Frequently Asked Questions 
What is Student Support Services?
Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded TRIO program that offers free services to help students succeed in college and graduate with a baccalaureate degree. Some of the services include tutoring, counseling and advising, career development assistance, graduate school preparation, and various workshops and seminars aimed at enhancing personal development.
Can everyone participate?
No. SSS is an exclusive program that can only serve 200 students per year. According to federal guidelines, SSS can only accept first-generation students (neither parent graduated with a four-year degree), income-eligible students (as determined by federal guidelines), or students who have a documented disability in the UA Office of Disability Services.
Do I have to pay for any of the services offered through SSS?
No. All services are offered to particiapnts free of charge. Activities related to cultural events and arts and entertainment activities require a small deposit which is refundable at the time of the event.
What are the requirements of being a participant in SSS?
It is expected that you will be committed to earning your degree and that you will take advantage of SSS services that meet your academic needs. All participants are required to meet with their SSS counselor at the beginning of each semester for a strategy session to map out plans for success. Throughout each semester, the SSS staff will make recommendations on various services provided by the program in order for you to get the maximum benefit from your UA college experience.
What are the benefits of participating in SSS?
For a variety of reasons, not everyone with college ability is able to master his or her academic load without a helping hand. Since college courses can be vastly different from high school courses, and not all professors possess the same teaching style and methods, you can receive the attention and services you need to get the most out of your college curriculum. SSS is committed to helping you navigate the college system and provide you with the tools, services, and resources needed to obtain your baccalaureate degree.
How will I be informed of SSS events and activities?
Each SSS participant will receive weekly e-mails announcing important events and activities. Your SSS counselor will also contact you via phone and e-mail to inform you of pertinent topics of interest. Incoming SSS freshmen will be assigned to an upperclass Peer Mentor during their first year on campus. Peer Mentors will periodically check on you to see how you are adjusting to college life as well as inform you of upcoming events and activities. The SSS newsletter The Student Supporter will be mailed to you bi-monthly and is also available on our website.
Can my SSS counselor take the place of my academic advisor?
No. You must maintain contact with your UA academic advisor even though you are in SSS. You will still need to meet with your UA advisor to discuss your class schedule and obtain the required signature for registration. However, your SSS counselor is always available to meet with you to discuss your class schedule and upcoming registration. In fact, your SSS counselor will encourage you to discuss your chosen schedule with him before registration. This is a good idea since you may be working a job and/or have family obligations that need to be factored into the scheduling equation. We're here to help!
If assigned a tutor, do I have to attend tutoring every week?
We in SSS are committed to your success, and by setting up weekly tutoring sessions for you, we take that commitment to a higher level. Students who meet once a week with their tutor develop stronger study skills, better test-taking strategies, and an overall attitude that can lead to mastery and even excellence in their coursework. By requiring weekly sessions we ensure that you are receiving full benefit of our tutoring program.
Can I participate in SSS as a graduate student at UA?
Unfortunately, only undergraduate students who are working on their first bachelor's degree are eligible to particiapte in SSS. For more information on graduate student services, contact Rosalind Moore in Graduate Student Services.
Does SSS provide money in addition to my financial aid?
SSS has a limited amount of supplemental financial aid available for students who qualify. This aid must be distributed in accordance with federal guidelines. Although all eligible students are considered for supplemental aid, due to the limited amount of money available, all eligible students do not receive this aid. Students must be Pell eligible, have an unmet financial need as determined by the UA Fainancial Aid office, be of freshman or sophomore status, and have a high student loan debt ratio. After meeting the previous guidelines, students are then ranked according to their SSS program participation, continuing academic potential and unmet need.