Frequently Asked Questions for Students

1. What is TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)?
2. Who is eligible to apply?
3. How many students will be in the TRIO SSS Program at UE?
4. What services will I receive if accepted?
5. Do students receive financial assistance?
6. How many students participate each year?
7. Is TRIO only for students who are struggling academically?
8. What sets TRIO SSS apart from other support services on campus?
9. What is expected of participants?
10. How should I refer friends to TRIO SSS?

Frequently Asked Questions for Faculty and Staff

1. What is the purpose of TRIO SSS at UE?
2. What sets TRIO SSS apart from other support services on campus?
3. How do I refer a student?
4. Can I refer a student who is already receiving support from other campus services?
5. Does TRIO replace academic advising?
6. How is the program funded?
7. Who oversees the program?

Frequently Asked Questions for Students

What is TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)?

TRIO SSS is a federally funded program dedicated to helping students successfully navigate and complete their college education. At UE, TRIO SSS provides individualized academic support, financial literacy education, and career preparation resources to empower first-generation college students, students from limited-income families, and students with disabilities to persist, thrive, and earn their degrees.

Who is eligible to apply?

You must be an enrolled UE undergraduate student and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• First-generation college student (neither parent earned a bachelor’s degree)
• Income-eligible based on federal guidelines
• Have a documented disability

How many students will be in the TRIO SSS Program at UE?

TRIO SSS at UE is funded to serve 140 students each year.

• 67% of participants will meet one of the three criteria points listed above
• 33% of participants will have a documented disability and be income-eligible

What services will I receive if accepted?

The TRIO SSS Program staff works with you to develop an Individualized Academic Success Plan. We provide a wide variety of services, including, but not limited to:

• Ongoing Coaching
• Tutoring Support
• Financial Aid Advising
• Financial Literacy Education
• Career Readiness Preparation
• Graduate School Guidance
• Enrichment Experiences

Do students receive financial assistance?

Some participants may qualify for limited TRIO grant aid based on federal eligibility requirements and demonstrated financial need. All students receive guidance on financial aid and financial decision-making.

How many students participate each year?

The UE TRIO SSS program serves 140 undergraduate students annually. Once enrolled, students may participate through their senior undergraduate year.

Is TRIO only for students who are struggling academically?

No. TRIO SSS is designed to support motivated students who may face barriers to navigating college systems. The program focuses on strengthening persistence, confidence, and graduation outcomes. TRIO SSS goes beyond the services and aims to be proactive, rather than reactive. We help with the “hidden curriculum” of college, such as how to write an email correctly to a professor, how to apply for graduate school, study methods for college success, and appropriate interactions and connections.

What sets TRIO SSS apart from other support services on campus?

TRIO SSS offers a deeper level of support. What makes this program distinctive is its personalized and proactive approach, intentionally guiding and encouraging eligible students who may encounter obstacles that could impact their success on campus.

What is expected of participants?

TRIO SSS is designed to support your success, not overwhelm your schedule. We can help save you time, reduce stress, and keep you on track towards graduation. Many supports are built around what you are already doing as a student – but with added structure and guidance. The time you invest is intentional and focused. Students commit to actively engaging in the program, including meetings with staff, participation in workshops, and completion of agreed-upon academic and professional development goals.

How should I refer friends to TRIO SSS?

That’s wonderful that you are looking out for your friend’s best interest! Please refer them to the TRIO website to fill out the TRIO SSS Program Application. If they have any questions, please encourage them to email triosss@evansville.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions for Faculty and Staff

What is the purpose of TRIO SSS at UE?

The purpose of TRIO SSS is to increase retention and graduation rates for eligible students by providing comprehensive, evidence-based academic and personal support services.

What sets TRIO SSS apart from other support services on campus?

TRIO SSS offers a deeper level of support. What makes this program distinctive is its personalized and proactive approach, intentionally guiding and encouraging eligible students who may encounter obstacles that could impact their success on campus.

How do I refer a student?

Faculty and staff are encouraged to direct students to the TRIO website to fill out the TRIO SSS Program Application. If they have any questions, please direct them to send an email to triosss@evansville.edu. You may also contact the TRIO SSS office directly to consult about a student’s eligibility or submit a referral.

Can I refer a student who is already receiving support from other campus services?

Yes. TRIO SSS complements existing campus resources such as tutoring, Counseling and Disability Services, and Academic Advising. Students may participate in TRIO SSS while also utilizing other support services.

Does TRIO replace academic advising?

No. TRIO SSS enhances and supports existing advising structures by providing additional coaching, accountability, and structured skill development.

How is the program funded?

The TRIO SSS program is funded through a federal grant from the US Department of Education, with approximately $1 million supporting the current initiative.

Who oversees the program?

The TRIO SSS program is a collaborative effort involving campus-wide support services, faculty, and staff. The TRIO SSS team itself includes a Student Success Coach, a Career Coach, a Financial Literacy Coach, Peer Leaders, and Professional Academic Tutors. The program is led by Project Director Tracy Gerth, who is responsible for overseeing its day-to-day implementation, coordinating student services, ensuring federal compliance, and fostering collaboration across campus.