Student Support Services (TRIO)

The Extra Assistance That Leads to Success

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TRIO Student Support Services logo

Established in 1979, Student Support Services (TRIO) provides academic, emotional, cultural and financial support for first-generation and income-eligible students and students with disabilities. As part of Student Success, SSS (TRIO) creates a community focused on resilience, persistence and graduation.

We invite you to learn more about the program and the specific services it offers below.

Program Services

Along with Creighton’s Student Success resources, the SSS (TRIO) 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.

Elsewhere, our TRIO Upward Bound and Talent Search programs prepare middle and high school students for success in higher education, creating a pathway of support from early college planning through graduation.

 

How We Support Students

Program Eligibility

Creighton's SSS (TRIO) program serves a minimum of 160 participants each year. To be eligible, a student must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident (eligible to receive federal financial aid)
  • Be enrolled as full-time student at Creighton
  • Exhibit academic need
  • Meet one or more of the following criteria:
    • First-generation college student
    • Low-income
    • Have a verified disability
  • Current Creighton students applying for SSS (TRIO) must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5

 

 

Program Requirements for First-Year Students

BridgeX

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 (TRIO) first-year students an opportunity to:

  • Become familiar with BlueLine, Creighton's online course platform
  • Keep their skills sharp through academic course preparation
  • Get to know their SSS (TRIO) peers

Summer Preview

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 (TRIO) participants also attend a program-specific orientation during Summer Preview. See dates and more information about Creighton’s Summer Preview.

Fall Orientation

As part of the participation requirements, accepted participants must attend an orientation each semester. For first-year SSS (TRIO) participants, Fall Orientation is a retreat with all lodging, meals and transportation provided by SSS (TRIO). Incoming first-year students may move in Friday morning, attend an SSS (TRIO) Welcome Lunch with their families and guests, and then break out for a night full of programming and community building.

See the schedule

Welcome Week

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:

  • Meeting with the faculty advisor
  • Welcome from the President and relevant college dean
  • Annual welcome picnic
  • Mass and other religious services
  • “Sundaes on Saturday” event

Learn more about Welcome Week

Student Support Services Strategies for Success and College Transition Course

All SSS (TRIO) students must take TSC 125 Student Support Services Strategies for Success and College Transition, a 2-credit course. This course provides comprehensive college-level skill building critical to a successful transition to college life, achievement of academic success and development of non-cognitive abilities.
 

Application Timeline

Applications are reviewed year-round, and eligible students are interviewed as applications are received for the upcoming semester.

  • June 30: Priority application deadline for Fall consideration.
  • November 30: Priority application deadline for Spring consideration.
  • Year-Round Review: Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will continue to be reviewed, and eligible students may be interviewed for the upcoming or following semester as space permits.

Please Note: Student Support Services reviews applications throughout the year. As students graduate and spots become available in the program, additional eligible applicants may be invited to interview and join SSS (TRIO).

Creighton SSS (TRIO) Staff