Introduction to TRiO Student Support Services
There’s a hidden corridor that runs along the back of the Perry Library Learning Commons which leads to the Student Success Center. This is the building where TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) is located on the 2nd floor. SSS is a program that is unfamiliar to some, yet instrumental to the success of over 200+ students annually. Our program provides comprehensive support services to eligible participants.
TRiO Student Support Services (SSS), is a federally-funded program by the U.S. Department of Education which has been on ODU’s campus since 1981. For the last 40 years, TRIO SSS has catered to college students who are first-generation, meet limited income criteria, or have a disability. Our goals are to help participants excel academically and to ultimately graduate by providing comprehensive academic support. SSS provides degree planning, individual weekly tutoring, financial literacy, guidance, and so much more for our participants.
Emily Harmon, the Academic Counselor for SSS considers SSS “a one-stop shop for all things related to academic success, careers, financial, and graduate school. On campus students may have to go to multiple offices to get these needs addressed, but as a participant in SSS, students can often make one-stop to get the support they need.”
Faith Williams, the Academic Skills Advisor who handles the mentoring and tutoring programs in SSS says that, “We have found a lot of new students are having a harder time navigating campus and our program is assisting in that adjustment to make sure they know what they need to know.” Williams, a graduate of ODU and a former participant in the TRiO program explains, “SSS is one big family and can support most student concerns, whether it's finding a building on campus, seeking assistance with registration, or just looking for someone to talk with. Our office really does go the extra mile to assist.
The TRiO Student Support Services program was created by the Department of Education in the 1960’s, designed to improve college retention and graduation rates of eligible students though individualized support services. Passion Studivant, the SSS Director says that “We have always met our program objectives by using a student-centered approach to help our participants meet their graduation goals.” |