Trio Student Support Services

TRIO SSS Students are assigned a TRIO Success Coach who supports students in their academic planning based on their major and expected timeline defined by their individual needs.  All TRIO SSS Students will complete a Needs Assessment upon acceptance into the program.

TRIO SSS Students are expected to participate in AT LEAST ONE Workshop EVERY SEMESTER.  Workshops cover a variety of topics and students can suggest workshop topics by speaking with any TRIO staff member.

• Study Skills
• Time Management
• Test-Taking Strategies
• Note-Taking Strategies
• Understanding Financial Aid
• Managing your Finances
• Resume Writing

TRIO Success Coaches provide academic, personal, financial, and career counseling.  They can also refer students to a wide variety of campus resources including disability services, counseling services, health services.  Additionally, they can help students learn to advocate for themselves with the offices of residence life, financial aid, student accounts, and academic records.

TRIO SSS Students have access to a variety of Career Planning workshops available through the Career Services office just for TRIO participants.  We also offer career panels with local TRIO Alumni, and Success Coaches are available to review resume and cover letter drafts.  We encourage students to find internships during their summers, and we offer information and support in applying for a wide variety of internships.  Every TRIO student will leave with a polished resume to use in their job search.

TRIO Students are eligible for a variety of Off-Campus cultural enrichment activities, free of charge.  Past experiences have included trips to Charleston, Atlanta, Savannah, and Washington.  Every year TRIO students are selected to participate in the Wanda Hendricks Bellamy Student Leadership Conference hosted by SC TRIO.  Additional academic, research, and leadership opportunities are offered through our regional TRIO student organization SAEOPP.

TRIO SSS encourages students to explore graduate school opportunities.  Success Coaches can assist TRIO students with preparing their applications to graduate schools.  Additionally, TRIO staff will work with students to coordinate visits to those graduate programs where students have been admitted.

Students are required to remain in good academic standing in order to participate in TRIO Programs.  Voluntary study halls will be hosted in the LITC weekly for all TRIO students.  SSS Students whose GPA falls below a 2.5 will be required to attend study halls in order to remain eligible for TRIO programming.

TRIO SSS students who are receiving a Pell grant CAN qualify for additional funds to help close the gap in their cost of attendance.  Students must demonstrate a need for financial assistance, and the maximum allowable amount is determined by the student’s Pell grant.  Students can apply for supplemental funding HERE.

Students who have legal documentation designating homelessness or who have aged out of the foster system CAN qualify for help securing temporary housing on campus during breaks in the academic year.  Please speak with your Success Coach for more information.

Upper-classmen who have participated in the TRIO program for at least a full year serve as peer mentors for incoming TRIO SSS students.  Peer mentors meet with students on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis, as needed, to support new students in navigating all of the resources TRIO has to offer.