MSU launches $1.1 million TRiO Student Support Services program
This week, the staff of TRiO-Student Support Services moved into their new office in Minot State University’s Student Center (second floor) as part of a $1.1 million Title IV grant. The five-year grant, from the U.S. Department of Education, provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements and serves to motivate students toward completing their postsecondary education. The program strives to increase the retention and graduation of its participants and help students move from one level of higher education to the next.
"The TRiO Student Support Services program offers support to students who possess rising potential but need the motivation and confidence to succeed with their university education," said Holly Major, TRiO Student Support Services program director. "We are funded to serve 200 students per year."
To be eligible to participate in the TRiO-SSS program, an individual must be currently enrolled or have been accepted for full-time enrollment at Minot State University, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and meet at least one of three qualifications. The qualifications are being a first-generation college student (neither parent nor guardian has received a four-year degree), being income eligible (family income is at or below federally determined guidelines) or having a documented disability.
Services TRiO-SSS provides to students include:
- Academic tutoring, directly or through other services provided by the institution, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science and other subjects, to enable students to complete postsecondary courses.
- Advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection.
- Financial aid assistance by providing information on programs, benefits and resources for locating public and private scholarships and helping in completing financial aid applications.
- Education or counseling services to improve the financial literacy and economic literacy of students, including financial planning for postsecondary education.
- Activities designed to assist students in achieving career and academic success.
Besides Major, the TRiO staff members are Tiffany Fylling, Jancy Brisson and Lynn Redden.
Major, an alumna, previously was the family support specialist for Minot’s Pathfinder Parent Center. She earned her master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Minot State.
Fylling, learning skills specialist, served as the administrative assistant in MSU’s Office of Enrollment Services. She completed a bachelor’s degree in health science from Valley City State University.
Brisson, advising coordinator and another alumna, was an admissions counselor at Dakota College at Bottineau. She holds a master’s degree in counseling from North Dakota State University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from MSU.
Redden, administrative assistant, was an admission advisor at San Joaquin Valley College, Bakersfield, Calif., before moving to Minot in July. She received an associate’s degree in hotel office management and sales and marketing from Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, Calif.
TRiO-SSS is holding its first workshop, "Secrets to a Successful Semester," on Jan. 13 at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and on Jan. 14 at 12:15 p.m. The workshop, which is open to all MSU students, starts with check-in at the TRiO-SSS office.
To apply for the TRiO-SSS program, visit www.minotstateu.edu/trio or contact 858-4402 or holly.major@minotstateu.edu.
|
Published: 01/07/11 |