TRiO Student Support Services
TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO Student Support Services is an educational opportunity program federally funded at Voorhees since 1997, by the U.S. Department of Education to help its 175 participants successfully pursue a college education and housed under the Academic Affairs Division.
Close working relationships with appropriate on and off campus services have been instrumental in our SSSP endeavors for achieving our goals and objectives in assisting our participants in their efforts of success.
TRIO Student Support Services Program Physical and Email Address:
Voorhees University
Box 678
Denmark, South Carolina 29042
The history of TRIO is progressive. It began with Upward Bound, which emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the administration’s War on Poverty. In 1965, Talent Search, the second outreach program, was created as part of the Higher Education Act. In 1968, Student Support Services, which was originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, was authorized by the Higher Education Amendments and became the third in a series of educational opportunity programs.
By the late 1960’s, the term “TRIO” was coined to describe these federal programs. TRIO’s programs motivate and support qualified students who are either low-income, first-generation college attendees, or have a documented disability so that they can succeed in the completion of their post-secondary education.
Over the years, the TRIO Programs have been expanded and improved to provide a wider range of services and to reach more students who need assistance. The Higher Education Amendments of 1972 added the fourth program to the TRIO group by authorizing the Educational Opportunity Centers. The 1976 Education Amendments authorized the Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs, initially known as the Training Program for Special Programs Staff and Leadership Personnel. Amendments in 1986 added the sixth program, the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program.
Additionally, in 1990, the Department created the Upward Bound Math/Science program to address the need for specific instruction in the fields of math and science. The Upward Bound Math/Science program and Veterans Upward Bound program are administered under the same regulations as the regular Upward Bound program, but THEY must be applied for separately.
Finally, the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001 amended the Student Support Services (SSS) program to permit the use of program funds for direct financial assistance (Grant Aid) for current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants.
If you would like any additional information about any TRIO program, please visit the U.S. Department of Education website or https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html
TRIO PROGRAMS
Mission of the Voorhees University TRIO SSS
The mission of the Voorhees University TRIO SSS is to provide equal access and quality educational services that promote retention, matriculation, graduation, and graduate and professional program enrollment among our participants who are traditional and non-traditional students who need academic support to achieve their goal of graduating from the University.
Who Can Participate In TRIO SSSP?
To be eligible to participate in the TRIO Student Support Services Program, (TRIO SSS), a traditional or non-traditional student must meet all of the following U. S. Department of Education guidelines:
- Be a U.S. citizen, US National (includes natives of American Samoa or Swains Island), or US Permanent Resident with a Form I-551, I-151, I-551C (Permanent Resident Card, Resident Alien Card, or Alien Registration Receipt Card, also known as a green card.
- Possess a high school diploma or GED.
- Be highly motivated with demonstrated need for academic support to achieve a goal of graduating from the University.
- Be enrolled full-time at Voorhees University.
- Identify as one of more of the following groups:
- First-generation college student if neither parent graduated from college with a baccalaureate degree.
- Have a physical or learning disability that requires accommodations to the learning environment
- Family meets established income criteria.
If you meet the above criteria and would like to become a member of our program – click on this link to complete an application.
TRIO SSS Alumni
Our TRIO SSS Alumni are very important to us! We want to know what you are up to. Please use our alumni update form to update your contact information and employment information, as well as let us know your recent news and accomplishments. We’ll update your alumni records, and with your permission, include your news items in upcoming TRIO SSS newsletters and highlights. You may also wish to update your contact information with the Voorhees University Alumni Affairs Office
Support Services Offered
The Student Support Services’ Goal is to increase the retention, graduation and success rates of our participants. To help students succeed at Voorhees College, the following services are available:
TRIO SSS staff reviews members’ course enrollment schedules, transcripts and other documents to help Members plan courses and activities that will move them towards self-defined educational goals and meet requirements for graduation.
Members can receive Mathematics and Computer Science tutoring in the TRIO SSS Self-Help Lab.
Members having a difficult time with academic courses, can request individual free tutoring through the
Academic Center for Excellence at https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/Tutoring@voorhees.edu/bookings/.
TRIO SSS staff works with on and off-campus departments for the benefit of its members in sponsoring workshops, resources, and other activities and making appropriate referrals.
