Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded TRIO* program that assists 230 eligible students traditionally under-represented in post-secondary education due to income, family educational background, and/or disability. Professional staff and student mentors support SSS participants through a free program providing personalized, confidential and comprehensive services that include:

• Academic, financial and personal advising
• Textbook loans
• Tutoring: group and one-to-one
• Workshops for academic, personal and professional enhancement
• Cultural and social activities
• Scholarship information and assistance
• Career exploration
• Transfer services and campus visits
• Computer and FAX access
• Financial awards

The mission of SSS at Salish Kootenai College is to help program participants to succeed: to foster personal and academic growth, to enhance student retention, to increase graduation and transfer rates. Students who qualify for and participate in SSS have a more than 50% higher success rate that those students who qualify but do not participate.

* TRIO programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 enacted as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. Initially three programs (hence the name TRIO), there are now five TRIO programs at SKC:

1. Student Support Services
2. EOC (Education Opportunity Center)
3. Upward Bound
4. Talent Search
5. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program

Outstanding TRIO alumni include entertainment notables Oprah Winfrey and Angela Basset, John Quinones - ABC news correspondent, A. C. Green - Phoenix Sun and L. A. Laker, and first Hispanic astronaut Franklin Chang-Diaz.

Eligibility

Students who meet one of the following criteria may be eligible for SSS:

First generation college student (neither parent has earned a baccalaureate degree)
Documented physical or learning disability Financial limitation (see following chart*):

*These figures are based on 150% of taxable family income, a level established by the Census Bureau for determining poverty guidelines as published in the Federal Register, Vol. 72, #15, January 24, 2007 (pp. 3147-3148).

Students must be enrolled in at least six credit hours of academic study, remain in academic good standing, make and keep three appointments with SSS
professional staff (at the beginning of each quarter, at mid-term and before finals), and participate in a minimum of 3 workshops and/or cultural events.

Application Process

New project participants will be identified and admitted to the SSS program within two weeks of enrollment. Students will be given the opportunity to fill out an SSS application during Student Orientation, at the Career Center in the Charlot Building, or by downloading and printing the Eligibility Application Form. Completed applications can be Faxed, mailed or hand delivered to:

Student Support Services (SSS)
Charlot Building
Salish Kootenai College
Box 70
52000 Hwy. 93
Pablo, MT 59855
FAX: 1-406-275-4804

New SSS participants will receive a confirmation packet by mail and will need to schedule and complete a comprehensive academic assessment and the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE). Returning and wait-listed students are evaluated prior to the start of a new academic year and are notified of new or continued participation by mail prior to registration

Confidentiality

All students participating in SSS can be assured that their privacy as defined by FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) will be honored and that their records will be maintained in a secure location.

Financial Awards

SSS participants are eligible for annual financial awards based on demonstrated
unmet financial need, a current participant file, enrollment for all three quarters with a minimum of 12 credits per quarter, a G.P.A. of 2.5, participation in SSS workshops and events, and contact as scheduled with advisors. Participants must be in their freshman or sophomore year.

SSS Student Resources

Academic, Financial and Personal Advising

SSS professional staff provide a wide range of counseling and advising services including, but not limited to: academic assessment and placement, campus and community information and referral, career exploration and employment readiness services, disability services coordination and advocacy, personal finance and financial aid counseling, personal counseling and advocacy.

Peer Mentors

Adjunct to the professional staff, SSS Peer Mentors are an additional resource for
program participants. Participants themselves, Peer Mentors are familiar with the SKC community, can answer many questions and provide referrals as appropriate.

Textbook Loans

A limited number of textbooks are available for “rent” for the quarter on a first-come-first-served basis. Quarterly rental is $10.

Tutoring Services

SSS participants are eligible for free tutoring services. Career Services provides names of tutors. SSS can also help to coordinate group tutoring or study groups.

Workshops

SSS staff, SKC faculty, or special guest speakers will present a variety of workshops each quarter to enhance student academic and personal growth. Topics range from tips for college success to healthy lifestyles to job hunting strategies.

Cultural and Social Activities

The rich cultural environment of western Montana provides many opportunities for SSS participants to attend a variety of activities free of charge, transportation provided. Local offerings such as the Elder’s Dinner and River Honoring as well as events in Missoula and Kalispell enhance the academic experience.

Scholarship Information and Assistance

Career Services maintains an extensive file of scholarship information. SSS staff and Peer Mentors are available to assist program participants with applications.

Career Exploration and Services

Career Services span initial occupational interest tests to selection of appropriate courses to resume writing and interview techniques. During the Winter quarter, SSS presents intensive workshops on all aspects of securing employment as preparation for the annual SKC Career Fair.

Transfer Services

SSS staff encourages students to transfer to four-year institutions or graduate programs. A Winter quarter workshop initiates a focus on transfer process and procedures including campus visits to UM and MSU Bozeman.

Computer and FAX Services

Computer access is available for coursework in the Career Counseling Center. Free FAX services are also available.