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TRIO Coach Matt with a student.

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO SSS Coaches Students to Graduation

We moved! Come see us in the Partnership Center, enter room P1806 through the double doors.

Want help navigating registration and financial aid applications? Need answers to your college questions? Join TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS)!

You’ll meet frequently with an assigned TRIO SSS coach to set and achieve your academic goals through transfer and/or graduation. TRIO SSS coaches provide one-on-one advising to help students reach their goals.

Our motto is, “We coach students to success: Persistence. Performance. Completion”

TRIO SSS may be for you if you identify as one or more of the following:

  • First generation to go to college; neither parent has a four-year degree
  • A student with a disability
  • Low income, often indicated by being a federal Pell Grant recipient

Additionally, you must be:

  • A U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
  • Someone who intends to graduate from Normandale and transfer to earn a four-year degree
  • Pursuing first bachelors degree
  • Registered for 8 or more credits

You are especially encouraged to apply if you are an alum of a college readiness program like TRIO Upward Bound, TRIO Educational Talent Search, another TRIO SSS, AVID or College Possible.

The following students are NOT eligible to apply for TRIO SSS:

  • PSEO students
  • Students on SAP suspension
  • Students who are undocumented/DACA
  • International students

Normandale TRIO SSS is full for Fall 2024. We may have limited openings starting spring, 2025. Please send to triosss@normandale.edu if you would like to be notified when the application is available.

Here's what has happened last semester and what's to come!

Spring 2024 TRIO Student Support Services semester review

Make an Appointment

Questions about TRIO SSS and applying? Email TRIO SSS, contact Director Aly Olson or contact other team members:

Marquis, a TRIO student.

“Without TRIO, James’ support, and the support of everyone in the program, I don’t think I’d be where I am now. In TRIO, I developed really good study and planning tools, so when I started planning for this semester, I had a level head and was able to make decisions on my own.”

Marquis Strauther, TRIO Student

To start things off, submit a TRIO SSS application starting in May. TRIO SSS staff will contact you to ask for additional information. In August, TRIO staff will notify students who are accepted into the program. If you’re accepted, you will:

  • Participate in an intake meeting to secure your spot in the program
  • Attend a Welcome to TRIO Luncheon before the fall semester Campus Kickoff
  • Work with your TRIO SSS coach on your educational goals and plans
  • Stay focused on achieving academic success at Normandale

Increase your chances for acceptance. Enroll in at least eight fall semester credits and submit your FAFSA (financial aid) application to Normandale. If you have a disability, meet with Office for Students with Disabilities to set up your accomodations.

  • Early registration each term for best course selection
  • Course and degree planning
  • Applying for financial aid and scholarships and understanding related processes
  • Using financial aid responsibly
  • Planning and applying to transfer to other colleges
  • Developing organizational and study skills
  • Visiting four-year colleges
  • Informational workshops and cultural and social activities
  • Connecting to helpful resources on and off campus
  • Access to the TRIO lounge with snacks!

Note: TRIO SSS coaches do not provide individual tutoring or education aid services like those offered in K-12 systems with an IEP, nor does TRIO SSS provide scholarships.

Jennifer, a TRIO student.

“I absolutely love being in TRIO because my coach, Matt, is kind and patient with me. He doesn’t judge me or make me feel like I’m dumb. School, for me, is new and scary, and TRIO helps me stay on track, keep calm, and pushes me to believe in myself.”

Jennifer Taylor, TRIO Student

TRIO Student Support Services is funded through the U.S. Department of Education with the 2023-24 amount of $274,374. Normandale Community College generously provides additional funding for student events, staff training and supplies.

Learn more about the TRIO SSS program’s impact and goals

Contact

TRIO Support Student Services

Triosss@normandale.edu

952-358-8285

P 1806

Hours: Summer Hours- Monday – Thursday 8am – 4:30pm, Friday virtual services only 8am – 12 noon

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