Immerse yourself in a world of academic support crafted specifically for you
Welcome to the Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) at Framingham State University – a community that embraces you, values your uniqueness, and nurtures your academic journey. CASA isn't just a support hub; it's your dedicated partner in academic excellence, working collaboratively with faculty to turn your academic goals into reality.
At FSU, we elevate your academic journey with our professional coaching, ensuring you not only meet but exceed your academic aspirations while maintaining good standing.
CASA takes pride in offering top-notch math and writing tutoring, peer subject tutoring, and supplemental instruction, and proudly houses Disability/Access Services – ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all.
You will be part of an academic environment where CASA closely collaborates with deans, academic program chairs, and faculty across all academic departments. From the Registrar's Office to the Counseling Center, Financial Aid to Admissions, CASA seamlessly integrates with every department, weaving a supportive network that enhances your experience at Framingham State.
Disability/Access Services
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, 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, modifications, and/or auxiliary aids is to reduce or eliminate any disadvantages 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 modify existing requirements on a case-by-case basis in order to ensure that individuals are not discriminated against on the basis of their disability.
We hope the video linked above and the information included on this site will inform you about services at FSU. Should you have questions, please feel free to email disabilityservices [at] framingham.edu (disabilityservices[at]framingham[dot]edu).
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.
Who is an SI Leader?
SI Leaders are accomplished students who have successfully completed the course in which they serve as an SI leaders. They are trained to share with other students what they have learned about course content and how to study. Rather than lecture, SI Leaders help students make connections between course material and assignments.
Benefits of SI:
- Higher course grades
- Increased academic confidence
- Increased engagement through learning with other students – establishing a tighter-knit community at FSU
- Increased likelihood of graduating
For more information about Peer-Led and Supplemental Instruction, please contact:
Emily Turcotte, Academic Success Coordinator for Peer-Led Instruction
eturcotte [at] framingham.edu
508-215-5709
LaDonna Bridges, Dean of Student Success and Persistence
lbridges [at] framingham.edu
508-626-4906
The Diverse Scholars Program
The Diverse Scholars Program at Framingham State University provides opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities, ages 18-22, to come to campus and engage in FSU courses, internships, and student life.
Opportunities
Diverse Scholars can: audit courses aligned with interests and long-term vocational goals; join FSU student clubs and activities; attend job skills workshops; utilize FSU facilities, and build friendships with peers.
Accomplish
The Diverse Scholars Program provides students with opportunities for increasing independence, self-advocacy, self-expression, and social-emotional skills. Students work with their Ed Coach, peer mentor, and University staff to set and achieve personal goals.
Grow
A typical day on campus includes going to class, completing class assignments, spending time with peer mentors and friends, having lunch, visiting the career center, exercising, socializing, and more.
Background
FSU joins other state universities and colleges in offering the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative, a statewide initiative since 2007. Click here for more information about MAICEI.
Eligible students
The Diverse Scholars Program at FSU is open to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who:
- Are 18 to 22, have not passed MCAS, and are eligible for special education services as documented through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP); or
- Are 20 to 21, have passed MCAS, but still eligible for special education with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) because of significant functional disabilities, transition needs, etc.
- Have academic and vocational interests aligned with FSU course offerings
- Have expressed a desire to be independent
- Have expressed interest in community social events
To Apply
If you are interested in applying to the Diverse Scholars Program at Framingham State University, please contact your high school's transition program to discuss eligibility. Applications are obtained and referrals to the Diverse Scholars Program are made through the prospective student's school district.
Contact Information
For more information about the Diverse Scholars Program, contact:
Alexandra Pielech
Diverse Scholars Program Coordinator
Framingham State University
100 State Street
Framingham, MA 01701
508-215-5883
apielech [at] framingham.edu
LaDonna Bridges
Dean of Academic Success
Director, Center for Academic Success and Achievement
508-626-4906
lbridges [at] framingham.edu
Meet the Team
LaDonna Bridges
Associate Dean of Academic Success, Center for Academic Success (CASA)
Ally Chisholm
Academic Support Coordinator, Center for Academic Success (CASA)
Carlos Febres-Cordero, History major
One of the best decisions I made during my first semester was seeking help at CASA. Without the folks at CASA, I would not be doing as well as I am in my personal studies or found a job on campus.
