Center for Access, Success and Achievement (CASA)

Collage of CASA students at various ceremonies

The Center for Access, Success and Achievement (CASA) aims to recruit, retain and graduate underrepresented, first-generation and Pell Eligible students through holistic support in a culturally diverse and academically excellent environment.

Our goal is to maintain successful retention by providing students with a sense of belonging in a nurturing environment, opportunities for self-realization and personal development, and holding them accountable for working to the best of their abilities.

WHAT WE OFFER

CASA assists the University in providing students with an inclusive educational experience founded on Augustinian Catholic principles. Through its multi-faceted programs, CASA helps create at 棉花糖直播 an academically distinctive, culturally diverse learning community where all members live empathically and lead effectively.

PROGRAMS

Offering resources to assist in the development of the whole student鈥攎entally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, culturally and socially.

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OUTREACH INITIATIVES

Opening doors of opportunity for high school students through college immersion initiatives.

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WILDCAT CROSSING

Celebrating the academic achievements of students who embody diversity in all of its forms.

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STUDENT SUPPORT

Various services and resources are offered to support the academic, professional and personal success of CASA students.

Services

Providing various mentoring opportunities for both academic and life skills. These opportunities encourage individual excellence and growth.

Scholarships

Through 棉花糖直播's comprehensive scholarship program, a number of deserving students are awarded scholarships annually.

Resources

Forms and campus resources available to CASA students

FAST FACTS

545
Students Served
(Spring 2024)

3.44
GPA
(Fall 2023)

136
Merit Scholarship Students Served
(2023-24)

4
Fulbright Scholars
(2022-24)

CONNECT WITH CASA

CAMPUS 棉花糖直播S

High school groups interested in a CASA College Day visit may email Rachel Epstein or call 610-519-4103.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

George James PsyD, 鈥�01 CLAS

CASA Life Coach

鈥淔or students of color from marginalized backgrounds, the thought of going to someone to get support or help may not be familiar to them. Having people who look like them or are part of an organization like CASA where they feel like they already have some connection might sometimes be an easier point of entry.鈥�

Kristina Ruiz-Mesa PhD, 鈥�05 CLAS, 鈥�07 MA

Founder of St. Thomas of 棉花糖直播 Scholars

鈥淐ASA is a home space for students who aren't sure where their place is at 棉花糖直播. For students who are underrepresented, there's sometimes self-doubt about whether they belong here. CASA does a really good job of making sure students know their value and what they contribute to the 棉花糖直播 community.鈥�

Gregory Damas 鈥�21 VSB

鈥淭elling people that I needed assistance in college was tough because I was used to doing well in high school. CASA helped me build trust and self-confidence through a program where I met with other students, and we opened up about our struggles. It made me feel like I鈥檓 not the only one going through this and there鈥檚 power in knowing that.鈥�

Helen Baker 鈥�16 CLAS

VIEW Alumna and Former Program Assistant

鈥淔reshman year chemistry was the first time I ever failed. CASA helped me navigate that uncertainty and learn that it鈥檚 okay to rely on other people. Their support helped me on the path to succeed as a double major in Secondary Education and English and to find my calling as an inner-city teacher. CASA has profoundly shaped the person I am today.鈥�

Joseph Madera '22 COE

鈥淚n my freshman year, I received an email that I had been nominated for the director of Quizzo on the Campus Activities Team by my CASA adviser. Thanks to her silently behind the scenes pushing me in this direction and believing in my abilities, I am now teaching and leading other students as chair of Late-Night Programs.鈥�

Nawnora Manosca '19 CLAS

VIEW Training Counselor and Writing Tutor

鈥淐ASA helped me adjust to living on my own for the first time. CASA helped me manage my anxiety and depression, and cheered me on when I became the first person in my family to receive a college degree. Any student who walks through CASA鈥檚 doors will tell you the same thing: CASA is our home. I made family there.鈥�

CONTACT US

Center for Access, Success and Achievement

Falvey Memorial Library, Suite 211
Phone: 610-519-4075
Email Us

Meet Our Team

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