The Office of Case Management Services (OCSM) is an advocate for students, according to Kimberly Ceaser, who manages the office.
The office serves as a liaison to connect students with suitable resources on and off-campus. Located in Efferson Student Union, the OCSM has helped lead the effort toward guaranteeing that food and housing insecurities are responded to expeditiously.
Started in 2019, OCSM has paved the way for numerous students on campus.
The programs that this service provides include: the Career Clothing Closet and the Fuel the Famuly Pantry program.
The Career Clothing Closet is a professional development center that provides professional attire for students. The Fuel the Famuly Pantry aims to supply non-perishable food, school supplies, and toiletries for students.
Both programs demonstrate the pledge that no students will be left behind.
Before coming to FAMU, Ceaser worked at Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. At Tuskegee, she assisted and advised students on and off-campus.
When Ceaser moved to Tallahassee and was hired at FAMU, she wanted to continue to fulfill her goal and create a center that would change the livelihood of FAMU students.
“I wanted to manifest the idea of making sure that each student has sufficient support and that no one is left behind,” Ceaser said.
Crystal Ward, a freshman sociology major, said that she appreciates the love and support that she has received from FAMU’s case management services.
“Being a freshman isn’t easy. The unanticipated expenses, as well as the limited amount of financial aid and high textbook costs, leaves me with little to no money,” she said. “The fact that I was able to lean on this service for extra support is such a blessing.”
Samiyah Thomas, a second-year public relations student, said that she has significantly benefited from Fuel the Family Pantry.
“After FAMU notified students via email, I didn’t hesitate to use those resources offered,” she said. “I now have extra toiletries that I desperately needed. I can’t thank FAMU enough.”
Michael Smith, a fourth-year business major, donated gently used professional attire to the Career Clothing Closet.
“I know what it feels like to run out of money and not be able to afford certain necessitates,” Smith said. “I thought it would be only right to contribute and give back to my HBCU.”
The OCSM hours of operation are Monday through Friday by appointment only.