TRiO offers student support

ALICIA SMITH
News Writing Student

TRiO provides academic tutors and more personalized advising to students in the program, said Ginelle Gordon, TRiO director.

TRiO students attend transfer trips, and even meet faculty at other colleges in their desired field of study, Gordon said.

She said they also help members get better acquainted with other services on campus.

First-generation college goers, students in financial need, or those with a disability should take advantage of TRiO student support services, Gordon said.

The program offers a lot of help that should be used by students who fit the criteria, she said, whether students are seeking a certificate, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.

To join the program, students must apply, Gordon said.

TRiO measures its success by four “outcome objectives,” she said.

The first, Gordon said, is at least 70 percent of TRiO members maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

The second is at least 50 percent of students in their first year will enroll for a second year, and at least 30 percent of students in their second year enroll in a third, excluding transfers, of course, she said.

Gordon said the third objective is at least 10 percent of members will graduate within three years of joining the program and 30 percent will transfer to a four-year university within three years of joining.

Though TRiO is capped at 160 students a year, she said, there is no deadline to fill out an application to join the program.

In December, TRiO students attended a holiday cultural event to learn about different traditions and customs from around the world. They also did arts and crafts, watched a movie and played board games throughout the week, said Daniel French, TRiO Programs assistant.

For more information, contact Gordon at 405-682-1611, ext. 7620 or e-mail ggordon@occc.edu.