Student Support Services

Student Support Services (SSS) is a collaborative program between the U.S. Department of Education and Holmes Community College. The goal of SSS is to increase the retention and graduation rates of its students and facilitate their transfer process to 4-year institutions. SSS serves 200 students on the Goodman campus and is committed to providing a supportive environment where participants will receive academic, personal, financial, transfer and career counseling.

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Eligibility Requirements

To receive assistance students must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, enrolled at the Goodman Campus of Holmes CC in a degree-seeking transfer program, and meet at least ONE of the following criteria:

• First-generation college student (neither parent with whom you reside has a four-year degree)
• Documented financial need (determined by federal guidelines)
• Documented disability (learning or physical)

All services are free to students. Those who are interested should visit us in the lower level of McDaniel Hall on the Goodman Campus to complete your application.

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Services Provided by Student Support Services

• Academic counseling
• Financial literacy
• Tutorial services
• Major/course selection
• Career guidance
• Personal counseling
• Cultural programs and trips
• Self-assessments (personality and career)
• Learning laboratory
• Assistance for students with disabilities
• Financial assistance (grant-aid) to active SSS participants who are receiving Pell Grant.
• Assistance in securing admission and financial aid to 4-year colleges
• Campus visits to 4-year colleges
• Leadership Development via MOSAIC Club
• Sample Workshops:
  • College Transition
  • Money Management
  • Stress Management
  • Note-taking
  • Test-taking
  • Resume Writing
  • Time Management
  • Etiquette
  • Transferring Tips
  • Cultural Awareness

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I need a tutor for my class. How do I get a tutor?

Student Support Services has tutors available for participants in the program. Students must apply and be admitted into the program to be eligible for these free tutoring services. Tutors are available for developmental and general education core courses. To receive tutorial services, participants must fill out a tutorial request form. When funds and qualified tutors are available, participants are assigned a tutor on a first-come, first-served basis. Tutoring sessions take place in the Career Center or in the library.

Does Student Support Services have money available for scholarships or financial assistance?

Student Support Services is a federally funded program designed to provide free services and activities to participants in the program. SSS counselors work with the Financial Aid Office to offer assistance to participants in the application process for various types of aid and scholarships. Participants may apply for these additional funds. Those awarded must meet the following criteria: be an active SSS participant who is receiving Pell Grant and have at least a 2.25 grade point average. Most of the grant aid is reserved for use in summer school as students attending both Fall and Spring semesters will have no Pell Grant left for summer.

What services and activities does Student Support Services provide?

Student Support Services provides academic counseling, personal counseling, pre-advisement, tutorial services, assistance with various offices and departments on campus, academic and cultural events (on and off campus), workshops, learning laboratory, and the opportunity to build social ties and network.

Are all students eligible for Student Support Services?

Student Support Services is a federally funded TRIO program established to assist first-generation and/or low-income college students in reaching their educational goals. To participate in the program, each student must first complete an application form. An assessment of the student’s ability to benefit from services is completed once the application is received. Our program is limited to 200 participants. Applicants may be placed on a waiting list to ensure maximum participation.

What does first-generation mean?

First generation means that neither parent has a four-year college degree. First-generation is one of the eligibility requirements for SSS. First-generation status can also be determined based on the status of only the primary custodial parent if parents are divorced. First-generation college students are more likely to have not been exposed to information about college and how the processes of an academic environment function.

How is low-income determined?

Low-income is based on guidelines published by the U. S. Department of Education each year. Students are required to have adequate documentation on file in the Financial Aid Office before selection based on the low-income criteria can be made.

Where can I apply for Student Support Services?

Application forms are available in Student Support Services in the lower level of McDaniel Hall on the Goodman Campus and below. You are invited to call, email, or schedule a visit with any SSS staff member.