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FAQ's


Student Support Services FAQs

Click on a question below for the answer.

What is SSS?
Funded through a grant received from the U.S. Department of Education, SSS helps college students persist and graduate from college. The program at WKU serves 225 students and provides the following services: academic advisement, personal counseling, services for students with disabilities, peer mentoring and supplemental financial assistance.
What is TRIO?
TRIO Programs provide a continuum of comprehensive support services (from middle school thru college) to help disadvantaged and disabled students and adults prepare for and successfully complete a postsecondary education. TRIO programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Over 2,600 programs currently serve 873,000 students nationally.
Who is eligible?
Undergraduate students with academic potential and motivation who meet disadvantagement criteria set by the U.S. Department of Education are eligible for participation. Specifically, a student must meet certain financial guidelines and/or be from a family where neither parent holds a bachelor's degree or a student with a documented disability. Because the program is unable to serve all eligible applicants, priority is given to students who are motivated and committed to participating in all aspects of the program.
What is the cost of the program?
All services are free of charge to students who are current participants.
What determines "First Generation College Status"?
A first generation student is defined as a student who comes from a family where neither parent graduated from college with a bachelor's degree. Contrary to popular opinion, it does not mean that you are the first one in your family to attend college. In addition, a student is considered "first generation" if his/her parents graduated with an associate's degree (two year degree), attended college but failed to graduate or had a sibling graduate with a bachelor's degree.
What determines low income?
Congressional methodology defines a "low income individual" as an individual from a family whose taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of an amount equal to the poverty level as determined by using criteria of poverty established by the Bureau of the Census. In general, students attending WKU who receive need based assistance such as Pell Grants will usually meet these financial guidelines.
How do I apply?
You can apply by several methods. Students seeking assistance who have yet to reach junior standing can determine their eligibility and apply for services by calling 270-745-4308 or by visiting our main office at 132 Jones Jaggers Hall. Applications can be filled out in person or mailed to parties of interest.
Is SSS only for freshmen?
No. However, most students enroll in SSS when they are freshmen and stay with us until they graduate. Within any given yearly cohort, about 60 percent of active students are upperclassmen.

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 Last Modified 12/5/23