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Student Success Mentoring Program Formerly the Student Support Grants Program. The Student Success Center.
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Student Success Mentoring ProgramFormerly the Student Support Grants Program The Student Success Center
The Student Support Grants Program has been redesigned for the 2014-2015 academic year. The new Student Success Mentoring Program offers enhanced opportunities for grant recipients to enrich their undergraduate experiences and develop leadership skills while helping fellow Hokies to be successful in college. The following slides provide updated information about the new mentoring program. If you have any questions after reviewing the slides, please contact Barb Weimerskirch at bmweimer@vt.edu or call 540-231-5499
What is the SSMP? • It is a grant program. Much like a scholarship, a grant does not have to be paid back. • The grant is applied toward your tuition costs at VT. • The award for is $1200. It would be applied as $600 for the fall and then $600 for the spring. • If you are awarded, you will have specific responsibilities to uphold for the 2014-15 school year. The responsibilities will be outlined in a later slide.
Am I qualified to apply? Check the criteria below…. • Full time undergraduate at VT (enrolled in 12+ hours) • Earned 12 hours at VT at the TIME OF APPLICATION • Cumulative GPA of 2.75 at time of application. GPA will be verified again May 2014 and January 2015 to ensure that you continue to meet the minimum GPA requirement for the grant. • US Citizenship or Permanent Resident Alien • Current FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) needs to be completed. Priority deadline is: March 1, but still accepted • Students are awarded based on 2 factors: merit (overall candidate credentials) AND financially eligibility.
Student Success Mentoring Responsibilities Student success mentors work with students in eitherorboth of the following capacities: • Mentors for newfreshmen work with a small group of 3-4 students to help them make a successful academic and social transition to college and Virginia Tech. • Mentors for currentundergraduates helps students develop effective academic skills and personal behaviors to improve their academic performance at Virginia Tech. • Meet one-on-one with students on a regular basis. • Provide coverage for walk-in study skills help for students using the SSC
Mentoring Freshmen Students: • Share knowledge and experiences about college and VT with students in transition • Provide friendship and support to new students, helping students feel a sense of belonging and community • Connect students to helpful campus resources • Help students develop effective study skills and personal behaviors to be successful in college • Encourage and provide opportunities for students to participate in campus events and out of class activities
Mentoring Current Students to Improve Academic Performance Provide help with academic skills development including: • Effective time management • Study skills including note-taking, reading strategies, test preparation and test-taking strategies, etc. • Managing stress and test anxiety • Working with professors and utilizing resources
Additional Responsibilities as needed • On occasion mentors may be asked to help at various department activities including: • Fall visitation, open houses, and other special events • Some weekend events, but none require travel • Assist with outreach to pre-college students • Work on office related projects such as data collection, marketing materials, information boards/tables
Examples of pre-college outreach and events at which former SSGP students have helped: • SSGP students provided campus tours, had lunch, and served on Q & A panels for high school students visiting VT. • Served as SSC table host during admissions weekends handing out information about SSC programs & services and answering questions from prospective students. • Served as leaders for Kids Tech University (working with elementary students in a science program). • Served as student panelists for Student Success programs. • Assisted with mailings and other SSC related marketing initiatives.
What is the time commitment for SSMP recipients? Approximately 35-40 hours per semester consisting of a combination of the following activities: Mandatory training hours, typically the Sunday before the start of fall semester classes. Approximately 2-3 mentoring hours and/or drop-in study skills help hours per week Representing SSC at university events and activities.
Application process • Submit application packet, including the application form, 2 essays, and unofficial transcript to SSC by Monday, April 21, 2014 at 5pm • Request faculty recommendation from a professor who knows you well. Recommendations due Friday, April 25th • Must have completed the FAFSA to access your financial eligibility
Selection Process • Selection committee will review applications the end of April • Qualified applicants we will be contacted to schedule a short (15-20 min) interview • In May, we will make awards contingent on your financial eligibility and GPA. • We will try to make announcement on selections by the end of semester. • Your award will show up on Hokie Spa.
FAQs: What if I change my mind? Please let us know as soon as possible if you no longer wish to be considered for the grant (at any time in the process). What if my GPA falls below a 2.75 at any time? You must have a 2.75 at time of application during your time with SSMP. If your GPA falls below a 2.75 spring 2014 you will no longer be eligible for the program. If you are selected for the program and your GPA falls below a 2.75 during the 2014-2015 academic year, you will be contacted by the SSMP coordinator to discuss your status. What are mandatory events? Any event deemed as mandatory by the program coordinator is MANDATORY. Primarily, these are training events. If you have a scheduling conflict, let the coordinator know ahead of time to make accommodations. Can I be dismissed from the grant program? Yes, if you fail to meet your commitments, you can be released from the program and your grant will be de-activated. How many awards are given? Up to 15.
Questions??? Call 540-231-5499 and ask for Barb Weimerskirch or send an email to: bmweimer@vt.edu