Members assisted on an individual basis and can request accommodations, and support to attend classes or fulfill academic major requirements. Individualized Education Plan (IEP)/504 Plan accepted.
In collaboration with on/off-campus departments, members having personal, social, and other difficulties are referred to an appropriate office(s).
Members afforded to participate in and travel to broaden their educational/cultural exposure, to become aware and appreciate the arts, humanities & sciences. Students must meet criteria to qualify for travel participation.
A process for identifying and addressing needs of Members.
An avenue for Members’ involvement, to share information, make decisions, create solutions, build relationships, inspire, negotiate, and educate.
Assist with Student Success Workshop Series. Provide Tutoring and Monitor the SSS Self-Help Outreach Lab.
Outreach made through individual/group meetings held twice per semester, although members are encouraged to meet weekly – some may be required to meet more regularly. Conversations address attendance, review of course schedule/curriculum sheet; course work; financial aid application process; personal/social counseling; college policies; grades; employment; graduate school. Services accessed by ZOOMING, walking-in or making an appointment.
Members receive tutorials–counseling–advice–workshops–assistance with completing assignments–check-out textbooks–research materials–and/or use a computer and printer to complete and print course work assignments.
A Success Plan of Action developed for each member to assess his/her personal/social/other strengths and weaknesses. An Interview is held with Members to discuss timeframes for completing studies that lead to graduation.
In Search of Character/Learn How to Succeed/Life Lessons/Mindfulness/Motivation4CollegeSuccess – Workshops and Seminars offered to address time management, self-esteem, how to get along with others, stress/anxiety management, wellness, scholarship searches, social etiquette, leadership development and other relevant topics.
VU Faculty/Staff, and SSSP Alumni serve to motivate/inspire/help our 1st and 2nd-year members transition through the University successfully.
This “jumpstart” opportunity serves to help our members get acclimated to the collegiate environment where materials, items and resources for college success are provided to new and returning members.
EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS
The Staff has high expectations for how our members
should conduct themselves.
YOUR PERSONAL AND SOCIAL SUCCESS
- Respect Yourself
- Choose your friends carefully
- Respect others and respect your roommates’ belongings, they are not yours.
- Settle conflicts peacefully. College staff is available for assistance in resolving
conflicts. - Respect others’ rights to read, study and sleep free from undue interference.
Unreasonable noise and other distractions inhibit the exercise of this right. - Respect the personal privacy of others. Stay out of other persons’ affairs and take
good care of your own. - No one has the right to intimidate or cause physical or emotional harm to another.
- It is everyone’s responsibility to keep buildings clean, even yours. Do not throw waste down anywhere.
- That while the University provides a staff to teach you how to solve your problems, it is your responsibility to make the first attempt at solving them in a peaceful manner.
- Keep your room key in your possession and your door locked at all times, even when
you go to the bathroom. - Friends and members of the family are often significant personal resources available
to students and working adults. Enlist their support in developing the learning skills necessary to succeed in the classroom and on the job. - Make it a habit of not using profanity. It is said that a person who uses profanity, has a limited vocabulary!
YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
- Always attend your first class. The first class provides you with an understanding of how the course is organized and what is expected from you. Purchase your textbooks the first week of class. Learn your professors’ names.
- Attend all of your classes. You have to be there to get the information and the classroom provides the opportunity to expand material from a textbook and supplement the text with different materials and points of view.
- Always arrive to class a few minutes early in order to review your notes and reading assignments in preparation for the class. As such, you will be mentally alert and well prepared to participate in the class. The better prepared you are for class, the better your notes! The less prepared you are, the less chance you have of taking good notes.
- Respect yourself, others, and your professors. Do not purposely try to intimidate/humiliate/embarrass/harass others or the professors, you will only hurt yourself in the end!
- Sit close to the front of the room, especially in a large classroom. You will be able to hear clearly, copy off the chalkboard and eliminate distractions between you and the professor. The closer you are, the better your ability to concentrate.
Each freshman and sophomore student in TRIO SSS will be assigned to a Success Coach. The Success Coach will:
- Encourage and support participants as they work towards meeting academic and financial requirements to ensure successful progression toward graduation.
- Assist in establishing goals and help participants track progress towards those goals.
- Explain academic policies and procedures to the best of their knowledge.
