Center for Advising & Academic Success

 The Center for Advising & Academic Success (CAAS) empowers all Whittier College students to become successful, self-directed, and collaborative lifelong learners.

CAAS supports students academically through several programs and services including academic guidance and coaching, peer tutoring and mentoring, and in-person and online workshops. CAAS also provides a welcoming study space and computer lab during the day and evening hours.

Academic Coaching is for any student who wishes to improve their academic skills regardless of their academic standing. By partnering students with a peer Academic Coach, students develop an individualized academic plan that will maximize their success.

Each plan will:

  • Examine individual learning style preferences and academic strengths. 
  • Develop effective time management and organization skills to reduce procrastination.
  • Teach effective study and test preparation skills.
  • Improve confidence and communication skills to engage with professors and maximize office hours. 

Students participating in the Academic Coaching Program meet with their Academic Coach weekly for up to 30 minutes. The Academic Coaching Program is certified by the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) and the Academic Coaches are trained in accordance with certification requirements.

Whittier College's advising model is faculty-based with its foundation in the educational partnership between the student and the advisor. The primary goal for the advisee is to learn the meaning and value of a liberal arts education and develop meaningful educational, career, and life plans.

The program can help students:

  • Explore majors and academic interests
  • Navigate and understand academic policies
  • Develop a learning plan to improve academic performance
  • Learn to utilize and read their Degree Works

To request an appointment with a CAAS Advisor, please reach out to 562.907.4816 or at caas@poets.whittier.edu.

The Academic Success Program is a combination of academic support services pulled together to assist the student achieve academic success. This program is available to all students. Students on academic probation and warning are required to participate in the Academic Success Program.

The program consists of: 

  • Meeting with a CAAS advisor throughout the semester
  • Attending Academic Success Workshops 
  • Attending tutoring appointments
  • Working with an Academic Coach or Student-Athlete Peer Mentor

The Student Athlete Mentor program works closely with coaches, faculty, and other campus offices to support and assist student athletes in reaching their full potential. Student athletes in this program will meet with a peer mentor on a weekly basis and learn to balance the demands of academics and athletics. 

Subject and writing tutoring takes place in CAAS on a walk-in basis. The link to the schedule is sent out every semester and is available for students on Moodle. 

Students who cannot find a tutor for their specific subject or course are encouraged to CAAS to pick up and submit a Subject Tutor Request Form. Similarly, if the available tutoring hours conflict with your schedule, the CAAS staff will do their best to make arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Each semester, the CAAS offers a wide variety of workshops to help students learn designed to support student goals and achievement. These workshops help students learn essential study and life skills, explore personal goals and values, and identify helpful resources to ensure a successful college experience. 

All CAAS Academic Success Workshop details can be found on Engage.