Frequently Asked Questions
What is TRIO Student Support Services?
Student Support Services (SSS) is a federal TRIO program that
offers services to help participants succeed in college and graduate on
a timely basis. The services include free tutoring, academic advising,
career development assistance, job shadowing and college success
workshops and discussions.
Can everyone participate?
No. SSS serves eligible students only. These include
first-generation college students (neither parent graduated with a
four-year degree) and income-eligible students (as determined by federal
guidelines), as well as students with a documented disability. The
program is an exclusive program and can only accept 200 students per
semester. It is based on a first-come, first-served basis, so do not
hesitate to apply. All students who do not apply on time may be
waitlisted until the following semester.
Why should I become a participant?
SSS provides a personal college "safety net" from the freshman
year through graduation. The program can help you build on your
strengths and address your areas of concern. By becoming a participant,
you will gain access to services and opportunities not available to
other students on campus.
If I join SSS, what am I required to do?
SSS tends to have expectations rather than requirements. It is
expected that you will be committed to earning your degree and that you
will take advantage of SSS services that meet your academic needs. The
SSS staff will make recommendations for you that we expect you to
carefully consider.
Can SSS help with the transition to college life?
Yes! SSS offers peer mentors for incoming students. SSS also
makes the transition smoother by offering one-on-one advising and career
counseling as well as workshops on managing you time efficiently,
getting along with instructors, financing your education, planning your
four-year degree and beyond, and many other topics.
I would like to meet more students like me. How can SSS help?
Our Education Specialist, Danya Thomsen-Orellana, arranges many
social and educational events each semester. In the past, these have
included trips to music concerts, Broadway play, museums, college campus
visits, and cultural trips to Chicago & New York. The SSS program also
purchases tickets to a variety of campus activities that participants
can attend together. SSS also offers students to participate in the TRIO
Club.
I have declared a major, but I am not sure it's right for me. Can
SSS help?
Absolutely! SSS offers students supplemental academic advising as
well as career counseling. SSS can help you to determine a program that
best suits you interests, strengths and long-term plans, then help you
to map out which courses you need and when to take them.
How much time does it take to participate in the TRiO program?
This is up to you - it can take as little as one hour
each quarter or several hours each week. You decide which services to
utilize.
Does it cost money to join?
No - everything in the program is free!
How long can I be in the program?
Until you graduate and/or transfer to another college
Who do I contact if I have questions?
All SSS staff members work directly with our students, so feel
free to contact any one of us at (517) 483-1161 or send us an email:
Contact TRiO
TRIO Student Support Services
Gannon Bldg, Room 142
Phone: (517) 483-1161
Additional contact information »
