Office of Specialized Services: Support Services – TRIO Project
Academic and other support services are available, at no cost, to students with disabilities who are matriculated and affiliated with the Office of Specialized Services (OSS). The following services for eligible students are funded in part through a US Department of Education TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Grant.
1. Academic advisement
Incoming first time freshmen and transfer students who affiliate with OSS receive their primary academic advisement from their assigned OSS Academic Counselor in course selection and in the development of a Degree Plan and a Graduation Plan. OSS advisement services replace advisement through the colleges Academic Advisement Center for freshmen, sophomores, and new transfer students. OSS advisement is supplementary for upper-class students with declared majors who receive advisement through their designated academic unit.
2. Tutoring services
- Peer tutoring in course content areas.
- Professional tutoring for assistance in writing and mathematics.
3. Computer instruction
- Individual and small group instruction in email, Microsoft Office and Internet skills.
- Open use lab for practice and application of skills in completing course requirements.
- Assistance for Information systems and computer science majors.
4. Special workshops and seminars
Workshops are conducted throughout the academic year on a variety of topics:
- Self-advocacy
- Test taking and stress management
- Campus support systems
- Note taking
- Reading and studying strategies
5. Independent living counseling
The Independent Living Counselor assists students with issues directly related to their disability and the development of basic independent living skills. Student goals may include arranging for accessible campus housing and /or personal care assistance, enrolling in driver training, or locating community services that would increase independence.
6. Financial aid counseling
7. Graduate and professional school counseling
8. Summer Bridge program
The Summer Bridge program provides academic, social, and transitional experiences during this four-day residential program for incoming freshmen affiliated with OSS.
9. Mentoring programs
- Peer mentoring by successful returning students for first-year students to provide transition support.
- Professional mentoring by college faculty and professional staff for continuing students to provide academic, personal, and career support.
10. Career Development services
- Career assessment
- Career exploration activities
- Individual and group career development counseling
- Academic advisement tailored to chosen field
- PLACE course - Pathways Linking Academics through Career Exploration
- Experiential career development opportunities: on-campus work-site experiences, internships, cooperative learning experiences, Alternate Break
11. First year experience programs for freshmen and new transfer students
- Summer Bridge Program before first semester
- Mandatory initial and extended orientation
- OSS-taught section of College Seminar (optional)
- Transfer Experience for incoming transfer students
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