Student Support Services

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get into Student Support Services (SSS)?

In order to get into the SSS program, you need to fill out an application and meet a certain set of eligibility guidelines. Eligibility for SSS is determined by federal regulations. To qualify, you must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident and meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Be a first generation college student
    (neither parent has a four-year degree)
  • Have a limited income
    (Did you qualify for a Pell Grant?)
  • Have a documented disability

If you are interested in being in Student Support Services, please contact SSS for an application.

Is there scholarship money available to students in SSS?

There are two ways students can receive money by participating in Student Support Services:

SSS Grant Aid
Grant Aid is available to students who qualify based on financial need and TRiO income guidelines. Students eligible for Grant Aid will earn money to be used  towards the cost of textbooks each semester. Grant Aid awards will be made based on participation in the SSS program.

Career & Graduate School Exploration Scholarship
All students in SSS are eligible to receive the Career & Graduate School Exploration Scholarship. Students can receive up to $200 each academic year toward fees or expenses associated with career and graduate school exploration. The exploration scholarship is available to all students in SSS providing they are not receiving Grant Aid at that time.

What is priority registration?

Priority registration allows first-year students, sophomores, and juniors in SSS the chance to register for classes before the regularly assigned registration time frame. The SSS office will notify all students in advance when it is time to register for classes each semester. Students are assigned to a faculty advisor who will help students select and register for classes. Our program staff is available to answer questions and give advice on course loads and class offerings throughout the semester.

What else does SSS do?

Each semester we hold a series of cultural events and workshops that allow SSS students to get together and meet other students in the program. Each student is assigned to one of our program staff members who will assist students with anything they may need while at Simpson. Events are a great way to get to know the SSS program staff too!

SSS students can also take advantage of Supplemental Instruction (SI). SI is a group tutoring and discussion group offered in designated classes like biology and chemistry. It is coordinated by SSS, but all Simpson students are allowed to attend.

Besides cultural events, workshops, and Supplemenal Instruction, SSS also provides a variety of services for eligible students:

  • Annual Awards Banquet to recognize student achievement
  • Fall and spring newsletters to highlight semester events
  • CampusConnect (a summer orientation week where students can take an SSS class and participate in fun activities)
  • Free items for student checkout: laptop, graphing calculators, DVD's, and much more
  • Printing and copy in the SSS office
  • Study skills computer assessment
  • And so much more!

Last Updated: 11/18/11