The Center for Student Excellence (CSE), launched last fall, brought together the University’s student support programs into a single administrative structure in order to build synergies and better serve students.
As of last week, those programs are now together in a single physical space as well, at 100 Sims Drive.
“This move truly creates a centralized hub for student success, academic support, engagement and persistence,” Assistant Provost for Academic Programs and CSE Director Tommy Powell says. “It brings together multiple high-impact student support offices with a shared mission: helping students thrive academically, personally and professionally from their first day on campus through graduation.”
CSE serves all undergraduate students, with a focus on student transition and adjustment to college; academic skill-building and coaching; retention and persistence; engagement, belonging and experiential learning; and clear communication and coordination across support services.
CSE comprises multiple programs working closely together:
- First Year Seminar
- Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS)
- Retention and Student Success
- SOURCE (Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement)
- Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising
- Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)
- McNair Scholars Program
- Our Time Has Come Scholars
- Remembrance Scholars
- STEP (Science and Technology Entry Program) and CSTEP (College Science and Technology Entry Program)
- Shaw Center for Public and Community Service
- Living Learning Communities
Student-Athlete Academic Services, located in the John A. Lally Athletics Complex, is also a core part of the CSE.
The building is located at the corner of Sims Drive and College Place, adjacent to Sims Hall. Drop-ins are welcome.
For more information, call 315.443.2005.
This article was originally published January 13, 2026 by SU News here.
