TRIO SSSD

A picture taken from the perspective of the back of a theater style space, with the backs of multiple students heads facing towards the stage, on the stage are a few professors sitting on the edge of the stage - one has a microphone and is speaking into it to the students in the audience.

Student Support Services for Students with Disabilities (SSSD)

Student Support Services for Students with Disabilities (SSSD) is a federally funded TRIO college retention program serving 100 students per year. TRIO/SSSD helps students with disabilities develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue and successfully complete a college education by helping students focus on academic and personal development.

TRIO/SSSD is funded by the United States Department of Education and St. Olaf College.

All persons have equal access to TRIO programs and facilities without regard to race, creed, color, gender, sexual preference, age, national origin or disability.

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What does SSSD Offer?

Informational Presentations

Meet Our Peer Leaders

SSSD advisors meet regularly with students, weekly with first years and monthly with others, to offer advising on topics including course registration, academic topics, personal topics, and career counseling
SSSD advisors utilize strategies of intensive advising in order to best support students and learn more about a student’s story to advise the whole student
Advisors and Advisees develop a strong relationship throughout a student’s time at St Olaf all while factoring in the lens of disability and access in order to best support students

SSSD staff and peer leaders put on regular workshops on a variety of topics including mental health, financial aid and literacy, academic improvement strategies, and self advocacy skills
Staff from around campus are frequently invited to give special presentations to SSSD students, working to meet their unique needs within the institution. SSSD staff and St. Olaf staff work to put this information in context for students with disabilities
Outside speakers are brought in to help offer extra services to students and speak on topics relevant to students’ experiences

SSSD offers graduate school exploration and visit experiences to help students find a fit for them and one that allows for a smooth transition from undergraduate to graduate experiences
Students who elect to take the GRE will be offered prep materials and support for the exam
Staff within SSSD offer frequent workshop and individual counseling on career and post St Olaf opportunity exploration
Individuals with disabilities in the workforce will be brought in to discuss topics like career and disability, workplace disclosure, and other relevant topics

First year students are given a specials SSSD Orientation to campus where students will be brought in early to experience campus and get acquainted with St. Olaf before all-campus orientation begins
Peer mentors will work with first years in their orientation experience to build relationships
Programming throughout a student’s first year will be focused on building community for SSSD students new to St. Olaf
Staff and faculty from across the college will be brought in to help build an awareness of the various resources at the college