Academic Catalog

Student Support Services

Department website: https://www.kysu.edu/student-success-and-retention/student-support-services/index.php

Student Support Services (SSS) at Kentucky State University is not just a program; it's a community. We are thrilled to offer academic and personal support services for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our program is designed to break down any barriers that might hinder your journey to graduation, whether financial, personal, academic, physical, or mental. We are committed to providing intentional opportunities to all students, ensuring success is within everyone's reach!

Student Support Services is a TRIO program funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act 1965. TRIO programs are devoted to helping students meet their educational goals through programs and services. The objectives of the SSS program are persistence, good academic standing, and the overall graduation rate of its participants.  The U.S. Department of Education funds these programs through grants to institutions or agencies delivering the prescribed assistance. 

Kentucky State University’s Student Support Services program is not just about individual success but about fostering a supportive community. We will identify, select, and serve one hundred forty (145) first-generation, income-eligible, and disabled college students enrolled or accepted for enrollment at Kentucky State University. Our SSS staff works closely with faculty, academic, and student services departments to create a university climate that promotes student success, retention, and persistence toward postsecondary degree completion.

Success becomes a reality for those selected for participation and willing to dedicate themselves to hard work. You can look forward to a transformative journey as a Student Support Services participant. Our program offers various activities and services, including academic coaching, personal counseling, mentorship, career counseling, advice and guidance on course selection, financial literacy, money management, FAFSA completion assistance, cultural enrichment, graduate school application assistance, and more.

Eligibility

Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally-funded program designed to help a specific population of students. To be eligible for the program you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, national, or show documentation of intent to become resident,
  • Be enrolled or accepted for admissions at University, and
  • Have need for academic assistance

And meet one or more of the eligibility guidelines:

  • First-Generation Student: Neither of your parents have a four-year degree, or
  • Income-eligible Student: Defined by federal guidelines (most students receiving financial aid qualify), or
  • Documented Disability: Physical disability or Learning disability

Objectives

Each grantee institution is challenged to meet a set of standardize objectives for each grant cycle. Below are the standardize objectives required by the Kentucky State University Student Support Services:

  • Persistence Rate (4-year institution): % of all participants served by the SSS project will persist from one academic year to the beginning of the next academic year or will have earned a bachelor’s degree at Kentucky State University during the academic year. 
  • Good Academic Standing Rate (4-year institution): % of all enrolled SSS participants being served will meet the performance level required to stay in good academic standing at Kentucky State University. 
  • Graduation Rate (4-year institutions only): % of new participants served each year will graduate from Kentucky State University with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent within six (6) years.

Services Provided

Additional Services

GRANT AID

What is Student Support Services grant aid?

  • Student Support Services (SSS) Program to permit grant aid to students who are current participants in the Student Support Services program. Grant Aid is made possible through funds from the U.S. Department of Education and may be awarded on an annual basis. As a participant in the Student Support Services program, these funds are awarded directly to you and can be used in any way to dismantle barriers prevent persistence to graduation.

 Who is eligible for Student Support Services grant aid?

  • In order to qualify for Student Support Services grant aid, each SSS participant must meet the following qualifications:

    • Must currently be a participant of Student Support Services

    • Must receive Pell Grant and have unmet need determined by the Financial Aid Office

What is the process to receive a Student Support Services grant aid award?

  • Each student applying for grant aid must complete the following process:

    • Must complete a Grant Aid Application

    • Must have completed four one-on-one counseling sessions with a member of the Student Support Services staff

    • Must complete a personal statement on your intended use of the grant aid

How much are the Student Support Services grant aid awards?

  • Grant aid will be awarded to students on a case-by-case basis. However, all awards will be a one-time award. Based on the needs of each student, grant aid will be awarded accordingly.

How will I find out if I received the Student Support Services grant aid award?

  • Awardees of the Student Support Services grant aid will be notified via email. Those unsuccessful applicants will also be notified at this time.

Resources

Auxiliary Services (https://www.kysu.edu/finance-and-administration/auxiliary-services/about-us.php)

Career and Professional Development Center

Center for Emotional Wellness (https://www.kysu.edu/student-affairs/health-services/counseling_mission.php)

Information Technology (https://www.kysu.edu/finance-and-administration/information-technology/index.php)

Testing and Accessibility Center

Office of Financial Aid  

Office of Residence Life

Office of the University Registrar 

Student Success

University Counseling Center

University Police/Public Safety (https://www.kysu.edu/student-affairs/police/index.php)

Student Support Services is located in Carl M. Hill Student Center, Suite 320, and can be reached at (502) 597-5096 or by email: supporting.students@kysu.edu