The TRiO Times Student Support Services Fall 2006 Volume 3, Issue 1 Mott Community College Learning Center - TRiO-SSS 1401 East Court Street Flint, MI 48503 www.mcc.edu/learning/lc_trio.shtml Inside this issue: New Staff 2 Welcome Back Bash 2 TRiO Scholarship Information 2 2006/07 TRiO-SSS Planners 2 Coordinator Chat 2 TRiO-SSS Point System 3 TRiO-SSS Chicago Trip 3 2005/06 TRiO-SSS Banquet 4 Special points of interest: • Professional Tutors are available exclusively for TRiO-SSS Participants registered for classes at MCC. • Helpful pamphlets are available in the Learning Center on: Test Anxiety, Time Management, Reading Skills, and more... 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 • Transfer assistance • Academic Support Workshops • Cultural enrichment activities • TRiO-SSS Scholarship Assistance* • Awards and recognition • Student success publications One major requirement is expected of you from the TRiO –SSS program—PARTICIPATION. We will offer a variety of activities throughout the year (see enclosed calendar). We ask that you participate in at least one activity each semester that you are registered at MCC, and keep your Coordinator updated on your academic progress regularly. *Additional qualifications apply. Welcome to Our New & Returning Students! Welcome to Fall Semester 2006!  We hope you had a great summer and are ready to take on the new school year. If you anticipate a need for academic support in a difficult class, or if you just want to stop in and say "hello," come in and see a Support Services Coordinator. We're located in the Learning Center (Inside the MCC Library), and we’re always glad to hear from you. Remember, if you have a change in phone number, address, or your classes, please let us know so we may update our records. Page 2 -------------------------------------------------- Staff Changes The TRiO-SSS Program is sad to report that Student Support Services Coordinator, Michele Truchan will no longer be working with the program. Michele (“Mo”) will be relocating to the west coast to pursue an excellent opportunity in higher education. We will all miss “Mo,” but we wish her the absolute best in her future endeavors. Spring 2006 semester, Ellen McGowan joined us as a fulltime staff member with the job title of Student Support Services Coordinator.   Ellen’s employment background includes 10+ years of experience working in higher education, as well as customer service. Please help us welcome Ellen - we are pleased to have her on board! “Welcome Back” Bash For returning TRiO-SSS participants, the SSS staff will be hosting a FREE luncheon. The date of this event will be announced at a later time. If you are a member of the TRiO-SSS program and you are returning to MCC in the Fall, you will be invited to attend the “Bash.” Stay tuned to your mailbox for further details on this exciting event. HIRING PEER TUTORS Bio 150/151; Chemistry 131/132; DOS/SOL; Psy 281; Math 268 & below Stop by the Learning Center for Details 2006/07 TRiO-SSS Planners The 2006/07 TRiO-SSS planners are now available for members of the program. Please stop by the Learning Center and speak with your Support Services Coordinator to receive a FREE planner. “Coordinator Chat” Beginning Fall 2006, TRiO-SSS participants will have one scheduled day, every other month (beginning September 12, 2006) to meet with their Support Services Coordinator. Student’s will earn 20 points for this scheduled appointment. Remember, As a condition of your membership in the TRiO-SSS program, you must meet with your Coordinator regularly. TRiO Scholarship for ACTIVE TRiO SSS Participants Throughout the 2005/2006 school year, over 30 TRiO-SSS participants received a TRiO-SSS Scholarship.  This opportunity is once again available for active TRiO participants. This scholarship is designed to assist with educational expenses when all other sources of financial aid have been exhausted. To be eligible for the TRiO-SSS Scholarship, student must:  • Be receiving a Federal Pell Grant. • Carry a minimum of 8 credits per Fall/Winter (4 credits in Spring/Summer. • Be in good academic standing (Cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher). • Be actively participating in TRiO Program activities during the Fall/2006 semester.  If you have any additional questions regarding the TRiO SSS Scholarship, please see Michele or Ellen in the Learning Center. Page 3 -------------------------------------------------- TRiO-SSS Incentive-Based Point System As a participant of the TRiO-SSS Program, you are required to participate in TRiO-SSS activities. We understand that college students are busy not only with classes, but also with families, work, etc. It is for this reason that we have implemented an incentive-based point system for participating in TRiO-SSS activities. Points are tracked during the Fall and Winter semesters, and can be redeemed at the TRiO-SSS Banquet (held at the end of Winter semester). Points can be earned by: Meeting with an SSS Coordinator 10 points Attending professional tutoring 10 points (per hour) Attending workshops 10 points Attending university visits 30 points Attending cultural events 30 points Points can be redeemed at the end of the year for: 10 points Mini Stapler 60 points Thermal Lunch Bag 20 points Water Bottle 70 points Cap 30 points Calculator 80 points T-shirt 40 points Travel Mug 90 points Book Bag 50 points Bubble Clock 100 points Fleece Blanket • All reward items are based on availability; subject to change. • Limit 3 reward items (per student) for students earning 30 points or higher throughout the 2006/2007 school year. Cultural Enrichment: Chicago Trip TRiO-SSS participants traveled to the city of Chicago July 14th –16th, 2006, Participants enjoyed a pleasant stay at the Radisson Northbrook Hotel, while touring places such as: the John Hancock Center Observatory, Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the University of llinois at Chicago, just to name a few. This exciting trip was free to participants who acquired a minimum of 15 points throughout the 2005-2006 school year. Page 4 -------------------------------------------------- COORDINATOR CHAT Stop in on your designated day and earn 20 points! 2005/06 TRiO-SSS Banquet The 3rd Annual TRiO-SSS Banquet took place on Thursday, May 11, 2006 at Bonaparte’s Banquet Center. The Banquet is held each year to reward and recognize the achievements of TRiO-SSS members. Thirty students were awarded certificates for academic excellence—having achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Twenty-seven students graduated from MCC, with seventeen of the graduates receiving recognition for achieving a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher. The Banquet is also an event where fellow TRiO-SSS participants can get to know one another and celebrate their accomplishments. This year’s guest speakers included, James C. Leonard, Ph.D, Dean of Counseling & Student Development at MCC, and TRiO-SSS Alumni, Ms. Deborah Beals. Dr. Leonard spoke about various services available to MCC students, while Ms. Beals spoke about her success at MCC through the TRiO-SSS Program. She is currently attending University of Michigan-Flint, pursuing a Bachelors Degree. TRiO-SSS participants and their guests enjoyed fine dining and entertainment—provided FREE of charge. We look forward to our 4th Annual celebration in 2007, and we hope to see you there!