A revitalized team at Baldwin Wallace University’s Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) is working behind the scenes to make sure no student faces academic challenges alone. With several new hires and fresh initiatives underway, CASA is expanding its reach and redefining what academic support looks like on campus.  

Led by Director Megan Garriga, CASA continues to play a central role in supporting students through academic coaching, tutoring, and outreach programs.  

“We are constantly trying to address any barrier that keeps them from getting help,” Garriga said, highlighting the center’s commitment to ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to thrive.  

Garriga, who has been with BW since 2012, was present for CASA’s creation when three separate offices were combined into one. As director, she has worked to refine the onboarding process for new staff.  

“The initial onboarding is an across-campus effort,” Garriga explained. “It includes the IT department, human resources, purchasing—really everyone who helps new employees get set up. We didn’t have comprehensive guidelines at first, so I built a plan from the ground up and continue to develop it.”  

New staff members are introduced not only to their roles but to the university’s collaborative culture. CASA’s onboarding process includes one-on-one meetings with key departments such as the Ritter Library, the Office of Accessible Education, and Academic Advising. Faculty and staff meetings, fall conferences, and campus events help new hires engage with the larger BW community.  

Among those new hires is Sarah Hudson, who joined CASA in December 2024 as a learning specialist and academic coach. Hudson, who previously worked at Lorain County Community College, said she was drawn to CASA because of its multifaceted nature.  

“It’s a job where you wear a lot of different hats—academic advising, coaching, helping students build better study habits—and now I get to put them all together,” Hudson said.  

Hudson praised the department’s calm and supportive environment during a time of transition. “Megan does a really good job at keeping an eye on things,” she noted. “She has good priorities and ensures things run smoothly—it’s impressive for a department in so much flux.”  

Both Garriga and Hudson emphasized CASA’s mission to meet students where they are. Staff members assist with everything from time management to goal setting to tutoring coordination and academic outreach. This semester, CASA also launched a pilot program that they refer to as “accountability groups,” which pairs students together for weekly check-ins and collaborative work sessions, allowing them to support one another while building study and organizational skills.  

Garriga said the program reflects CASA’s evolving approach to fostering connection and independence.  

“Our goal is to create a culture where it feels normal and acceptable to ask for support—whether you’re an A+ student or struggling to pass,” she said.  

Hudson agreed, adding that CASA’s welcoming environment encourages students to return. 

 “They enjoy the services we provide even if they don’t necessarily need it,” Hudson said. “Once they come once, they usually start coming regularly.”  

As CASA continues to grow, Garriga hopes the department’s visibility and impact will grow with it.  

“We never want a student to say they don’t know what CASA is,” she said. “Everyone deserves the support they need to succeed.”