Welcome to TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)

TRIO SSS is here to help you succeed! As a first-generation college student, navigating a Big Ten university can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone. Our program is designed with your unique journey in mind, offering the resources and holistic support you need to thrive academically and personally.

Achieve academic success & accomplish your goals with TRIO SSS

270 Engaged students

95% TRIO SSS students who meet/exceed a 2.0 GPA & persist each academic year

12K+ participants of TRIO SSS UMN over 50 years

TRIO helped me grow immensely in valuing teamwork, inclusivity & developing leadership skills through my role as president of the TRIO SSS Student board.

Xitlali Mendez Student TRIO SSS

About TRIO SSS

Mission

Grounded in the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, TRIO SSS strives to provide inclusive and accessible support services, to break down structural barriers, honor student's unique strengths, empower them to achieve graduation and inspire future generations.

Benefits

When you join TRIO SSS, you gain access to a community dedicated to your success.

Services we offer include:

Personalized advising
- Meet your advisors
- Your questions about academics, career & life answered
Academic support
- Exclusive courses: Integrated Learning Cs, Career Prep & Navigation Courses, Financial Literacy, Study Away
Career & Graduate School prep
- Career Navigation
  - Half-day immersive experiences with local companies
  - Resume, Cover Letter & Job Application support
  - Exclusive TRIO SSS Career Courses Graduate School Tours
- Graduate School Tours
  - Applications are out in January, come back!
Leadership development & engagement
- TAG - TRIO Affinity Group (weekly pizza & conversation)
- Fall Leadership Retreat
- Cultural & Community Engagement Opportunities (see a play at a local theatre, nature-inspired trips, service projects)
Financial literacy & scholarships
- FAFSA completion support
- Dedicated Financial Aid OneStop Staff Support
- TRIO SSS exclusive scholarship for qualified 1st & 2nd years

Current students

Meet your advisors

TRIO SSS advisors have smaller student caseloads, so when problems and questions arise, you can usually see your advisor within 48 hours. You are encouraged and supported in developing leadership skills and engaging in campus and community activities as well as learning abroad opportunities.

Schedule an appointment.

Courses

Course options for TRIO SSS students are similar to those for all first-year students in the College of Education and Human Development. All first-year students participate in the First Year Experience program which includes a First Year Inquiry course during fall semester and a Learning Community in spring semester.

CET students will take a two-semester sequence of freshman composition, WRIT 1201 and 1301, taught by experienced and accomplished instructors of multilingual students. Additionally, they will take an editing for writers course and an oral communication course. The CET academic experience is enhanced through small class sizes and tutors in writing classes.

Integrated Learning (IL) courses

TRIO SSS students are expected to register for at least one two-credit Integrated Learning (IL) course in their first year. IL courses are small 18- to 25-student recitation or discussion classes that help students succeed in challenging courses such as biology and psychology.

What's the advantage to taking these supplementary classes? Students who enroll in TRIO SSS IL classes earn better grades than other University students enrolled in the same classes without the IL component. Classes help you develop effective study skills and habits. IL instructors reinforce concepts that are introduced in lectures with cooperative group problem-solving exercises, presentations, and recitation.

Integrated Learning courses are offered in the following subjects:

Psychology
Biology
Chemistry

Student testimonials:

"The instructor clarified psych lectures."
"Class was helpful for midterm preparation."
"Received support when falling behind."
"Improved organization and formed study groups."

Registration

You will register for classes during your required University orientation session the summer prior to your first term at the University. Advisors will help you register for courses that are appropriate for your individual needs and goals.

Majors outside of CEHD

You will work with an advisor on developing a plan that will prepare you for your major, whether it’s in CEHD or another University college. Students usually apply to their major in the second year of college.

Prospective & transfer students

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is here to support students who are first-generation, income eligible, as well as those with disabilities, at the University of Minnesota. To be considered, all you need to do is apply to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. No separate application is needed for TRIO SSS. We work with the admissions team to identify 90 eligible students for our program. If selected to join, you will be admitted to the College of Education & Human Development.

