2016-17 Newsletter TRIO SSS 2016-2017 | Page 8

FALL KICK OFF AND SUCCESS SEMINAR WELCOME HOME SSS students have the opportunity to participate in the New Student Orientation. Moving into campus early, each student had the chance to meet the director, advisors, program coordinator, and peers. Participants also had the chance to work with the peer mentors before classes began. Bennie Rambin, Sierra Williams, and Ashley Vance posing during our Fall Kick off and orientation. During this program, students explored what it means to be a college student through presentations, discussions and activities throughout campus. Students also visited the downtown campus to get a head start on learning the bus route. One of the most important parts of Orientation is the connection participants make with their peers. Creating this network of support is critical for students as they begin their tenure at Grand Valley. TRIO SSS students posing for a beginning of the year picture at Fall Orientation. EXPLORING COLLEGE This fall featured the second Student Success Seminar series. Spanning the length of the semester, students participated in discussions, activities and presentations regarding time management, academic skills, healthy relationships and how to make the most out of college. Essentially, this program focused on developing the skills students need to be successful in college. Those who completed the program were awarded scholarships for books and academic supplies. The Success Seminar series continued into the winter semester with an emphasis on leadership and career exploration. Through discussions and activities with a leadership focus, students explored how to incorporate their leadership skills both in the classroom and their future careers. 8