Student Support Services

Other Questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact a staff member for further assistance.

FAQ's for Student Support Services

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Do I have to re-apply each semester for SSS?
No.  Once you are accepted to SSS you are active until graduation, unless you step out of school for a period of time or you are dropped for non-participation.

How many times do I need to see my Support Specialist?
At least 4 times each semester (see How Many Ways Can You Count To 4, for more details).

Is the SSS office open during school breaks?
Yes.  We are open regular hours during all school breaks with the exception of two holiday breaks. We are closed Thanksgiving break, as well as the week between Christmas and New Years.  We are open regular business hours during fall and Spring Break.

How can my friends get involved in SSS?
We encourage you to refer your friends to join SSS.  They will need to complete our program application, at which time our program director will evaluate their eligibility criteria and determine if a student is eligible for services.

How do I get Grant Aid?
All students must meet the following criteria to be eligible to receive SSS grant aid:

  • Receive a Pell grant for the current semester/year.
  • Have Unmet Financial Need exceeding $400 as determined by the Office of Financial Assistance.
  • Priority is given to freshman and sophomores (during Fall and Spring) and juniors and seniors (during summer term). Complete 12 credit hours  (including credits from developmental courses) while active in the SSS program. 
  • Have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
  • Be active in the SSS program each semester as evidenced by:
    • At least 4 documented program contacts with your Support Specialist AND
      participate in at least 4 SSS Workshops(Academic/Career Workshops)
    • Have completed or be making progress in developmental coursework.
    • Be enrolled part-time/full-time for the current semester/year.

Who can use the SSS Computer lab in BEP 217A?
The SSS computer lab is open to all SSS and KTAP participants.  Priority is given to students with an academic need (class projects, research, communication between professors, etc.) Those gaming will be asked to give up a computer to students needing to complete course work.

If I am registered with SSS, do I still have to register with Disability Services if I have a federally recognized disability that may require accommodation services while I am a student at NKU?
Yes.  You will need to register with Disability Services in order to receive accommodations.  While we support students with disabilities, we are not able to access or facilitate accommodation services for you in the classroom.

What is Super Priority Registration (SPR) and how does it apply to me?
Super Priority Registration is a one-day registration period allotted prior to registration week to allow you to register for classes ahead of the general population here at NKU, in an attempt to allow you to develop the best possible schedule for success. Currently, SPR applies to SSS, Disability Services, Honors and Athletes.

If I get a postcard from the Academic Advising Resource Center inviting me to call  for an advising appointment or Academic Assistance Plan, do I meet with them as well as my Support Specialist in SSS?
No. If you receive mailings from AARC and are in good academic standing, please contact them and kindly let them know that you are working with SSS and the name of your Support Specialist.  Students on Academic Probation will still have to meet with Dave Emery, or the AARC staff to have a probation hold lifted.

If my Support Specialist is not available, to whom do I turn for assistance?
If you have an immediate issue that needs to be addressed, please see any of the Support Specialists for assistance, as we are happy to assist all SSS students.  If you have a routine matter that could be addressed with your Support Specialist once they return to the office, please make an appointment on the calendars posted outside the individual offices or see our Administrative Assistant, Cindy Ash, in the front office.

What does a Student Retention Assist (SRA) do?
Rachel Allen will be working with you this year as your SRA.  Her role is to assist Support Specialists in making contacts with students, setting up appointments, assisting with registration, and meeting with students individually or in groups to address student success strategies.

What is the Freshman Contract?
The Freshman Contract is an academic plan that you will complete with your Support Specialist.  During this time, she will provide you with detailed information about SSS services as well as gathering personal information about you as a student in an attempt to support you in your academic and career goals.  It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and must be completed your first semester in SSS.

Will there be additional contracts I need to complete in the future?
Yes, there are now three plans developed for students based on where you are in your academic career.  Students having 0-30 credit hours will develop a Freshman Contract.   Students with 30-60 hours will have a Career/Major Contract to assist you in making wise decisions around majors and career planning and all students reaching 60 credit hours will develop a Graduation Contract to focus on the special needs of prospective college graduates getting ready to enter the career field.

What is SLA and how does it apply to me?
SLA (Structured Learning Assistance) This exciting program is available for students in the SSS taught sections of MAH 095 and MAH 099.  Modeled after the Supplemental Instruction program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, SLA is a program proven to increase the academic performance of students in traditionally difficult courses.  A trained student leader attends all classes and leads students in several weekly review sessions.

What is an SSS Ambassador and is it possible for me to become one? 

The purpose of the Ambassadors is to project a favorable image of SSS to the NKU community, the promote the development of its members' leadership skills, to promote peer mentoring, and to serve the needs of SSS, NKU, and the community when and if needs arise.  To apply to be an SSS Ambassador, you must have successfully completed 12 or more credit hours at NKU, be in good academic standing at NKU, and have a desire to be a leader in the program.  We take applications and interview candidates every spring.



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