TRiO Student Support Services provides a number of services to members, including:
	Tutoring Academic Success Initiative Career Development College Planning Leadership Opportunities Success Seminars/Workshops Transfer Assistance

Tutoring The TRiO program offers one-on-one, individualized peer tutoring (some group and online tutoring may be available) and maintains a bank of computers for TRiO student use. Students are encouraged to use the TRiO computers for academic development and class assignments, as well as some tutoring sessions. TRiO students can request a peer tutor to assist them throughout the semester. Students normally meet with their tutor on a scheduled basis twice a week in the TRiO Student Support Services room (ERC 218). All peer tutors are selected based on their academic background, faculty recommendations, and an application process that includes an interview with the TRiO Student Support Services' staff. Tutors also complete a training and orientation program after they are hired. Often times when our TRiO students excel in their classes, they may have the ability to become paid tutors themselves. Application forms for peer tutoring positions are available in the TRiO office (ERC 218). Applicants should have a 2.5 or above overall GPA with a 3.0 in the course they wish to tutor. Applicants will be interviewed by the TRiO Student Support Services Staff and asked to provide two faculty recommendations. Students also complete a peer tutoring training program. Information about the hourly pay scale and the number of hours in a contract is available in the TRiO office.

 

Academic Success Initiative Every student in the TRiO program will develop an academic plan with a TRiO staff member. This academic plan will provide students with direction towards achieving goals and completing their coursework and/or degree. As part of this process, a TRiO staff member will develop an Individual Support Services Plan (ISSP). Part of the ISSP will include completion of an Early Assessment form with each students' instructors during the fourth or fifth week of the semester. Completion of this form helps project staff become aware of any important academic issues that may arise during the semester. It also promotes collaboration between faculty, staff, and students to ensure academic success.

 

Career Development Students are encouraged to carefully examine their major and career choices when they enter the TRiO Student Support Services program. A variety of resources are available through the TRiO office in conjunction with the Student Development office to assist students in identifying personality traits, skills, and interests that influence career decisions. A computer search is conducted of the student's potential career areas to identify the college major, courses needed, job duties, job demand, and salary expectations for selected careers. Trips to local colleges and universities can be taken as part of the career decision-making process.

 

College Planning The TRiO Student Support Services program assists in developing decision-making skills to evaluate college, family, and work obligations in order to plan a program that will encourage academic success. Our program works closely with existing counseling services provided through the Student Development Office and the student's assigned advisor. Our TRiO staff works closely with the Financial Aid office to provide information and assist students in applying for Pell grants and other scholarships. The TRiO Student Support Services grant also includes some funds for supplemental financial assistance to students who are receiving Pell grants. TRiO funds are distributed based on the amount of the student's unmet financial need and involvement in the TRiO program.

 

Leadership Opportunities Leadership development opportunities are provided through the TRiO Student Leadership Team. In order to serve on the Leadership Team, students must go through an application process and must meet a minimum GPA requirement.  Currently, there are open opportunities available for TRiO students to serve on the team. Functions of the Student Leadership Team include: planning cultural events developing promotional and recruitment materials planning end-of-year activities serving as student advisors to the TRiO staff Students interested in serving on the Leadership Team should contact Yolanda McFadden, Tutor/Retention Advisor.

 

Success Seminars The TRiO Student Support Services staff provides seminars to meet needs and requests of students. Topics include: financial aid time management study skills test taking skills memory techniques career/major selection Other seminars and workshops may be offered as requested.

 

Transfer Assistance Students who are seeking a four-year degree may gain assistance in selecting their next college or university with help from our TRiO Staff.  Contacts will be made with selected colleges that offer the student's major to obtain admissions requirements and financial aid resources. Staff members will assist in making appointments and accompany the students for on-site visits to Tennessee colleges/universities for departmental meetings and tours.  We will also respond to student needs and requests for various campus visits and/or information.