Issue #3 Spring 2009
Student Support Services Aids in Retention of Students
Wendy Beck, Student Support Services

Utah State University is fortunate to have Student Support Services (SSS), a federally funded TRiO program for low-income, first-generation, or disabled students who demonstrate a need for academic support.  SSS provides a valuable service to eligible students who have the desire and attitude to succeed in school, but who may lack academic skills or an understanding of the culture and expectations of higher education.  Its focus is to ensure that participants in the program have a realistic chance to persist in school and graduate from USU. The participants in SSS receive a number of services to help them be successful in their studies, including academic advising, tutoring, instruction in college reading and study skills (PSY 1730 and PSY 1750), smaller sections of math courses (MATH 0900, MATH 1010, STAT 1040, and MATH 1050) with math tutoring labs, financial aid planning, and personal support. 

 As an intrusive advising system, SSS has a well-established tradition of providing a strong program of personal and academic support.  Students often view the SSS Office as a “home away from home,” where they can get answers to questions, talk through problems, and receive encouragement.  SSS also has a proven track record in helping participants be more successful.  When comparing the retention rates of SSS participants with similar nonparticipants at USU, SSS participants are 79 percent more likely to return for their second year of college and have significantly higher cumulative GPAs and graduation rates than eligible nonparticipants.

Starting August 1, students can pick up an application in the SSS Office or online at http://www.usu.edu/sss and call (435) 797-3372 to schedule an appointment to meet with the Director, Dr. Nazih Al-Rashid, to determine eligibility.  Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the program, is full.  The earlier the students call, the better their chance of being accepted into the program because SSS fills quickly each fall, generally sometime in September.  Once the program is full for the year, students must wait until the next August to apply.  If you are aware of students who could benefit from the support offered by SSS, please have them contact the office at (435) 797-3372 for more information.

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