STUDENT CONNECTIONS
Each meeting between student and advisor focuses on both academic and personal success. One of the
largest factors to student success is making a connection to the campus. Whether this is done with peers,
faculty, administrators or TRiO SSS staff, feeling connected to the college campus gives students a sense of
confidence and belonging.
INDIVIDUAL ADVISING
Each semester, our students meet with their advisors three
times to discuss their progress. During the students’ first
semester in the program, they meet with their advisor four
times in order to make sure they have the tools needed for
success at GVSU. These sessions focus on academics, career
exploration and personal development, all stemming from the
personal relationships we build with our students.
CREATING SUPPORT
During these meetings, students discuss everything from
classes to what they are passionate about to how their week
has been going. Through meaningful and personal
connections, students are able to build their support network
at Grand Valley.
PEER MENTORSHIP
Peer mentors are able to create a student-to-student
connection and provide an extra resource to those who are
new to the program. They assist during orientation as well as
office hours during the academic year. Having someone who
is in the program as well and an upperclassman on campus
has been very beneficial for incoming students.
LONG-TERM IMPACT
Over time, these relationships help students feel connected to
the institution and to each other. This matters; students who
have a connection to the university are more likely to
graduate than their peers who lack any meaningful
connection. Our track record has proven t his with nearly
96% of students persisting from year to year.
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