On Thursday, Sept. 1, the tantalizing aroma of Famous Dave’s barbecue wafted throughout the second floor of north Canfield as Student Support Services (SSS) hosted its annual welcome back open house. More than 70 SSS students visited the department office to reconnect with friends, peer mentors, faculty and staff.

“The welcome event provides beneficial opportunities for our students,” said Director of TRIO Programs Cay Yamamoto.

“First, returning students have the opportunity catch up with one another and meet the new SSS students. Second, new SSS students have the chance to meet with SSS staff, as well as other UNL faculty and staff who work closely with the program. Third, the students often invite friends to come to the welcome which is great for educating potentially eligible students about the services we provide.”

Eight students who attended the welcome event applied to participate in the SSS program the following day.

The SSS program at the University of Nebraska is a grant funded program that strives to promote retention, leadership development and graduation. SSS students have the option of taking small-group sections of many of the popular core courses like ALEC 102, Biology 101, English 150/151, Math 100A/101/104 and Life 120. Through the program students also gain access to individualized tutoring, academic advising, career counseling, writing and study skill advice, financial planning assistance and more.

Junior Valeria Rodriguez said she chose to get involved with the SSS program because it offered a scholarship for study abroad and conferences.

“I wanted to participate in the summer language program in Soria. It really helped to get the $300,” said Rodriguez who also attended a leadership program on scholarship.

Senior Aneike Jones said her participation in the SSS program helped her earn a Pell grant to pay for school. She remains involved with the program because she enjoys the tutoring and free printing available to students.

SSS is one of the federally funded TRIO programs. UNL has benefitted prom TRIO programs since 1964. The open house event has taken place annually for more than 15 years.