Course Achievement, Retention, and Engagement (CARE)

Student at commencement wearing cap and gown smiling.

Empowering Success: The CARE Center's Dedication to Your Academic Journey.

At the CARE Center, we're here to assist you in navigating your classes through engaging workshops, personalized tutoring, and collaboration with various campus resources. Our holistic approach ensures comprehensive student support, empowering you to thrive in your academic journey at Westfield State University.

Sunset outside the Ely Campus Center

How CARE Achieves Student Success.

Established in January 2022, we became a haven for students seeking support, offering a welcoming space in the Ely Library. In this second-floor sanctuary, we provide ample room for a comfortable tutoring experience. Our mission, through Course Achievement, Retention, & Engagement (CARE), is to connect every Westfield State student to opportunities fostering academic growth and empowerment. By partnering with campus services, both academic and non-academic, we aim to create a circle of care around each student, supporting them in achieving their goals at Westfield State.

  • Provides content area tutoring through our Tutoring and Learning Center.
  • Offers academic workshops tailored to meet students where they are at and develop strategies for success.
  • Provides one on one assistance to students who self-identify as struggling and need assistance.
  • Acts as a resource for faculty who identify students who are struggling in their courses. 
  • Provides an open, inclusive physical space that encourages students to focus on their academics.
  • Maintains our campus retention software (WSU360) that serves as a tool for students to connect easily with support staff and for faculty to easily identify and highlight students who need assistance. 

When a student walks in, they can sit down and either begin to work and utilize the space without needing to say anything to anyone or be right there to ask us for help. We’re here to support them in whatever ways they need.

Nicole West, Course Achievement, Retention, and Engagement

Nicole West, Director of the CARE Center

Exciting News from the CARE Center! Introducing 'Academic CARE Packages'

These one-on-one sessions with our professional staff members enhance academic skills for all students, whether undergraduate or graduate, with remote meetings also available. Topics covered include time management, study guide creation, note-taking skills, professional communication/etiquette, exam review/preparation, study skills, syllabus review and agenda plotting, reading comprehension, and exploration of learning styles.

  • Three students in the CARE Center smiling at round table.
  • Student smiling in front of lap top with grey sweater and glasses.
  • Two students in the CARE Center with laptops.
  • Student in front of laptop wearing grey shirt.

Booking Your Academic CARE Package: A Step-by-Step Guide

Explore the informative video or follow the step-by-step guide provided below. Whether you're scheduling an Academic CARE Package session for yourself or helping a fellow student, consider sessions with our GAs and interns—look for Heena Shafique, Michele Suhocki, and Sarah Wisniowski for a personalized experience!

Watch the helpful video or see step by step instructions:

  1. Log into your MyWestfield, go to the Academics tab, select “Log Into WSU 360”
  2. Select the “Course Achievement, Retention and Engagement (CARE) Center” Service
  3. Select one of our Graduate AssistantsIntern, or CARE Professional Staff Member
  4. Press the “…” next to the Staff Member’s Name of choice and then select “Schedule”
  5. Select “Academic CARE Package”
  6. Choose a Time that works best for your schedule
  7. Click on “Change Duration” to adjust the length of the session (Plan Accordingly! An hour works best!)  
  8. Confirm the “Location”
  9. In the Box, please write what type of session you are looking for (ex: Time Management, Study Skills, etc)
  10. Click “Confirm”

Students will receive an email from Starfish confirming the appointment time! Be sure to encourage them to add it to their calendar of choice!

Supporting Your Academic Journey: Discover Additional Resources for Your Success!

  • Westfield State 360 Icon with blue circle around text with arrow.

    Need assistance with the WSU360 system for scheduling appointments or reporting a student in need to the CARE team? Find guidance on this page to streamline the process.

  • Two students with laptops smiling in math class. One student is wearing a WSU sweatshirt the other a black sweatshirt.

    Receive guidance from a peer owl who understands your journey. Our Peer Tutoring program connects you with a student who excelled in the course you're taking, providing the extra support you need.

  • flowers in bloom on the campus green with Courtney Hall in the background

    Whether you're a current or former foster youth, experiencing homelessness, or dealing with food insecurity, explore the support offered by our FACES organization on campus.

  • Campus Globe against cloudy blue sky

    Common Goods at Westfield State University is a food pantry and resource center catering to students, faculty, and staff facing hunger and financial difficulties.

Looking for Additional Student Support Services?

Explore our Academic Support page for additional services and take the next step towards enhancing your educational journey!

A shot of a tree studded with white flowers on the branches. In the background, out of focus, is one of the tops of the brick, dorm buildings.

Contact Us

Course Achievement, Retention, & Engagement (CARE)
Ely Hall, Room 230 (2nd Floor of Library)
Ely Library, Second Floor