- Offer suggestions to aid in the decision-making process, assisting the student in the development of educational plans.
- Identify campus resources to aid in their academic, career, financial and personal progress.
- Collaborate with other campus departments to ensure academic success and to facilitate comprehensive student support.
- Create a safe, positive, and inclusive environment in which participants are free to explore ideas and interest regarding personal, academic and career goals.
- Encourage engagement in University and community activities,
- Be available to answer questions through scheduled meetings or email.
Resources
TRIO Student Support Services Program funded by the United States Department of Education
- COE – Council for Opportunity in Education
- HEFWA
- SAEOPP – The Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (Regional Association)
- SCAHEAD
- SC TRIO – South Carolina TRIO (State Association)
- TRI-STATE – South Carolina, Georgia and Florida (Association)
- Academic Advising and Services – 803.780.
- Academic Center for Excellence – 803.780-1339 / 803.780-1130
- Academic Tutorials – 803.780-1339 / 803.780-1130.
- Alumni Affairs – 803.780-1339 / 803.780-1130
- Athletic Academic Enhancement Center – 803.780.1277
- Career Planning and Resources Center – 803.780.1075 / 803.780.1074
- Cashcourse – 803.780.1279 / 803.780.1272 / 803.780.1271
- Change of Degree – 803.780.1259 / 803.780.1251 / 803.780.1252
- Code of Student Conduct – 803.780.1260.
- Financial Aid – 803.780.1159 / – 803.780.1154 / 803.780.1152
- Health Services – 803.780.1077
- Mental Health – 803.780.1042.
- Registration and Records – 803.780.1259 / 803.780.1251 / 803.780.1252.
- Scholarships – 803.780.1267
- Student Activities – 803.780.1073
- TRIO Student Support Services – 803.780.1279 / 803.780.1272 / 803.780.1271
- Withdraw From a Course – 803.780.1259 / 803.780.1251 / 803.780.1252
Graduate School Resources
- The Graduate School – 803.780.1048 / 803.780.1057
TRIO SSCP Staff
Ola Daniel – VU TRIO SSSP Alum
832.649.9019 odie29210@yahoo.com
Eartha Hammond – VU Staff
803.780.1145 hammond@voorhees.edu
Tishiro Inabinet – VU TRIO SSSP Alum/Staff
803.348.2402 tinabinet@voorhees.edu
Queen Smith – VU Staff
803.780.1231 qsmith@voorhees.edu
Gwendolyn Timms – VU Staff
803.780.1223 gtimms@voorhees.edu
TRIO SSS Members
TRIO SSS Members, you are not alone! Here is a list of incredible faculty and staff at Voorhees University who are also first-generation college students. Everyone listed here has agreed to help mentor any of our TRIO SSS Members, so please feel free to reach out to any of them.
Mr. Jeremiah Carter, Physical Facilities and Operations (SSS, Voorhees University) – 803.780.1243, jcarter@voorhees.edu
Mr. George Elmore, Physical Facilities and Operations (Upward Bound, USC-Aiken) – 803.780.1211, gelmore@voorhees.edu
Mr. Jasper Fell, Coordinator of Alumni/Development for University Advancement (SSS, Voorhees University) – 803.780.1191, jfell@voorhees.edu
Dr. Tywana Chenault Hemby, Dean, School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (SSS, Voorhees University) – tcbranch@voorhees.edu
Dr. Sherry Hopkins, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Research (Upward Bound, NC State University) – 803.780.1036, shopkins@voorhees.edu
Mr. Tishiro Inabinet, Admissions & Recruitment (SSS, Voorhees University) – 803.348.2402, tinainet@voorhees.edu
Ms. Rachel Jones, Coordinator of Athletic Academic Enhancement (SSS, Voorhees University) – 803.780.1277, rmjones2@voorhees.edu
Mr. Nathaniel Kemp, Admissions Counselor/ Recruiter (SSS, Voorhees University) – 803.780. 1037, nkemp1@voorhees.edu
Ms. Terrianna McCullough, Associate Director, Academic Center for Excellence (SSS, Voorhees University) – 803.780.1130, tmccullough@voorhees.edu
Ms. Wanja Montgomery, Director of The Academic Center of Excellence (SSS, Voorhees University) – 803.780.1339
Meet The Staff
