TRIO SSS is a community committed to helping first-generation, income-eligible students be successful at Sandburg, graduate and transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The TRIO staff is here to work alongside you to help you make your college experience a successful one!
TRIO SSS is 100% funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The total funding award for the 2023-24 academic year is $272,364.
What services does SSS offer?
We work hard to provide personalized support to our students.
Frequently asked questions
Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. View the FAQs now.Ethics statement
The TRIO SSS staff is responsible for the following prescribed standards and principles. View the ethics statement.
How do I qualify?
You qualify if you’re:
- A United States citizen or permanent resident.
- A first-generation college student, meaning neither of your parents has a bachelor’s degree.
- Income-eligible according to the federal income guidelines.
- Enrolled at the Galesburg campus in an associate of arts (AA), associate of science (AS) or associate of fine arts (AFA) degree program with the goal of graduating and transferring to a four-year college or university to obtain your bachelor’s degree.
TRIO Connections Orientation
Held each August, the TRIO Connections Orientation is a day-long session that helps you meet other TRIO students and build your support network.
Academic advising & priority registration
Our TRIO SSS advisor works with you to select classes to work toward your chosen major and meet degree requirements at Sandburg. TRIO students also get to register for classes early!
Transfer assistance
From beginning to end, we’ll help you with the transfer process with campus visits to four-year schools, assistance with researching transfer options, application fee waivers and more!
Financial aid & scholarship advising
Everyone needs help paying for college — whether you receive financial aid or not. The TRIO SSS staff can help explain the financial aid process and help you find and obtain scholarships.
Cultural activities
It's great to explore the world outside your doorstep. TRIO can help you get there with activities and trips offering new cultural experiences.
Access to technology
TRIO SSS has laptops and scientific calculators you can check out for free! We also have a spacious computer lab and study area where you can complete classwork.
Career & major exploration
Through individual meetings, career assessments and job shadowing we can help you explore potential majors and careers to create a roadmap for life after college.
Tutoring
The TRIO SSS program can connect you with the Tutoring Center and make sure you get the support you need to be successful.
Academic support
Do you want to get organized and study more effectively? We can provide individualized study tips, workshops and more to help you stay on track with your studies.
Financial literacy
Attending college is expensive and sometimes it's tough to set a budget. The TRIO SSS staff can help you understand how to use your financial resources wisely.
Peer mentoring
Sometimes, it's important to get a fellow student's perspective. That's why we connect all of our students with a peer mentor who can help guide you through your first year of college, and beyond.
Success skills & writing workshops
Through a series of fun workshops, we cover a variety of topics that help you make the most of your college experience and learn skills for success. We also offer special workshops to help you polish your writing skills!
Can anyone participate in TRIO SSS?
You must meet the eligibility criteria, file an application, and complete an interview to be accepted into the program.
Why should I become a TRIO SSS student?
The TRIO SSS program provides support and guidance to help you be successful at Sandburg and in transferring to a four-year college or university. TRIO SSS students receive personalized support and opportunities not available to other students on campus.
How much of my time will this take?
Our services are flexible and can be scheduled on an individual basis. Our staff are available via text, video chats, phone, email or face-to-face. We like to have frequent contact with our students so we can provide ongoing support. The more involved you are with TRIO, the more benefits you’ll receive!
If I join the program, who is my academic advisor?
You will meet with a TRIO SSS advisor for all your advising needs. You’ll receive assistance registering for classes, changing your schedule, planning your degree and much more.
How much does it cost to join the program?
Nothing! TRIO SSS services are free to our participants because they're paid for through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Call the TRIO SSS office at 309.341.55497, email, or stop by E136 on the Galesburg campus.
Ethics statement
The TRIO SSS staff is responsible for the following prescribed standards and principles, which apply to the services provided in the professional relationship with program participants, colleagues, staff, faculty, administration and the community.
The TRIO Student Support Services staff:
- Does their best to fulfill the mission of Sandburg and the TRIO Student Support Services program.
- Operates within the highest moral and ethical standards for conduct and service.
- Does the job with integrity, compassion and respect for individual differences/choices with other staff, coworkers, faculty, administration and students.
- Provides support and services to help meet the needs of the program participants with emphasis on promoting academic and personal growth.
- Encourages and advocates for participants against unethical and/or illegal practices or actions by other individuals or organizations engaged in providing support or services.
- Won’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national ancestry or veteran status and works to eliminate or prevent such discrimination in providing support by working with students, staff, faculty and the administration.
- Respects confidentiality for program participants and protect their right to privacy.
- Refrains from entering into a multiple-relationship situation with a student if the relationship could reasonably be expected to impair the staff person’s objectivity, competence or effectiveness in performing their job functions.
- Strives to ensure the fair, objective and impartial treatment of all participants and employees of the college and community.
- Ensures accuracy of all written and electronic documentation of services provided.
- Ensures all program funds are appropriately managed in accordance with established and responsible accounting procedures and are spent within the federal allowable cost guidelines.
- Doesn’t participate in any form of harassment that demeans persons or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.
- Performs work duties within the limits of their training, expertise and competence. When these limits are exceeded, the student must be referred to the appropriate qualified professional.
- Refrains from intentionally soliciting or accepting gifts from students. If the gift is of minimal value such as food items, the staff person may accept the gift on behalf of the program and share it with other students and staff members.
- Reports to the program director or dean of student success other staff members who exhibit unethical behavior or violations to the above statements.
View our non-discrimination policy.