FAQ's

What services are offered by Success at Southern TRIO SSS?

What services are offered by Success at Southern TRIO SSS? 

• Academic Advising 
• Academic Tutoring 
• Personal Education Plans 
• Career Guidance 
• Financial Aid Wellness Activities  
• Financial Literacy 
• FREE One Credit - Student Development Classes 
• Staff Support committed to your Success

• TRIO-SSS Only Study/Lounge Area  
• Computer Access and FREE printing 
• Cultural Enrichment Activities

How much does it cost?

All of the services provided through the program are FREE for current and active particpants. 

What is required of you?

TRIO SSS students must be enrolled at all times at SOU. Active participation in the program is required in order to continue being considered active in the program. If not enrolled and/or not actively participating in the program, the student may be inactivated. Meet virtually or in-person with your TRIO advisor for a minimum of two times per term. Get enrolled at least in one Success at Southern TRIO SSS Class (1 FREE credit class) per academic year. All students will be asked to sign an agreement to participate in the recommended services designed to help you achieve your goals.

Low-income level qualifications

Federal TRIO Programs
Current-Year Low-Income Levels

(Effective January 11, 2024 until further notice)

For family units with more than eight members, add the following amount for each additional family member: $8,070 for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia and outlying jurisdictions; $10,095 for Alaska; and $9,285 for Hawaii.

The term "low-income individual" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount.

The figures shown under family income represent amounts equal to 150 percent of the family income levels established by the Census Bureau for determining poverty status. The poverty guidelines were published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Federal Register on January 17, 2024 and are effective as of January 11, 2024.

What is the entrance process?

1. Fill out and submit a Success at Southern TRIO SSS application. 
2. After you submit a completed application to the Success at Southern TRIO SSS, your application will be reviewed and if you are eligible you will be invited to attend an intake interview. At this intake interview you will have an opportunity to discuss your educational goals, your career ambitions, and any academic barriers you have that will prevent your success.
3. Attend your First Personal Education Plan Meeting. During the meeting you will complete your academic plan and career goals. You and your TRIO SSS advisor will develop goals and outline program recommendations that will enable you to become an ACTIVE and SUCCESSFUL participant. We will also review your assessment results from orientation and make recommendations to help you with study and class skills. We will also discuss any personal needs or concerns that you have.

After you have completed these steps you will be eligible to access the Success at Southern TRIO SSS online tutoring, cultural experiences, FREE classes, workshops, among other exclusive activities for TRIO SSS participants.

I have submitted my application what happens now?

We cannot process your application for services until you are admitted to SOU and have registered for classes.  If you are a new student, you should attend one of the Raider Registration events to register for classes. If you have not yet registered for Raider Registration you can do so by going to: https://sou.edu/admissions/enroll/raider-registration/ when we have confirmed your registration we will process your application to confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements and have an academic need that requires services.

When will I know if I got accepted into the program?

We process applications starting in August for the following academic year. We will contact you via your SOU email with next steps. If you meet the eligibility and academic need requirements of the program we will invite you for an informal intake interview.  After this intake interview you will hear within FIVE working days if you have been accepted into the program.

What if I decide I don’t want to be part of Success at Southern TRIO SSS?

The interview process is a great time to express your concerns, ask questions, and learn about the program. If at that time, or in the future, you decide that TRIO SSS is not something you want to pursue just let us know.  If in the future, you feel you would like to be a part of TRIO SSS you can always apply again! 

I applied but have not heard from Success at Southern TRIO SSS

We will contact you via your SOU email, please check your SOU email and make sure your filter is set to accept our emails.  If you have checked your email and not heard from us within seven working days during term, please contact us via phone at (541) 552-6062 to confirm we received your application.

What if I am not accepted?

If you are not accepted into the program, we will advise you of other options where you can seek similar help through other SOU departments.