TRIO SSP

About Us

TRIO

TRIO Student Success Program is part of the Center for Academic Support Programs

About TRIO SSP

We are located on the second floor of Moore Hall in room 2065. For directions see Moore Hall.
(269) 387-4400

Mission Statement

The Mission of WMU's TRIO Student Success Program (SSP) is to provide a diverse, caring, supportive student-centered learning community where students can discover and utilize their unique individual potentials to flourish academically, personally, and socially as they complete their WMU bachelor's degree.

What is the TRIO Student Success Program?

TRIO SSP is a federally funded success program that helps first-generation, income-eligible college students and college students with disabilities in their transition to college and until graduation. TRIO SSP participants learn to have fun while achieving their personal and educational goals.

TRIO SSP is designed to assist eligible students by offering a variety of services tailored to meet their individual needs. We provide services to help students improve class performance and find the necessary resources (academic, financial, career, etc.) on campus and in the community so that they graduate and achieve their life goals.

For over 20 years TRIO SSP has helped hundreds of WMU students obtain their baccalaureate degrees.

All services are FREE to program participants.

How Do We Accomplish This?

Our strategy is a well-trained, knowledgeable, and sensitive staff who creates a climate of support for TRIO SSP students. Our professional staff is always available to help you. We believe that students help students, so we hire and train students to work as tutors and peer mentors. These students have learned how to be successful in college and spend their time helping others learn the ropes.

Participant Eligibility for Program Services

To participate in TRIO SSP, students must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at Western Michigan University. First-generation, income-eligible college students and college students with disabilities are eligible to participate in TRIO SSP projects.

Participant Eligibility for Grant Aid

To receive SSP grant aid, participants of TRIO SSP must be receiving Federal Pell Grants.

Services

Priority Registration

Register on the first day of registration (before most of the other 19,000 WMU undergraduates)
Get the classes you need when you need them

Advising

Balance academic, social, personal, and financial needs
Graduate school exploration and preparation
Caring, knowledgeable staff

Career Exploration

UNIV 1020 class in Spring semester
Work with our Career Counselor
Take the Career Guidance Inventory for FREE

Financial Support

FYE 2100 First-Year Seminar Scholarship - 2 Free Credits.
Apply for a TRIO SSP Scholarship
Win a TRIO SSP Spirit Award
Receive help applying for national, regional, state and WMU scholarships

Technological Support

Use TRIO SSP mini-computer labs equipped with scanners and color and laser printers
Take advantage of a laptop computer lending program

Leadership Development Opportunities

Attend national, regional and state conferences
Mentor or tutor other students
Plan co-curricular activities

Paid Employment

Work as an Academic Mentor
Work as a Program Mentor
Work in the TRIO SSP office

Academic Tutoring

Learn strategies to help master course content
Receive content tutoring for challenging classes

Peer Mentoring

Develop new relationships and friends
Explore career options
Train for leadership programs

Benefits

Two FREE WMU credits in Fall 2007! As a freshman you have enrolled in our two-credit FYE 2100 class and will receive a tuition grant from the WMU Provost to cover the cost of this course (at least $400). FYE 2100 counts toward graduation and will include college-level academic skills and co-curricular activities.
Attend Fall Welcome at a Discount! Get a jump start on your college experience with Fall Welcome. Arrive on campus early, get acquainted with campus and your classmates, buy your books, and learn about the WMU experience from faculty, staff, and students. If you receive a Federal Pell Grant, you are eligible for the Kellogg Scholarship which will cover $150 of the $220 cost of Fall Welcome.
Priority Registration! Each semester you will have the ability to register for classes on the first day of registration (before most of the other 19,000 WMU undergraduates). Get the classes you need when you need them.
Scholarships! All SSP participants are eligible for yearly Spirit Scholarships. If you receive a Pell Grant, you are also eligible for a $200-$600 SSP scholarship every year.
Caring, Knowledgeable Staff! SSP’s well trained, knowledgeable and compassionate professional and student staff are always here to help you solve problems and celebrate successes.
Lots More! Leadership development opportunities, volunteer experiences, use of our computer lab and laptop borrowing program, scholarship opportunities, cultural enrichment activities, employment opportunities, graduate school preparation, career exploration. . . .

Graduates' photos used by permission of the Kalamazoo Gazette

SSP Calendar

Jul 10 - Late add fee begins
Jul 12 - 50% refund for complete withdrawal
Jul 24 - 25% refund for complete withdrawal and last day to withdraw
Aug 1 - final day to apply for Dec graduation
Aug 18 - Summer II ends
Sept 5 - Fall classes begin