Explore how TRIO SSS can support you

TRIO students are encouraged to apply if they have one or more of the following characteristics:

Interested in finding a supportive community on campus
Involved in extracurriculars and/or service in high school
Demonstrates: Independence, Persistence, Determination
Interested in mentorship, additional academic support, & leadership opportunities
Participated in a college success program (e.g. TRIO, Gearup, College Possible, AVID, Genesys Works, Project Success, or similar programs)
MN Resident and U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
First-generation college student (neither parent has a 4 year college degree)
Income Eligible (Pell grant eligible)
Has a disability: learn about UMN resources at the Disability Resource Center here

Does this sound like you? Suggestions for your application:

Include in a short-answer question that you’re looking to build community & highlight any of the above listed characteristics.
Indicate somewhere in your admissions application that you have participated in a TRIO or College Prep. program and are interested in that continued support
On the UMN admissions app check the box that indicates you’re interested in being part of the PES program at the U.

Transfer students:

If you’re transferring to the University of Minnesota, we’d love to support you through TRIO SSS. We are limited in space for transfer students. Please indicate interest in your application and reach out to us at trio@umn.edu to see if there is space available.

Campus resources and partnerships

TRIO SSS understands the different needs of our student population, so we partner with the following UMN-TC programs to help provide our students with the best support & services:

President's Emerging Scholars: Every TRIO (first-year admitted) student is in the President's Emerging Scholars (PES) program. By participating in PES students become eligible for a $1,000 scholarship in their first and fourth year of college, provided they stay on track to graduate and actively participate by meeting with their peer mentor.
OneStop: Come to TRIO Affinity Group (TAG) to meet our OneStop Liaison and get insider answers to your questions.
CEHD Career Services
Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence
Center for Academic Planning and Exploration (CAPE)
First-Gen Student Success Center

Program impact

Content coming soon!

Student board

FAQs

What if I don’t meet the eligibility requirements?

Because TRIO SSS serves a limited number of students, we collaborate with campus partners to connect students with resources and support, ensuring success for students with similar experiences to TRIO students.

Does TRIO SSS serve students in certain majors?

TRIO SSS primarily serves first-year students admitted to the College of Education & Human Development. If you decide to transfer to another college within the University, we’ll continue to support you throughout your journey.

TRIO SSS admits students into our program and the College of Education & Human Development. If you decide to transfer to another college within the University, we’ll support you in the transfer process. (include that they can come to events but they wont have their trio advisor anymore)

How do I book an appointment with my advisor?

Students can book an appointment with their advisor online, in-person or over the phone.

How can I get involved in TRIO SSS as a TRIO SSS student?

Follow us on Instagram: Stay updated on all the details and upcoming opportunities.
Join us at our TRIO Affinity Group (TAG): TAG meets every Friday and offers free lunch.
Attend our events: Event details are shared in our biweekly newsletter and on Instagram.
Join the TRIO SSS board: Get involved in leadership and leave your mark.
Visit us: Stop by the office to say hi, find a quiet place to study, or just hang out. We love seeing our students!
Share your feedback: We’d love to hear from you, email us with any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions to help us improve.

Schedule an appointment with your advisor

Students can book an appointment with their advisor online, in-person or over the phone.

Lori Tran | Schedule an appointment
Danielle Schnettler | Schedule an appointment
Padah Vang | Schedule an appointment

To schedule an appointment over the phone, call 612-625-0772.

Find us overlooking the Mississippi River in Room 40 of the Education Sciences Building. We are in the office Tuesday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., except Fridays from 12 - 2 p.m. when we’re at TRIO Affinity Group (TAG). Remote Mondays.

Get in touch

TRIO Student Support Services
40 Education Sciences Building
56 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-625-0772
trio@umn.edu

Consuelo Gutierrez-Crosby Consuelo Gutierrez-Crosby

Director of TRIO Student Support Services
612-301-1785
guti0031@umn.edu

Consuelo is a Latina from Albuquerque, New Mexico who came to MN as a first-generation college student to attend Macalester College.