North Star Center for Academic Success and Cultural Affairs brochures and fliers

The North Star Center for Academic Success and Cultural Affairs was established in 2000 as part of a Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) initiative to increase student retention at the college, particularly among minority students. The office was named in honor of Frederick Douglass's 19th century anti-slavery newspaper, The North Star. Aligned under the Division of Student Affairs, the office serves the entire RIT community through recruitment activities, workshops, and retention programs. However, the office's primary focus is on students of the African American, Latin American, or Native American communities.

The North Star Center offers students access to a variety of resources including personal advising, leadership development opportunities, and cultural events. Additionally, the office appoints representatives to serve as liaisons between the office and the various colleges at the university. The North Star Center also offers three main programs: North Star Academy, North Star Society, and Coalition for a Better World.

The North Star Academy (established 2003) is open to matriculating freshmen who wish to ease their transition into college by participating in a three week summer program. In addition to having students take a college course over the summer, the program includes leadership development programs and access to education, career, and wellness advisors.

Students who meet the five goals, seven principles, and seven leading virtues of the North Star Society are eligible for membership in the society. The five goals are in the areas of academic achievement, ethical development, community service, cultural excellence, and wellness. If a student earns a 3.0 GPA and meets these five goals, they are not only eligible for the society, but can be selected to be a Luminary.

The Coalition for a Better World was established in 2002. An outreach program, the coalition sponsors events such as lectures, workshops, and the global awareness fair.

At the start of the Fall 2010 quarter, it was announced that the office would be changing its name to the Multicultural Center for Academic Success (MCAS). The announcement came following a two month process where the office evaluated its strategies and services.