WKU News

A new TRIO program has been added at Western Kentucky University: Student Support Services, Disabilities (SSS-D).

SSS-D is a TRIO Student Support Services office that focuses on assisting students with disabilities in achieving their goal of graduating from WKU with a bachelor’s degree. With strong connections to the Student Accessibility Resource Center (SARC) and other TRIO programs, especially the classic Student Support Services office, SSS-D is here to serve admitted or enrolled students at WKU who have a diagnosed disability along with extra consideration for students who are first generation college students and those whose families have limited income.

TRIO programs were first funded at WKU in 1980. Undergraduates with academic potential and motivation who also meet federal income and first-generation guidelines are eligible. Since the program's first funding year, more than 1,000 program participants have earned degrees. Student Support Services provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their post-secondary education. The goal of SSS is to increase college retention and the graduation rates of participants, as well as facilitate the transitional process from one level of higher education to the next.

Students who have a diagnosed disability, on file with the SARC, are welcome to apply for the SSS-D program. Once selected, qualified coaches will assist students by one-on-one generalized counseling to assisting students in planning their academic journey. In addition to regular check- ins with their designated coach, students will have access to tutoring (both group and individual) as well as a quiet study place; these services will operate during traditional office hours as well as extended evening and weekend hours. Finally, students in this cohort-based program will have access to student development workshops. These workshops will cover topics such as financial literacy, college success strategies, and personal development workshops. These events are designed to help the student succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.

The team in SSS-D will also be looking to hire three graduate assistants, four tutors, and one additional student worker during summer 2021 for a start date during the beginning of the fall 2021 semester. For information on these opportunities, email Project Director Jimmie Martin at jimmie.martin@wku.edu.

SSS-D is led by Director Jimmie Martin, a western Kentucky native; Academic Coordinator Kari Paschetto, a two-time WKU alumna; and Office Coordinator Marliese Belt, a Louisville native. The office is located at Downing Student Union, room 1080.

Contact: Jimmie Martin, jimmie.martin@wku.edu