Published on Nov. 8, 2017

Since 1995, Academic Retention Services (ARS) has worked on behalf of Mizzou to promote the success of students from the time of acceptance into MU through graduation. While that has not changed, the name of the office has changed to better encapsulate that mission.

On Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017, ARS unveiled a new name: The Center for Academic Success and Excellence (CASE).

“While we are proud of the role our office has played in the strong retention rates at MU, we feel that we are much more than a retention resources,” says Donell Young, director of the Center for Academic Success and Excellence. “We have programs and services that aid students in a multitude of ways both in the classroom and beyond. Our new name better captures all that our office does.”

CASE provides workshops, positive mentor relationships and access to resources that enhance students’ personal development and academic success. CASE offers programming for all students.

For instance, the Cohort for Academic Success and Excellence Scholars and the Peer Undergraduate Mentoring Program foster mentoring relationships for students, while the MAP Program provides avenues for students to engage with critical academic and support services and the Undergraduate Success Program gives high-achieving students the opportunity for academic and leadership enrichment.

“Academic Retention Services has been more than just an office for me, but a home away from home. I have no doubt in my mind that this office, although changing its name, will remain authentic in helping students to become better scholars, leaders and community influencers.”

—Bobbi Watts

The office primarily supports the persistence and graduation of underrepresented students at MU, but welcomes and encourages all Mizzou students to take part in its services, which includes mid-semester progress checks, individualized coaching and success planning.

“Academic Retention Services has been more than just an office for me, but a home away from home,” says MU senior Bobbi Watts, “I have no doubt in my mind that this office, although changing its name, will remain authentic in helping students to become better scholars, leaders and community influencers.”

In addition to the previously mentioned programs, CASE offers numerous services designed to promote students success and are tailored to meet the specific needs of each student. CASE also hosts numerous events throughout the academic year, including workshops on topics that included wellness, mental wellness, student leadership, student involvement, student engagement and financial literacy.

“The list of ways in which the Center for Academic Success and Excellence supports our students continues to grow,” says Jim Spain, vice provost for undergraduate studies. “Not only does the office provide access to numerous resources to help students excel while at Mizzou, but it also helps students feel at home. The CASE staff cares about the students it serves and is committed to helping each and every student succeed.”

As part of CASE’s mission, the office also manages four diversity related scholarship offered at MU.

“As we celebrate a new era with this new name, we remain committed to the mission that has been successful since our office was founded,” Young says. “We will continue to support students by providing workshops, services and support to enhance the personal development of students at Mizzou.”

The Center for Academic Success and Excellence is located of the first floor of the Student Success Center on Lowry Mall.