Seeds September 2005 Volume 2, Issue 1 Mott Community College Learning Center - TRiO-SSS 1401 East Court Street Flint, MI 48503-20809 (810) 762-0399 v/tty www.mcc.edu/learning/lc_trio.shtml Inside this issue: Tutoring - 2 Detroit Tigers Game - 2 Get Involved! - 2 Calendar of TRiO-SSS Activities - 3 2004/05 TRiO-SSS Banquet - 4 Special points of interest: The Learning Center will be moving back to the first floor of the Mott Library by Winter semester 2006/3. Transfer counseling is available to TRiO-SSS students. The Learning Center will NOT have a computer lab available during the Fall semester 2006/2. What is Student Support Services? TRiO refers to a group of federally funded grant programs. Student Support Services (SSS) is a part of that group. The TRiO-SSS program at Mott Community College serves the interests of 200 students each year. You were selected for the TRiO-SSS program because you met certain criteria and intend to transfer to a four-year college or university to obtain a bachelors degree. As a member of the TRiO-SSS program you are offered a variety of FREE services to help you succeed at MCC and transfer to the college or university of your choice. The following services are FREE to TRiO-SSS members: • Professional Tutoring • Mentoring and guidance • Assistance in finding the right college resources • University visits • Assistance with transferring • A variety of Academic Support Workshops • Cultural enrichment activities • Financial assistance including the TRiO-SSS Scholarship* • Awards and recognition • Student success publications There is just one requirement to stay in the TRiO-SSS program - PARTICIPATION. We will offer a variety of activities throughout the year (see calendar on page 3). All we ask is that you participate in at least one activity each semester you are registered at MCC. * Some additional qualifications do apply. TRiO-SSS Scholarship As an active member of the TRiO-SSS program you are eligible to apply for the TRiO-SSS Scholarship if you are also eligible for the Pell Grant. The scholarship is designed to assist with educational expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and supplies when all other sources of financial aid have been exhausted. Please see your Support Services Coordinator to sign an agreement. Some additional qualifications do apply. PAGE 2 Tutoring - It Works! Professional tutors are available exclusively to TRiO-SSS participants registered for classes at MCC. The professional tutors have attained degrees in the areas they tutor. They provide individualized instructional assistance in a variety of courses as well as tips and techniques for studying effectively. Our professional tutors are committed and have a strong desire to see you succeed. They are available for one hour appointment sessions once a week per student per class. Please see your SSS Coordinator to sign up. The Learning Center offers Peer Tutoring to any registered MCC student. Tutoring is available in: Accounting, Allied Health, American Sign Language, Art, Biology, CADD, Chemistry, Computers, Drafting, English, History, Human Relations, Math, Nursing, Physics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work and more. Additional tutors may be hired if there is a demand (3 or more students) for tutoring in classes that are not listed. The Math Study Room is also available on a drop-in, unlimited use basis. To ensure your preferred time slot, sign up early, the tutors’ schedules fill up quickly. For more information please call(810) 762-0376 v/tty. Detroit Tigers Game On Thursday, July 14, 2005, the Detroit Tigers took on the Kansas City Royals and Mott Community College was there. A small group of TRiO-SSS students received FREE tickets, FREE transportation, and a FREE pizza dinner. Invitations were sent to 80 TRiO-SSS students as a reward for academic excellence. They had all achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. For many of the students it was their first trip to Comerica Park. It was a great game! *Keep your eyes open for future TRiO-SSS trips. Get Involved! Participation Counts! Beginning this Fall the TRiO Student Support Services program at MCC will be receiving a face lift. The ultimate goal of the TRiO-SSS program is that its participants attain a bachelors degree. While each student is unique and needs the TRiO-SSS program for different reasons and to varying degrees, students are required to participate in SSS activities. We understand that college students are busy not only with classes, but also with families, work, etc. Because of this we will be implementing an incentive system based on earning points for participating in SSS activities. Points can be earned by: Meeting with SSS staff members Attending professional tutoring Attending SSS workshops Attending SSS university visits Attending SSS cultural events Points can be redeemed at the end of the year Banquet for: Pen or letter opener* Keychain tool set or flashlight* Thermal lunch bag or CD holder* MCC apparel* Please see the website, your Coordinator or new TRiO-SSS Student Planner for more detailed information on the point system. * Based on availability, may change. PAGE 3 Fall 2005 TRiO-SSS Workshops As a member of TRiO-SSS you are required to participate in program activities. Attending just one workshop during the Fall semester fulfills this requirement. If it is determined that you are not an active participant you may be dropped from the TRiO-SSS program. You would no longer be eligible for professional tutoring, university visits, cultural enrichment activities, or the TRiO-SSS Scholarship. TRiO Scholarship Money Available Come in and see if you qualify! September 2005 Monday, Sept. 5 - Labor Day No Classes Tuesday, Sept. 6 - Fall Semester Begins Welcome! Tuesday, Sept. 20 - Tips for Taking Better Notes 2 pm - 3:30 pm Career Resource Center Prahl 215 Friday, Sept. 23 - Leadership Workshop Noon - 4 pm Base Camp - Genesee Area Skill Center Call (810) 762-0046 for details Wednesday, Sept. 28 - Finding Scholarships Workshop 2 pm - 3 pm Career Resource Center, Prahl 215 October 2005 Tuesday, Oct. 11 - Myers-Briggs (personality type) Workshop Discover and use your strengths 5 pm - 7 pm Career Resource Center, Prahl 215 Wednesday, Oct. 19 - Time Management Workshop 1 pm - 2:30 pm Career Resource Center, Prahl 215 Thursday, Oct. 20 - Finding Scholarships Workshop 1 pm - 2 pm Career Resource Center, Prahl 215 Wednesday, Oct. 26 - Dealing with Test Anxiety Workshop 1 pm - 2 pm Career Resource Center, Prahl 215 Monday, Oct. 31 - Halloween PAGE 4 2004/05 TRiO-SSS Banquet The 2nd Annual TRiO-SSS Banquet took place on Thursday, June 9, 2005, at Walli’s Restaurant East. The banquet is held each year as a reward for TRiO-SSS members. Ten students were awarded certificates for academic excellence - achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher. It is a great time to get to know your fellow TRiO-SSS participants and celebrate. Guest Speakers, Koaster Veasey and Rebecca Borka, spoke about how the TRiO-SSS program helped them to be successful at MCC. Both are graduates of MCC and TRiO-SSS alumni. Ms. Veasey obtained her Bachelors Degree from U of M Flint and is now pursuing her Masters Degree at Michigan State University. Ms. Borka is currently attending Rochester College to obtain her Bachelors Degree. TRiO-SSS participants and their guests enjoyed a wonderful lunch and delicious desserts provided free of charge . Best of luck in 2005/06! We hope to see you next year! Mott Community College Learning Center - TRiO-SSS 1401 East Court Street Flint, MI 48503 Phone: (810) 762-0399 v/tty www.mcc.edu/learning/lc_trio.shtml