What is the student support services program?

The Student Support Services Program is one of the Federal TRIO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The others include Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math Science, Veterans Upward Bound, Talent Search, Educational Opportunity Center and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. More than 872,000 students are assisted by TRIO programs located at more than 1,200 colleges and universities.

The purpose of the SSS Program at Hampton University is to help eligible students meet and maintain the academic performance level required for satisfactory academic standing at the University. To assist students in this effort, various academic support services are provided free of charge. Active participation in the SSS Program will increase the students’ chances of graduating.

What are the eligibility requirements for enrollment in the program?

SSS is a federally funded program; therefore, you must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S. and:

1. meet an income criterion and/or;
2. be a first generation college student (neither natural parent residing in the household with the student has a four-year college degree) or;
3. have a documented disability.

You must also be willing to take full advantage of the support services offered.

Why are there so many forms to complete and documents to submit?

The U.S. Department of Education requires the university to keep on file verification of each student's eligibility to enroll in the program. The income information requested is not used to determine a student's eligibility for financial aid.

How many students are enrolled in the program?

Each year the program enrolls 190 eligible students. Once enrolled, students may participate through their senior year.

What support services are provided?

Counseling - A multi-dimensional counseling program is provided and designed to aid students in fulfilling their academic, personal and social needs. In addition, students receive financial and career counseling. These services are provided Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on a "walk-in" basis or by appointment.

Seminars - Sessions on various topics are held during the school year to enhance, broaden and enrich the educational experiences of students. Seminar topics are developed based on assessed needs and students' interests.

Tutorial Assistance -Tutoring is offered on a one-on-one basis in an internationally certified tutorial program structured and supervised in an educational context. Highly qualified peer tutors provide assistance Monday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m, and on Fridays 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Support Services are provided for program participants who have physical and/or documented disabilities.

Educational, Career, Cultural Enrichment activities and field trips are also available for Student Support Services participants.

Will participation in the SSS program interfere with my classes?

No. Every effort will be made to provide the support services you need during times you are not scheduled to attend classes. There are no courses to add to your class schedule if you decide to participate in the Student Support Services Program.

I was an above average student in high school, why would I need this type of assistance?

More than 40% of the students who enroll in the program each year had above average grades in high school. About the third week of classes students discover that the overall expectations of a college student are totally different from those of a high school student. During your college experience, you may need some help regardless of your performance level in high school.

Will participation in the student support services program appear on my transcript?

No. Participation in the SSS Program is provided to enhance your success at the university.

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