Mission
In its commitment to meeting the needs of a diverse student population, the Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) exists primarily to promote and to enhance the academic and personal development of all Morgan State University students through professional academic advisement, peer tutoring, and supplemental instruction programs. The Center also provides specialized academic support programs and resources for first-year students through the First-Year Experience program, and to transitioning high school students and their parents, through the CASA Academy and the Parent Advisory Council.
Vision
The Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) strives to provide a welcoming, engaging, inclusive, and intellectual learning community where students gain knowledge of fundamental study, social, and technological skills necessary for academic success and personal growth at Morgan State University.
CASA Sponsored Programs and Services
Academic Advisement
Academic advising is a strategy for improved student persistence and retention. The Center for Academic Success and Achievement houses a team of professional, academic advisors who serve as a critical link in the retention of students at the university. Professional academic advisors assist students in defining and reaching educational and developmental goals. Specifically, our advisors are assigned to and aid all degree-seeking, undergraduates in the following student populations:
CASA Academy Participants – first and second- year students who have successfully completed the CASA Academy or Pre-College Studies programs.
Exploratory Learners – students who have not yet decided on or declared an academic major
The student must meet with an academic advisor each semester prior to registering for classes. After this advising meeting, the advisor will remove the advisor hold and the student can register for courses on WebSIS. Students are responsible for planning their academic curriculum and educational path, but academic advisors can offer useful input throughout the student’s education to enhance the academic and personal development of the student.
CASA Academy (formerly the Pre-College Program)
CASA Academy is an alternative admissions program sponsored by the Center for Academic Success and Achievement at Morgan State University. Students who fail to meet the SAT/ ACT requirement for regular admission may be referred to the Center and invited to apply to the summer program. All participants who successfully complete the program are guaranteed admission to the University for the subsequent fall semester.
Students who do not meet the requirements for the CASA Academy Program and are State of Maryland residents will be recommended to enroll in the CONNECT Program and attend a community college (NEXUS). Out of state students are encouraged to enroll in a community college in their state or in the NEXUS Program. Please contact the Transfer Center for more information on this programs at 443-885-3711 or by email at transfercenter@morgan.edu.
The CASA Academy program is designed to ease the transition from high school to college for students whose academic profile and performance suggest the need for early intervention to improve their potential for success in college. Upon acceptance to the Academy, participants must enroll and successfully complete a sequence of three non-credit courses designed to strengthen the student’s background in English, mathematics, and reading comprehension/ vocabulary development. The program also introduces students to the expectations and requirements of Morgan State University. This program is offered for a six-week period during the summer.
Students in the CASA Academy must agree to meet the following standards:
Attend all scheduled CASA Academy classes and sponsored activities
Complete all required assignments of CASA Academy courses
Earn a grade of “C” or better in all of the required courses
Participate in all scheduled seminars
Adhere to the University’s Code of Student Conduct
Fees
There is currently no cost for students who are residents of the state of Maryland. Non-Maryland residents are charged for meals. For summer 2015, the fee for non-Maryland residents is $570. For both residents and non-residents, fees are determined on an annual basis and are subject to revision.
Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society Epsilon Phi Chapter
Chi Alpha Epsilon (XAE) is a national honor society founded to recognize the academic achievements and accomplishments of students admitted to colleges and universities through alternative admissions criteria. Members must hold a 3.0 cumulative GPA for two consecutive full-time semesters, or 3– 4 consecutive part-time semesters. Members participate in an array of academic education and outreach activities on campus and within the surrounding Baltimore community. If you are a former Pre-College or CASA Academy student who meets the criteria above and are interested in becoming an inductee, please contact our office.
CASA Resource Tutoring Center
The CASA Resource Center provides an intellectual learning environment and is open to all Morgan State University students. In the Resource Center, Morgan students can access a wide array of services including personalized study skills management, access to computer printing and academic-related internet research, study space, and one-on-one tutoring.
Tutoring Services
The Center offers a structured, comprehensive peer tutoring program and services for all students attending Morgan State University. The dedicated staff of peer tutors serve as an invaluable resource for students as a supplement to classroom and lab instruction, enabling them to achieve academic success and develop lifelong learning skills. Tutoring sessions are one hour. The Resource/Tutoring Center is located in the Communications Center, Room 120.
Hours
The Center is open from 9:00am – 6:00pm Monday through Thursday, and Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm.
Appointments
Students should come to the Center to schedule an appointment with a tutor in the appropriate subject. One-on-one tutoring is provided to students. If tutors are available, walk-ins are welcome.
Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
The Parent Advisory Council serves as a venue for parents who want to be involved in their students’ lives as they continue their education at Morgan and to network with other parents. The Center for Academic Success and Achievement embraces the energy and talent these parents bring to our campus as we strive to foster an environment for positive exchange of dialogue and parental engagement in campus events. We encourage parental input to help us continue to provide the highest quality of services possible to our students.
Transitional Workshops
Successful students at Morgan State University are those who learn how to utilize resources, resolve problems, and prepare themselves to take full advantage of their time on campus. The Transitional Workshop Series helps to promote student success by offering brief seminars and workshops on common concerns and questions students have during their transition and tenure at Morgan. There are several events each semester.
Updates and Announcements
For announcements and upcoming events, please view our fan page on Facebook (Morgan State University Center for Academic Success and Achievement CASA) or contact us at (443) 885-3380.
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