For some students, the pursuit of a degree is a given. Many students are second, third and even fourth-generation college students.
Unfortunately, for other students, there is no one to tell him or her about college life and likely no one to offer support. They aren’t just going to school for themselves — they are going for the entire family. The stresses these students face can lead to long college careers or dropping out.
Now there is a program to help increase retention and degree completion for these students.
Last week, The U of M introduced Student Support Services (SSS), a grant-funded TRIO program provided by the U.S. Department of Education. According to their Web site, the TRIO program began from the Higher Education Act of 1965. In 1968, SSS was the third in a series of educational programs, including Upward Bound and Talent Search, created from the act and later the name “TRIO” was coined.
Deborah Walsh, a TRIO advisor, said The U of M is the 18th Tennessee college to receive funding for SSS.
“We have projects at UT Knoxville, Austin Peay, MTSU, Lane College and TSU,” Walsh said. “(The U of M) received funding for 160 students and the project start date is Sept. 1.”
The SSS office will provide several services at no cost to eligible students. Among these services are academic, career and personal counseling, financial aid assistance, social and cultural activities and tutoring. These are all services currently provided for students by The University but the SSS offers its students something more, a comfort zone.
Jacqueline Faulkner, the newly appointed director of SSS, said having all these services under one house creates a less intimidating atmosphere to seek help for students who often find themselves lost in the shuffle.
“We know that small obstacles can arise and become frustrating for students,” said Faulkner, a former TRIO participant. “We have resources that can help, and we want to assist students as they encounter barriers with one-on-one help.”
Faulkner is a 1997 graduate of Jackson State University and earned her master’s from the U of M in 1999. Participating in the TRIO program helped with her academic success and now she wants to help others.
“We want to deal with the holistic student not just academically,” she said. “We want SSS to be a family for these students.”
Faulkner said that U of M officials noticed that nationally, small obstacles could potentially cause students to get lost in the cracks. The introduction of SSS is another effort by The University to increase student retention. The SSS office will have two counselors in addition to Faulkner. Each student will enjoy one-on-one mentor relationships with the staff.
“If that had been around five years ago, I probably would have finished,” said Aundria Benson, a 35-year-old former student who is considering returning to complete her degree.
Gray added that most universities overlook the needs of older students. It helps, she said, to have people dedicated to helping this unique population of students.
The interview process will begin on Thursday, but applications will be accepted year-round. Even after the 160-student maximum has been reached, Faulkner said, her office will keep a waiting list and refer excess applicants to other campus services.
Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and first generation college students. Applicants must also meet federal low-income requirements and be eligible for financial aid. Students registered with Student Disability Services are also eligible.
For more information and to apply, go to www.saweb.memphis.edu/trio/apply or call 678-2351.
