How do I find out if I am eligible for this program?

    Each year the program director will run orientation sessions and these will be advertised through the web-site, so you can see when they are running. To learn more about eligibility requirements, call our office at 961-1230 and we can get you an answer very quickly.

I heard there is extra financial aid money available; is that true?

    Actually that is partially true. For students who are accepted into the SSS program they can apply for supplemental grant aid each semester. For most students who receive it, the amount is around $500 and can be enough to cover the cost of text-books.

Is there a deadline for me to enroll into the SSS program?

    No, you can apply to the SSS program at any time. There is a program limit of 160 students. So when we get up to that number of participants we may need to have a cap on admission. Until then it is open enrollment

Will I feel welcome in the Student Support Services program?

    We want you to feel part of the college and use the comfort of our program office whenever you need it.  Each semester we have fun events that get all the students together; it’s a great chance to meet and make new friends as well as hang out with the program staff. Our friendly and approachable program staff are available throughout the day. Feel free to call April Goers (961-1232), Darcie Sprouse (961-1227) or Nate Chua (961-1231)with any questions or for an appointment.

Is tutoring available to me if I need it with a class?

    Tutoring is available to you at no cost, FREE! That can be set up through our Hawley Academic Resource Center. In addition, we will help facilitate Supplemental Instruction where students in classes help each other to be successful. It’s a fun learning environment among students you already know.

Will I be recognized for my achievements?

    Each year we will have an SSS program awards function. That might be in the form of a dinner, ice-cream social or party depending on what the students select. We will also let the campus community know how you are doing through channels like this newsletter.

I am so worried about attending college, I don’t know where to start!

    That’s where our professional on-site staff can really help. Thay are happy to work with any SSS student to evaluate their skills and abilities. Using a learning assessment and skills inventory allows them to better advise strategies for success, whether they be test taking, note taking, writing or for life. All you have to do is call the SSS office at 961-1230 and we can set up an appointment time for you to do that.

Can you help me with class registrations?

    This is traditionally an area where your assigned faculty advisor would work with you. Our program staff are available to answer questions and give advice on course loads, study habits and personal time management while attending college.  We also have student peer mentors who can help guide you on the journey through college.

How does your program help students transition to life on a college campus?

    We really do understand that for many students the transition into college and residence life is unnerving. That’s one reason we will organize social events to help you meet new friends.  We also arrange trips to bigger urban centers at the end of each spring semester.

What does SSS do for fun, and what’s the catch?

    There is no catch. If you have the opportunity to join in with a social party, cultural trip or outing you should expect that the SSS staff will take care of all major out of pocket expenses. We want you to have a rewarding experience while in the program and we understand that extra expenses on top of your tuition may just be too much.

I still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up.

    That’s okay, between our Career Counseling office, Student Support Services and the Lilly Initiative for vocational discernment we can help you discover what it is you would like to do  when no longer a student.  Use us as much as you would like to feel comfortable.

How do I know if I’m the first in my family to go to college?

    Our grant looks to identify students whose parents did not graduate from an accredited 4 year institution. Even if your mother and father did have a year or two at college, that’s okay. Provided they did not graduate from a 4 year college, then you are eligible.

What about a disability, I don’t have one?

    That’s fine. You can be admitted into the program on a variety of differing criteria. If you either have a physical or mental disability, we will need to see that it has been documented by a medical professional.

All this sounds great but….why would I be in SSS if I can get many of these services elsewhere?

    That is a great question. Try to remember that SSS is not just here to give academic support in the form of services and counseling. We are also here to help build a community and know that once you identify with us you will enjoy the experience.