Student Support Services


     Milton Fineran, Director
     Thalia Cook-Wilson, PRCC Counselor
     Alva Good Crow, PSCC Counselor
     (vacant), PHCC Counselor
     Gloria Eastman, HSCC Counselor
     (vacant), Program Secretary


     INTRODUCTION

     The Student Support Services (SSS) Program began at Oglala Lakota
     College in the fall of 1993 and is one of the federal TRIO Programs
     funded by the U.S. Department of Education.  The program is currently
     in its third grant cycle, with the fourth cycle being funded through
     the spring 2011 semester.  This program is funded to serve 200 Oglala
     Lakota College students per academic year.

     The Student Support Services Program provides opportunities for
     academic development, assists students with basic OLC requirements, and
     seeks to motivate and facilitate students toward the successful
     completion of their academic goals.  By providing a network of support
     services our purpose is met.

     SERVICES

     The goal of the Student Support Services Program is to help students
     complete their postsecondary education.  This is done through a network
     of support services which include the following:

     v  Academic advising
     v  Academic enrichment
     v  Career counseling/advising
     v  Financial Aid Information (assistance with financial aid
        applications and scholarship searches)
     v  Mentoring
     v  Peer Mentoring (For freshman and new students)
     v  Personal counseling
     v  Supplemental instruction and labs
     v  Tutoring (peer and professional)
     v  Workshops for student development

     Through advising, counseling, mentoring, and skill-building workshops,
     the program provides opportunities for students for the duration of
     their studies until they graduate or leave the program.  By providing
     this network of support services the SSS Program also helps increase
     graduation and retention rates.

     PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

     To receive assistance, students must be enrolled at Oglala Lakota
     College, be an undergraduate and are required to fill out a SSS Program
     application.  Applications are available during registration and from
     the SSS office.  Students must agree to maintain contact with the SSS
     staff throughout the academic year and to keep scheduled appointments. 
     The target student population is students who meet the following
     guidelines:

     v  First-generation college student (parents do not have four-year
        degrees)
     v  Low-income
     v  Disabled or students with disabilities (academic accommodation is
        provided)
     v  Academic need

     This eligibility criteria is established by the U.S. Department of
     Education.  Only students who meet the criteria listed above are
     eligible to participate in the SSS program.

     STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

     SSS participants are expected to maintain contact with the SSS staff
     throughout their enrollment at Oglala Lakota College for tracking and
     monitoring purposes.  Other responsibilities include:

     v  Complete SSS Program application
     v  Participate in Program activities
     v  Be on time for tutoring or Peer Mentor appointments

     ACTIVITIES

     v  Orientation for New students enrolled in the Program
     v  AIHEC participation
     v  Skill-building workshops
     v  Student recognition awards
     v  Program newsletter published bi-monthly
     v  AIBL sponsorship

     STAFF

     All Student Support Services staff are first generation graduates of
     Oglala Lakota College and are responsible for coordinating services
     with the district College Centers.  For more information about the
     Student Support Services Program, contact one of the College Center
     Counselors.