Western Michigan University Parent and Family Guide
The Center for Academic Support Programs (CASP) at WMU
The Center for Academic Success Programs (CASP) helps students succeed at WMU. CASP consists of six entities: the Academic Skills Center, Writing Center, Exploratory Advising and the Alpha Program, Intellectual Skills Development, the TRiO Student Success Program, and the Advocacy Office for Military and Veteran Affairs.
All CASP services are free to WMU students.
The Academic Skills Center
The Academic Skills Center (ASC) key programs include:
- Course Tutoring: Small group sessions that allow students to review class material, ask questions, prepare for exams, and clarify class concepts.
- Supplemental Instruction: Guided study sessions for challenging classes, such as chemistry and accounting. Sessions are led by tutors who have previously taken and excelled in a particular course.
- College Success Seminars: Hour-long seminars to help students improve reading strategies, time management, and other skills needed for college success.
The Writing Center
The Writing Center offers individual sessions teaching how to make better choices about texts for classes, work, or personal needs. Consultants help students improve drafting, organizing, and proofreading abilities, write for different audiences, and much more.
Exploratory Advising
Exploratory Advising is the temporary advising home for first-year students who enter WMU without a declared major. Advisors offer personalized academic advising and assistance with career exploration. Exploratory Advising also includes the Alpha Program, a special admissions program for select students.
TRiO Student Success Program
CASP houses the TRiO Student Success Program, a federally-funded program for first-generation college students, and the Intellectual Skills Program, responsible for reading, writing, and mathematics placement testing.
The Office of Military and Veteran Affairs
The Office of Military and Veteran Affairs is dedicated to those students transferring to WMU from military service, and serves as an advocate for veterans returning to college and students who are currently deployed.
Visit Center for Academic Success, stop in Ellsworth Hall, or call (269) 387-4411.
