Symbiosis: (Re) Examining the Relationship Between TRIO Programs and their Host Institutions NOTE: To change the image on this slide, select the picture and delete it. Then click the Pictures icon in the placeholder to insert your own image. Larry Frazier; Student Support Services Director Rodney E. Adams; Associate Vice President Student Services Technical College of the Lowcountry

Things to keep in mind regarding this workshop… These activities and suggestions are based solely on what works/worked at TCL… Some of these practices should be applicable to your institution, but keep in mind that all colleges and universities are different and one size does not necessarily fit all… We want to keep the conversation real, but keep in mind that we all have to go back to work on Monday, so let’s treat this workshop like Vegas…what is said in here, stays in here!

Symbiosis Defined sym·bi·o·sis noun: symbiosis -interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both. -a mutually beneficial relationship between different people or groups. Definition obtained from google.com

6 Pillars that we will discuss On campus relationships On campus activities Classroom visits Community Activities Being a Team Player Challenges

On Campus Relationships Helping with college tours Building and maintaining strong relationships with various offices Financial Aid Office Admissions Office Building and maintain strong relationships with the tutoring center staff Building and maintaining a strong and positive relationship with the academic deans (especially the Dean of Arts and Sciences)

On Campus Activities SSS Staff assists with various TCL Initiatives Oyster Roast Mather’s Day Pie Day Veteran’s Day Activities Assisting with everyday college initiatives and recruitment projects (NOTE-SSS DOES NOT RECRUIT FOR THE COLLEGE!)

Classroom Visits Developmental Courses COL 103 Courses MAT 032 MAT 100 ENG 032 ENG 100 RDG 032 RDG 100 COL 103 Courses We accept invitations from any faculty member who extends an invitation. SPC 201 ENG 101 MAT 120

Community Activities SSS is well known in the community (often asked for assistance from our students with various community initiatives) Special Olympics Bowling Track and Field Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) Halloween Ghost Tours Beaufort Film Festival Works in conjunction with TCL’s Student Government Association to raise funds for a worthwhile Community Service project.

Be A Team Player! Be willing to donate time to things that are important to the college (hint, hint, if your president deems it important so should you. ) Donate (if able) to various projects for which the college has volunteered to assist. Donating time is just as effective as donating money. Graduation Foundation Blood Drives Scholarships Use your outside influences in the community to promote your college in a positive way

Challenges Hard to get students to commit. No need for students to stay around after classes Many students have families and jobs Student Apathy Life gets in the way and students stop out or drop out. Financial issues play a major deciding factor as to if student will return Not enough time to study- or student has never been taught how to study. Student Retention High octane job for little pay- employees go elsewhere after a few years Staff sometimes feel as if they are not treated as true professionals Staff Retention Many faculty and staff members are not aware of what it is that SSS does for students SSS staff has to break down barriers in order to be included in decision making processes. SSS Misunderstood

How the TCL SSS Program Offset Challenges Flex Scheduling Hire Excellent staff who complement the staff already in place Provide workshops in various formats, but especially electronically (PLATO) Keep the “powers that be” at the college abreast of what the SSS program has to offer; receive credit when warranted; utilize opportunities to recruit students into your program.

In Conclusion On campus relationships On campus activities Classroom visits Community Activities Being a Team Player Offsetting Challenges

Any Questions, Concerns or Comments?