Established in 1979, TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) provides academic advising, career exploration, financial literacy education, FAFSA assistance, graduate school planning and personal support to eligible Creighton students. Through these services, participants build resilience, strengthen their academic standing and navigate the challenges of college while progressing toward graduation. The program serves first-generation and income-eligible students as well as students with disabilities and others who may benefit from additional support. As part of Student Success, SSS fosters a supportive community focused on persistence, belonging and long-term success.
We invite you to learn more about the program and the specific services it offers below.
Along with Creighton’s Student Success resources, the SSS program offers a range of free services to help participants academically, financially and personally. From a structured first-year experience, retention counseling and professional mentoring to financial assistance, family support and crisis intervention, these services provide holistic support throughout a student’s college journey. Additional details are below.
SSS participants receive guidance as they explore career options and prepare for internships and employment opportunities. Advising also includes support with evaluating benefit packages and navigating salary negotiations. Additional career services include:
The SSS program provides guidance on financial aid processes and may also help participants with additional funding to support their education.
Participants may also receive financial assistance for participation in service trips and ministry retreats.
The SSS program provides a familial, supportive environment and network with resources designed to support multiple aspects of participants’ well-being. Examples include:
The SSS program supports participants who are interested in pursuing graduate or professional school by providing guidance and resources that help students prepare for post-baccalaureate opportunities.
Creighton's TRIO SSS program serves 160 participants each year. To be eligible, a student must:
When reviewing applications, SSS must obtain specific verification forms from Financial Aid and Enrollment Services. To help expedite this process, applying students should:
If you have questions regarding receipt of your tax and household documentation, contact the Financial Aid Office.
Upon program admission, students must complete all participation requirements each semester until their departure (graduation or within six years, whichever comes first). These requirements include an intake phone call prior to onboarding; an online summer course (Bridge X) and SSS RSP Lab during the fall semester (incoming students only); and four semester and three annual individualized sessions with SSS staff (a total of 11 per year), which provide academic and financial programming. Additional details are below.
BridgeX is a required five-week online course designed to help program participants transition from high school to their first year at Creighton. The program requires about one hour per week and gives incoming SSS first-year students an opportunity to:
Summer Preview is Creighton's summer orientation program that provides information and resources to new students and families during the summer months. It helps prepare students and families for a successful transition into the Creighton community. SSS participants also attend a program-specific orientation during Summer Preview. See dates and more information about Creighton’s Summer Preview.
As part of the participation requirements, accepted SSS participants must attend an orientation each semester. For first-year SSS participants, Fall Orientation is a retreat with all lodging, meals and transportation provided by SSS. Incoming first-year students may move in Friday morning, attend an SSS Welcome Lunch with their families and guests, and then break out for a night full of programming and community building.
This student-run, student-focused program is sponsored by the Division of Student Life and serves as Creighton's official welcome for all new Jays during the fall semester. The Saturday of Welcome Week includes several events designed for families, such as:
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but are primarily reviewed each spring for acceptance into the upcoming academic year.
Note: If students withdraw their application or are found to be ineligible, spots may become available. If this happens, SSS will open a second review cycle in June or July.
Spots may also open at the end of the fall semester due to early graduations. When this occurs, SSS may accept students for the spring semester, following the timeline below:
Shirleena Terrell, MA
Director of Student Support Services
402.280.3468
Naim Jamilzada
Creighton University
2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178
Phone: 402.280.2749
Fax: 402.280.5579
Campus location: Old Gymnasium, Floor 2
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CT
