Mississippi Valley State University

 

The Special Services for Disadvantaged Students Program was authorized by Congress in the Higher Education Amendments of 1968.  The Program was renamed Student Support Services in 1987.  Student Support Services is intended to extend the encouragement of and academic support provided by the Educational Talent Search and Upward Bound Projects to disadvantaged students who enrolled in a post-secondary institution.

 

Student Support Services is designed to increase the college retention and graduation of participants who, in addition to being low income, are either first generation (first in their family to attend a college) or individuals with disabilities. The program provides services that assist students in improving their grade point averages, remaining enrolled in an academic institution, and developing their social skills/cultural awareness though:

• Counseling

• Financial-Aid Assistance

• Tutorial Sessions

• Seminars/Workshops

• An Emphasis on providing academic support for developmental and other freshmen courses

• Dedicated staff with strong institutional attachment