Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA)

Tutoring/Writing Center

CASA offers professional math and writing tutoring as well as peer tutoring in subjects including business, sciences, social sciences, and language. Peer Academic Coaches (PACs) are high-achieving students who serve as academic mentors that meet one-on-one with students to develop general academic skills. CASA professional tutors are available more than 50 hours a week, and peer tutors are available four to eight hours a week, depending on the subject. Appointments are not required for tutoring services but are recommended for the writing center.

Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is an academic success initiative that utilizes peer-led study sessions to support students enrolled in historically difficult courses. SI is heavily concentrated within the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) majors. SI sessions are scheduled, informal review sessions in which students compare notes, discuss readings and assignments, and prepare for exams. Students learn how to integrate course content and study skills while working together. The sessions are facilitated by SI Leaders, students who have previously done well in the course and who attend all class lectures, meet with faculty, and serve as model students. Students should check with faculty members to see if SI is offered for the course.

RAMS First Year Seminar

All incoming first-year students enroll in a first-year seminar course called RAMS. RAMS courses integrate material related to a successful transition to college with the academic content of the course, resulting in hands-on learning experiences. These courses are, in part, meant to help students adjust to college by providing guidance on study skills and introducing key terms, processes, and campus resources. Each RAMS course has a student mentor who is part of the CASA academic success team; mentors serve as a resource and guide for the transition to FSU and offer academic assistance to students in the course.

Our dedicated professional coaches’ partner with you to set clear goals and develop personalized academic plans, supporting your success throughout your time at FSU. From honing essential skills like time management, study techniques, and note-taking strategies to mastering effective test-taking approaches and staying motivated, our coaches provide comprehensive support to help students thrive academically.

Coaches will focus on eight areas for intervention: academics; FSU community and belonging; commitment to degree completion; career goals; managing competing commitments; finances; health and emotional support; and effectiveness in following through on intended actions. All CASA Success Coaches have completed InsideTrack’s Coaching Fundamentals Program.

The FSU community uses a program called Starfish that allows faculty members to identify students who may be experiencing academic difficulty. Sometimes asking for extra support can be the hardest part, but our goal is to intervene and assist students before they fall too far behind.

Starfish is a powerful tool that helps us at FSU to identify students in need of support in real time. It connects students to the resources designed to help them, simplifies communication between members of students’ support networks, eases the burden on students who need to contact support services, and forms the structure for student success! Through Starfish you can make appointments and keep track of your grades.

Framingham State University offers equal opportunities to all qualified students, including those with disabilities. The University is committed to making reasonable accommodations as necessary to ensure that its programs and activities do not discriminate, or have the effect of discriminating, on the basis of disability. Disability/Access Services works with students with ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning and psychiatric disabilities, students with mobility disabilities, students who are blind or low vision, students who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing, and students with chronic medical conditions.

Disability/Access Services works to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified students. The purpose of accommodations, and/or auxiliary aids is to reduce or eliminate any barriers that may exist because of a disability. Framingham State University is not mandated by law to waive specific courses or academic requirements considered essential to a particular program or degree. Rather, the University is mandated to ensure access so that individuals are not discriminated against on the basis of their disability.

The MAIPSE (Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education Program) at Framingham State University provides opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities and/or autism, ages 18-22, to come to campus and engage in FSU courses, internships, and student life. Click here for more information about MAIPSE.

To Apply
If you are interested in applying to the MAIPSE Program at Framingham State University, please contact your high school's transition program to discuss eligibility. Applications are obtained and referrals to the MAIPSE Program are made through the prospective student's school district.

Contact Information
For more information about the MAIPSE Program, contact Kristine Kaveney at kkaveney [at] framingham.edu (kkaveney[at]framingham[dot]edu).