2016-17 Newsletter TRIO SSS 2016-2017 | Seite 3

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES TRiO Student Support Services (TRiO SSS) is a federally funded, comprehensive support program for first generation and financially eligible college students. The program employs three professional advisors, each of whom provide a holistic array of services designed to meet the needs of students. Participants in the program are supported with services such as: academic advising, financial aid counseling, career counseling, graduate school counseling and personal counseling, with additional assistance in securing secondary program admission. Additionally, advisors help students build study skills, mange their time and become integral members of both the local and global communities through volunteerism and international study. TRiO SSS tracks retention, progress, and graduation rates of program participants for its Annual Performance Report. Of the 215 students served during the 2014-2015 academic year, an impressive 93% continued their education to the following year, 94% were in good academic standing and 81% graduated with a bachelor's degree within 6 calendar years (GVSU's 2009-10 cohort had a 6 year graduation rate of 66.6%). In the TRiO Student Support Services office, we are committed to providing eligible college students access to the vital tools they need to reach their academic and professional goals and break the cycle of poverty. 93% GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY A strong liberal education serves as the foundation for Grand Valley State University's wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering critical thinking, creative problem solving, and cultural understanding. Through personalized learning enhanced by active scholarship, we accomplish our mission of educating students to shape their lives, their professions, and their societies. ACHIEVEMENT, RETENTION, GRADUATION PERSISTENCE RATE 94% GOOD STANDING 81% GRADUATION RATE 3