Adjustment to College
To assist new freshmen in making the transition to college, Student Support Services offers a two-credit course—Introduction to the University Curriculum (GEN 100)—which promotes academic success in the first year and beyond. The course helps students improve their learning and study strategies, develop critical thinking skills, and gain access to campus resources.
Learning Community
Students who participate in the Student Support Services program automatically gain membership in a learning community. It assists first-year students to adjust to campus life and develop friendships with other new students.
Supplemental Advising
The SSS Academic Advising Coordinator assists students in planning their degree programs and monitoring their academic progress. The advisor can answer questions about degree requirements and guide students through the process of selecting majors and setting career goals. In addition, the adviser keeps students informed about various services that are available on campus to support their needs. For Fall 2024 advising questions, please contact the ARCC.
Career Development
The SSS Career Development Coordinator assists students with career planning from their freshman through senior year. The coordinator helps students explore majors, set career goals, write effective resumes, locate internships, establish professional contacts, and develop their interviewing skills. For students who are uncertain about their career or major, the SSS program offers assessments and interest inventories at no cost. For further information, contact the SSS office at sss@uwec.edu.
"The career seminars offered through SSS were very beneficial because they not only thoroughly taught me about the resume and interview process, but they also pushed me to network with my peers and professionals."
B.K.M, Sociology major
Tutorial Assistance
Through an arrangement with the Academic Skills Center, the SSS program offers intensive tutoring for a wide variety of academic courses. SSS also offers assistance for study strategies and individualized academic coaching. SSS tutors help students to learn course content and to improve their test-preparation methods and test-taking strategies. For further information, contact the SSS Tutoring Coordinator, Faith Pawelski.
"SSS provided me tutors in math and American Sign Language, which are two of my weakest areas. Without the extra tutoring, I would have struggled to maintain my GPA and achieve a passing grade in the courses."
M.M. CSD major
Financial Planning
The SSS program offers students assistance in completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and provides information about scholarships, grants, work-study, and other forms of financial aid. The program also helps students improve their financial and economic literacy skills, including assistance with budgeting and managing credit cards. For further information, contact the SSS office at sss@uwec.edu.
"Through SSS, I have been given the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants that have played a major role in my being able to continue studying at UW-Eau Claire."
C.D. Spanish major
Peer Mentoring
SSS connects incoming students with experienced student leaders who assist with successful transition to the university, both academically and socially. Our friendly and knowledgeable student leaders help with developing community, seeking out campus resources, and assisting students with the learning skills to thrive at college. To receive mentoring or to serve as a mentor, contact the SSS Coordinator, Faith Pawelski.
Informational Programming
Every semester, SSS offers a wide variety of informative programs. Some typical topics include the following:
- Degree Planning
- Study Abroad
- Developing Relationships with Faculty
- Five-Day Study Plan
Cultural Enrichment
The SSS program offers participants the opportunity to attend numerous events on campus that stimulate thought and promote cultural appreciation. SSS participants are provided with tickets to UW-Eau Claire's theatrical productions, Forum lectures, and Artists Series performances. To request tickets, contact the SSS office, sss@uwec.edu.
Leadership Development
SSS staff members keep students aware of opportunities to develop their organizational and leadership skills. Students may assume leadership roles by participating in the Student Support Services Advisory Board, which helps organize social and educational events where program participants can interact and develop friendships. For further information, contact the SSS Director, Joy Coates.
"The major benefit I am going to be able to take away from my participation with Student Support Services is improved leadership skills. As a member of the Advisory Board, I have been in a position of a leader and have been able to guide other students instead of sitting back and waiting for others to organize something for me. It has been great 'real life' experience having to brainstorm and compromise and then organize with a group of people who all have great ideas."
C.G., Criminal Justice and Spanish major
Grant Aid
The SSS program is authorized to provide some direct financial assistance to qualified students. To receive this grant aid, students must be current participants in the program of freshman or sophomore standing who are receiving federal Pell Grants. In addition, the program requires that Grant Aid recipients meet a GPA standard and attend program activities. For further information, contact the SSS Director, Joy Coates.
Graduate School Preparation
Each fall, the SSS program offers a one-credit course, GEN 260, for qualified students interested in pursuing graduate school. Topics addressed in this course include graduate program options, admission requirements, application procedures, personal essay statements, professional references, financial resources, and graduate exam preparation. Campus visits to nearby graduate school programs are also provided for participants. For further information, contact the SSS Director, Joy Coates.
"I have been greatly encouraged and supported in my pursuit for graduate schools by receiving tips on how to apply and also receiving remarkable recommendations to supplement my applications."
M.M., history major
