Services

Annual Recognition Ceremony

Each spring, graduating TRIO SSS students and their families are honored at a ceremony preceding University commencement. The TRIO SSS Senior Excellence Award recipient – selected for academic achievement, campus leadership, and commitment to the SSS program – is recognized.

The Center

TRIO SSS students may utilize The Center, a multi-purpose computer lab, study area, and community building space.  Limited amounts of free printing and copies are available at The Center.

Cultural Enrichment Activities

A limited number of co-curricular events and activities (plays, lectures, musical performances, museum exhibitions) are available each year to SSS students, with the intent of increasing cultural awareness and building community among SSS participants. University credit may be available with participation.

Educational and Personal Counseling

Students work with counselors to develop an educational plan, which includes both short-range academic goals and long-range graduation planning.  Counselors assist students in exploring majors, academic success strategies, and personal matters which impact their academic performance.

First-Year Learning Community

The Learning Community is an innovative retention strategy which links academic courses, faculty, students, and academic support services. Students receive priority registration in specific general education courses and become part of a supportive community of scholars committed to academic success.

Graduate School Motivation & Preparation

Students are encouraged to pursue graduate and professional school opportunities through participation in graduate school fairs and workshops addressing graduate school preparation strategies. Counselors provide students with assistance in writing personal statements and letters of recommendation.

Mid-Semester Evaluations/Early Interventions

Faculty are encouraged to complete mid-semester progress reports for TRIO SSS students each semester. Students who are having academic or other difficulties meet with a counselor to identify appropriate interventions to increase their likelihood of success in the course(s) of concern. First-Year students receive additional early intervention strategies and services.

One-Unit Class

TRIO SSS offers a 1-unit course during the semester that allows students to earn a unit of credit while giving them the opportunity to take part in a cultural identity class.

Peer and Faculty Mentoring

Peer mentors provide general academic information and assist students in becoming active members and leaders in the campus community.  Faculty mentors, available to upper-division students, encourage academic inquiry and mentor students wishing to pursue graduate and professional degrees.

Priority Registration

Students in TRIO SSS receive first selection of classes each semester.

Tutoring

We offer our students one-to-one tutoring in English, English as a Second Language, and writing. Students who are struggling in any of the above mentioned areas can contact the program tutor for help.  Tutorials are conducted in three ways, in person, by e-mail and phone. TRIO SSS program tutors are professionally trained and gain certification through accredited tutor programs.

Workshops

A diverse range of workshops provides students with opportunities for academic and personal development.  Topics, which vary each semester in response to student requests, have included time management, library research strategies, making campus connections, managing stress, financial literacy and diversity awareness.