Student Support Services

What is Student Support Services?

Student Support Services provides assistance to students in math, writing, reading, and study skills. SSS also provides career and personal counseling to eligible participants. These services are offered under a federal grant called TRIO and students who meet the criteria set by the grant program receive ongoing academic assistance, counseling, mentoring, and participation into a variety of cultural enrichment programs.

How was I selected?

Please refer to History & Purpose

What cultural enrichment activities are offered to participants of the SSS program?

Each year a number of activities are planned to promote cultural awareness. From plays and performances in the Chicago area, to canoeing in the remote wilderness of Northern Michigan, SSS offers a variety of opportunities for students to connect on a personal level with one another, as well as with the SSS staff. Recently, we attended performances by Blue Man Group, partcipated in a murder mystery dinner theatre production, and canoed and kayaked down meandering, beautiful Manistee River. These excursions are completely free to SSS participants.

Can I walk in for assistance or do I need to schedule an appointment?

If a specialist is available, then he or she will accept walk in appointments. However, it is preferrable that students schedule appointments.

How long do appointments last?

Generally, appointments last fifty minutes.

If needed, can I meet with a specialist on a weekly basis?

Yes! If both the specialist and the student feel it is needed, weekly standing appointments are available to continue improving the student's academic performance.

Is there any fee to use these services?

No, there is no charge to receive assistance for academics or participate in any of the cultural trips. The grant provides funds for all cultural trips

Academic Achievement Center

What is the Academic Achievement Center?

The Academic Achievement Center offers all Aquinas students assistance on math, reading, writing, and study skills.

Can I walk in for assistance or do I need to schedule an appointment?

If a specialist is available, then he or she will accept walk in appointments. However, it is preferrable that students schedule appointments.

How long do appointments last?

Generally, appointments last one hour.

If needed, can I meet with a specialist on a weekly basis?

Yes! If both the specialist and the student feel it is needed, weekly standing appointments are available to continue improving the student's academic performance.

What if I need assistance for a specific course such as a foreign language class or a geography class? Is there help available?

Yes, there is! Leann Garrison, Reading and Study Skills Specialist, coordinates a peer tutoring program that assigns students who are experienced in specific classes and recommended by appropiate faculty to mentor struggling students.

Can students with disabilities receive assistance through the Academic Achievement Center?

Yes, students with a documented disability are eligable to receive a variety of accommodations depending on the student's needs.

What are the guidelines for documentation of learning disabilities in adolescents or adults?

We adhere to the guidelines set by the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD). Once you are transferred to the AHEAD's website, please see Publications and then Guidelines.

What accommodations are available for students with a disability?

Accommodations for a documented disability include but are not limited to note takers, taped lectures, copies of the lecture provided by the instructor, readers, tutors, books on tape, proctored untimed tests, oral exams, proofreader and reader to assist in test taking (staff), and scribe.

Can anyone use the services at the Academic Achievement Center?

Yes, any student may receive assistance on math, writing, reading, and study skills through the Academic Achievement Center.

How is the Academic Achievement Center different from Student Support Services?

The Academic Achievement Center is different from Student Support Services, because it is not grant funded and it is available to all students at Aquinas College.

Is there a fee to use the services at the Academic Achievement Center?

No, similiar to the Student Support Services, the assistance through the Academic Achievement Center is free to students.