TRiO Student Support Services

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, personal, academic, and career counseling, equipment loan, 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 225 students per academic year. 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 enrollment in the program 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 makes the transition smoother by offering one-on-one advising and career counseling as well as workshops on managing your 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?
The program offers many social and educational events each semester. In the past, these have included trips to music concerts, area plays, museums, college campus visits, and cultural trips to Chicago. The SSS program also purchases tickets to a variety of campus activities that participants can attend together.

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 your interests, strengths and long-term plans, then helps 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 (309) 796-5138 or send us an email: .