The State University SUCCESS Program is funded on an annual basis by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education to provide wraparound supports to Westfield State University undergraduate students. Its overarching goal is to encourage continuity in students’ progression toward degree completion through consistent access to helpful resources.
SUCCESS works in partnership with existing offices and programs across Westfield State to develop and support initiatives that strengthen student success, wellbeing, and retention. The initiatives supported through each institutional partner are listed below.
Institutional Partners:
External Partners:
Students can access wraparound supports provided by the SUCCESS program and referrals to additional campus support resources through several offices. Support services provided by SUCCESS include academic momentum, case management, and supplemental financial assistance.
Any undergraduate student at the University who is interested in receiving additional support can request to meet with a Success Coach in the Course Achievement & Tutoring Center. Success Coaching can help students define academic goals, balance responsibilities with personal wellbeing, improve time management, or connect to the right resources to overcome unexpected obstacles.
Undergraduate students can also request to meet with a coordinator in the Counseling Center or Dean of Students Office for mental health and wellness services or guidance regarding interpersonal and other challenges that are interfering with their university experience.
Student athletes requiring specialized academic support can connect with the Student Athlete Wellbeing, Recruitment, & Retention team in the Woodward Center to participate in study hall sessions and receive one-on-one advising that aligns with their unique scheduling demands and experiences.
All first- and second-year undergraduates are assigned to an Academic Advisor in the Office of Academic Advising & Transfer Transition in addition to their primary Faculty Advisor. Academic Advisors can guide students through the process of declaring or changing a major or minor, mapping out their degree plan, balancing academic schedules with work or internships, and strategizing course selection.
Students who are eligible to join the Achieve to Succeed Program are eligible for financial assistance on an as-needed basis to cover unexpected costs related to housing, food, technology, childcare, healthcare, or transportation up to $1,500, as well as coverage for courses taken during winter or summer terms. Applications for financial assistance can be submitted after an initial meeting with a Success Coach in the Course Achievement & Tutoring Center and submission of the FAFSA to the Office of Financial Aid.
Invitations to join Achieve are sent shortly after the enrollment deadline to first-time, first-year, day-division students who have received the Pell or Mass Grant and are not already connected to specialized support programs on campus. These students are supported through graduation, and those who join the program by the start of the pre-registration advising period will also receive priority access to course registration.
If available slots remain after the start of the pre-registration advising period, undergraduate students who are on Academic Warning and would not otherwise be eligible are invited to join the program in alignment with their class level. For more information, explore the Achieve to Succeed Program webpage.
Employment in Student Support Offices: SUCCESS funds support students taking an active role in improving the university experience for themselves and others as Graduate Assistants, Peer Advisors, and Peer Tutoring Coordinators in the Academic Advising Office, Woodward Center, and Course Achievement & Tutoring Center. If interested, check here for updates on available positions and opportunities to apply.
Journeys to Connect to SUCCESS: This initiative offers FYJ Peer Mentors an opportunity to earn up to $500 by participating in a fun and friendly challenge to accomplish student support milestones. Peer Mentors undergo supplemental training to use WSU360 to facilitate study hall sessions, host office hours, and help their fellow students connect with essential campus resources.
