Center for Student Academic Success

The Center for Student Academic Success (CSAS) is committed to supporting all RWU students as they take on the challenges of achieving their degree. The Center is made up of the Advising & Peer Mentorship Office, International Student & Scholar Services, Student Accessibility Services, and the Tutoring Center.

CSAS promotes student success by offering a wide range of academic support services, working closely with students and faculty to develop academic plans, and collaborating with our colleagues in Student Life, the Center for Career and Professional Development, the Registrar's Office, and many other departments across campus. Our unit leads RWU's student success and retention initiatives and serves as a resource for students, faculty members, and families as they navigate the college experience. Student success is our top priority! 

CSAS is located on the first and second floors of the University Library. 
You can reach us by emailing csas@rwu.edu or calling 401-254-3456.

Advising and Peer Mentorship

Our Advising and Peer Mentorship office is here to help students succeed throughout their time at RWU. New students receive support in transitioning successfully to college, and all students can receive guidance in regard to meeting academic and personal goals.

International Student & Scholar Services

International Student & Scholar Services works to support international students and scholars in the RWU community and support the University's international efforts.

Pre-Health Professions Advising

Roger Williams University offers individualized advising and guidance for students and alumni planning for a career in the health professions after they graduate. Learn more about pre-health advising here. 

Student Accessibility Services

The Student Accessibility Services staff are here to help eligible students access the academic accommodations they need to thrive at RWU.  

The Tutoring Center

Through the Tutoring Center, students can receive free tutoring support from faculty and peer tutors in a breadth of subject areas, including mathematics, writing, business, sciences, languages, and more. 

Hear from our current Peer Mentors about their experiences with the program & learn how to apply.

Apply to be a Peer Mentor

Our 2024-2025 Peer Mentor Application

If you are a current RWU student who would like to get involved as a student leader at Roger Williams University, consider becoming a Peer Mentor! Peer Mentors work as a team to promote the academic success and transition for every new Roger Williams student. Benefits include leadership development, mentoring experience, and the opportunity to work with the first-year program at RWU. 

*Please note that the application is due by 3/29/24 & all applicants must be available on 4/14/24 for a required group process interview session. You cannot work as a Peer Mentor if you are hired to be either an RA or HAWE for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

What is a Peer Mentor?

The Peer Mentor role is to assist first-year students acclimate to the RWU community, provide guidance to undecided and exploratory students, and be a resource to the larger campus community.  The relationship built between the mentor and fellow student will encourage academic success, along with the importance of building relationships and being a participative member of the RWU community.  The staff of the Advising and Peer Mentorship Office operates on a cooperative, team-based model and values the assistance of peer mentors to inform the staff of transition concerns of new RWU students.


Job Description:

  • Peer mentors will provide personal and academic development to a cohort of mentees during their transition to the RWU community
  • Participate and contribute in department committees, which focus on providing resources to the campus community, market the Peer Mentor program, social media, and working with special populations of students.
  • Maintain consistent contact and outreach with mentees, and report at-risk situations to supervisors
  • Work in the Advising and Peer Mentorship Office 1 hour per week to assist in office duties, meet with mentees, and serve as a resource for walk-ins and student concerns
  • Participate in office events including, but not limited to, Community Connections, call campaigns, Open Houses, spring recruitment, monthly social events, team building opportunities, staff meetings, and office gatherings
  • Present oneself responsibly and uphold the policies of the university
  • Actively participate in student success programming and initiatives
  • Arrive 1-week before the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester for training and preparation for new student move-in – NO EXCEPTIONS!
  • Assist with administrative tasks as needed

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Minimum hourly wage for mentoring activities
  • Gain knowledge of RWU Advising practices & have access to the Peer Mentorship Office
  • Opportunity to work with senior administrators and staff to build professional relationships
  • Attain skills necessary for future work experience, such as leadership, teamwork, communication and collaboration
  • Extensive training and professional development opportunities
  • The opportunity to represent RWU and share your student experience at university events

In order to apply, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Have at least sophomore status when you begin working
  • Thorough knowledge of campus resources and departments
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Two recommendations from either a professor or employer
  • Be in satisfactory academic and conduct standing

For further information on becoming a Peer Mentor, please contact Valerie Wolstenholme at vwolstenholme@rwu.edu or peermentors@rwu.edu

Wednesday, March 6th
Peer Mentor Info Session (Zoom) @ 7pm
Email dperez602@g.rwu.edu for more info & Zoom link

Thursday, March 7th 
Preparing for Sophomore Year
Advising & Peer Mentorship (A&PM) Student Success Workshop Series 
6:30-7:30pm in the Mary Tefft White room on the 1st floor of the University Library 

Wednesday, March 13th
Peer Mentor Info Session (Zoom) @ 7pm
Email dperez602@g.rwu.edu for more info & Zoom link

Thursday, March 21st
Navigating Roger Central & Bridges  
Advising & Peer Mentorship (A&PM) Student Success Workshop Series 
6:30-7:30pm in the Mary Tefft White room on the 1st floor of the University Library 

Tuesday, March 26th 
Major Ambassador Panel
5-6pm in the Mary Tefft White room on the 1st floor of the University Library 

**For an up-to-date list of CSAS events & important dates, click here
**To view the current RWU academic calendar, click here

We stand in unison with Black students and employees at Roger Williams University. Recent events, especially the horrific deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, and Ahmaud Arbery in S. Georgia, have heightened societal awareness of police killings and other violence toward Black people as well as the complex, long history of systemic racism and implicit bias. This is occurring simultaneously with a worldwide pandemic that has taken many lives with disproportionate impact on communities of color. We recognize all of this has been distressing for many RWU community members, most especially for our Black students, faculty, and staff.      

Many students have or are preparing to take action for positive social change. This may include being a listening ear to others, engaging in activism with Black Lives Matter, getting involved with social justice opportunities on and off campus, expressing yourself creatively through the arts, and/or making financial contributions to worthy causes. Many white students and employees are taking this opportunity to more deeply focus on their white privilege and what they can do individually and collectively to support meaningful change. It might also mean that you are taking a break from news and social media, and that is certainly understandable too. We encourage you to continue to take care of yourself as you actively seek to improve the world around you.

We stand ready to support you. As a reminder, staff in the Counseling Center, the Intercultural Center and the Center for Student Academic Success are available remotely to provide you support for your academic, emotional, and interpersonal needs. Please visit our respective websites referenced below to learn about what we can offer and explore the list of resources provided below you might find helpful during these challenging times.  

Stay safe and be well,  
– The Staffs of The Counseling Center, The Intercultural Center and the Center for Student Academic Success

Examples of on-line and off-campus resources:  

Resources for Persons of Color
Resources for Allies
Resources for Everyone
RWU Contact Information