TRIO Student Support Services

Are you a first-generation college student? Do you have a limited income or a disability? You may be eligible for additional support.

Student Support Services is designed to increase retention and graduation rates of eligible students and help foster a campus environment supportive of eligible students.

Eligibility Requirements

Students enrolled at the College meet one or more of the following criteria:

• First-generation college student (neither parent/guardian has a bachelor’s degree)
• Limited income
• Physical or learning disability 

Students must also:

• Be U.S. citizens or meet residency requirements for federal financial aid
• Demonstrate a need for academic support

Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Summer hours are 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Our office is located on the first floor of Zehmer Hall.

Services

• Academic Advising. The SSS staff works one-on-one with students to provide academic advising and planning as well as guidance in selecting a major. Students receive assistance scheduling classes, matching their needs and abilities with appropriate courses. Academic performance is monitored to assure that students are making sufficient progress toward degree completion.
• Priority Registration. SSS participants have the opportunity to register early. They receive information regarding dates and class offerings and are encouraged to meet with their advisors in advance to make sure they are academically on course. It is the students’ responsibility to respond in a timely manner and resolve any holds on their accounts prior to registering.
• Financial Aid Counseling. The Financial Aid Office works closely with SSS staff to assist participants who have financial need. SSS provides financial aid workshops, assistance with renewal of the FAFSA, and financial aid counseling so that participants have access to a full range of federal financial aid, scholarships, and other resources.
• Financial Literacy Education. Financial literacy education is provided to improve students’ knowledge of basic financial principles. A curriculum and workshops are offered to educate participants in the areas of financial and economic literacy as well as financial planning.
• Career Counseling. Junior and senior participants work with staff to begin the process of career planning and preparation for the job market. The Office of Career Discovery and Planning also hosts workshops for participants and provides full access to its career information resources.
• Graduate School Preparation. Graduate school preparation is offered to junior and senior participants planning for graduate or professional school. Workshops and one-on-one assistance are offered.
• Personal Counseling. While the College has an Office of Counseling Services where all students may receive counseling, SSS staff works closely with active participants and is available for personal counseling on issues such as time and stress management. For those students who need more intensive help, referrals are made to the Office of Counseling Services.
• Accommodations for Students with Disabilities. SSS works closely with Disability Support Services to provide services for documented students with disabilities who are participants of the program. Any students needing academic accommodations should identify themselves to Disability Support Services. For more information, call Whitney Wells at 276-328-0177 or e-mail her at wew3x@uvawise.edu. 
• Priority Tutoring. While tutoring is provided to all students at the College, SSS participants have the opportunity to receive more intensive tutoring. Participants who have a demonstrated need will get priority scheduling and one-on-one tutoring upon request.
• Academic Coaching. Academic coaching provides participants with assistance in study skills such as time management, organization, note taking, test preparation, and test taking. Coaches help build students’ confidence, encourage motivation, and foster academic independence.
• Freshman Year Experience. The freshman year experience is a year-long freshman seminar that helps participants with the transition to college life, provides information on study skills, offers financial literacy education, and engages students in major/career exploration.
• Grant Aid.  Grant aid is given to qualifying first and second year SSS participants during their Spring semester.  Participants must meet eligibility criteria which includes qualifying for Pell Grant in their Financial Aid Awards.