TRiO/Student Support Services

Student Support Services is a federally funded program providing the following services to eligible students:

• Academic planning, course selection and registration assistance personal counseling and support
• Assistance with applying for financial aid and obtaining scholarships
• Financial literacy
• Career exploration and planning transfer counseling (for students interested in transferring to a four-year institution)
• One-on-one and small-group tutoring*
• Workshops on a variety of topics
• Opportunities to attend cultural events
• Laptop loaner program
• Student Leadership Conference

*Walk-in tutoring is available to ALL Waubonsee students, but only Student Support Services participants may receive one-on-one tutoring services.

You may be eligible if you meet the following criteria

• You must be a first generation college student (your parents did not graduate from a four-year college) and/or come from a low-income home, and/or have a learning or physical disability.
• In addition, you must be in need of academic support services, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and be enrolled at Waubonsee Community College.

What will I be expected to do?

1. Attend classes regularly.
2. Call or meet with an SSS counselor once a month to stay in touch or before you make a schedule change.
3. Meet with your SSS counselor before you register for classes each semester. There will be a restriction in the database system that will prohibit you from registering unless you see your SSS counselor.
4. Attend a minimum of one free workshop or cultural event each year. Many workshops and cultural events are on campus. In addition, you will be offered the opportunity to choose one play, musical, concert or other cultural event offered in the community and receive free admission for yourself and one guest.
5. Meet regularly with your tutor during the semester, if you have requested one.

What do I need to do to get started?
You will need to complete an application form, which is available online through the mywcc portal or from the SSS Secretary in the Student Center, Room 262. You must submit the application, including documentation of income, and participate in an interview in order for the SSS staff to determine your eligibility.

After being accepted into the program, you will meet with a Student Support Services counselor (who will also help you set up your academic plan), and attend an orientation session. At that time, if you are interested, you will fill out a tutoring request, which will be sent to the tutor coordinator for tutor assignment and meeting time.