducted as a study skills course, which engages less with being on academic probation, more with behavioral strategies, and will have a slightly larger class size.

There are currently no AES sections that are specifically for STEM-focused students.

Seminar Day / Time Meeting Place Instructor
101-001 Tuesday 4:00pm – 5:15pm 1053 Educational Sciences Building Tracy Guan
101-002 Tuesday 5:45pm – 7:00pm 1053 Educational Sciences Building Tracy Guan
101-003 Wednesday 2:30pm – 3:45pm 3534 Engineering Hall Tracy Guan

 

How do I enroll?

Students on academic probation will be contacted ​by email during the first or second week of the semester with details on how to enroll in AES. If you have not received an email by that time, please contact ​the AES Teaching Team to express interest at aes@education.wisc.edu.

Can I enroll in AES during the summer?

Yes! Summer AES classes are offered during ​a three-week session of the summer.

Instructors

Tracy C. Guan (she/her/hers) is a third-year doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Originally from California, she holds a B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior, and Education Sciences from UC Irvine, and an M.S. in Counseling from UW-Madison. Tracy’s research and clinical interests are centered around the educational experiences of Asian American undergraduate and graduate students. She is passionate about serving undergraduate students and has taught a variety of courses at UW including information differences, ethnic studies, and career counseling. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants/cafes, and analyzing TV shows. She is excited to continue her role as an AES instructor and walk alongside students’ academic journeys!

Who do I contact to find out more about AES?

If you have questions about AES please contact Andrea ​Burdick or the AES Teaching Team at aes@education.wisc.edu.