Student Support Services

Student Support Services

Student Support Services is a federally funded TRIO program designed to meet the academic
needs of East Central University students. We work to improve the retention and graduation
rates of our students by providing an environment where students can come for assistance
with academic and personal needs. We aim to help students succeed throughout their
college experience and beyond.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES APPLICATION

 

Our Services

All services, resources, and opportunities we provide are free to students participating in our
program.

 

Eligibility Requirements

• Enrolled at ECU as an undergraduate student
• US citizen or permanent resident

• First-generation college student (neither parent has a four-year bachelor’s degree)
• Low-income student (household income doesn’t exceed 150% of poverty level)
• Student with disabilities (must be documented with Testing & Accessibility Services)

 

Our Students

“Student Support Services has given me support and family in a time where I felt like I had
none. Staff goes above and beyond to ensure that all students in the program have everything
they need, and is welcoming to every student that comes in.”
                      -Hollie McKinney BS in Legal Studies Class of 2026

“Student Support Services has been an incredible source of guidance and support throughout
my academic journey. As a nontraditional student balancing school, leadership roles, and
personal responsibilities, SSS provided me with the encouragement, resources, and
accountability I needed to stay focused and confident. From academic advising to personal
support, the program truly made me feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. I’m
grateful to be part of a program that genuinely invests in its students’ growth and future.”
                      -Corri Williams, BA in Human Services Counseling, Class of 2025

 

About Us

Mission Statement
The Student Support Services program’s mission is to encourage, challenge, and empower
eligible participants by providing the academic and supportive services necessary for their
retention and ultimate graduation from East Central University.

ECU SSS History
Student Support Services began on ECU's campus as Special Services in 1972. The name was
changed to Project Goals and then later to the Learning Resources & Counseling Center.
Eventually, the name Student Support Services was adopted. The program remained on
campus until the grant ended in 2007. In September 2010, ECU was again awarded the
Student Support Services grant, under the new name of sECUre success. In 2015, the name
was changed back to Student Support Services. The program is funded by a grant until 2030.

A Brief History of TRIO
President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty" initiative led to the creation of the TRIO
programs. The first program, Upward Bound, was created with the Economic Opportunity Act
of 1964. Talent Search followed as a part of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The third program, Special Services, now known as Student Support Services, was authorized in Higher Education Act of 1968. When Student Support Services was added as the third program, the name TRIO was adopted to represent the programs. In subsequent years and reauthorizations of Higher Education Act, several other programs were added (Upward Bound Math and Science, Veterans Upward Bound, Educational Opportunity Center, and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement program) but like the programs, the name TRIO has stayed the test of time.