Expectations of Participants and Staff

TRIO students need to:

Consistently participate and engage in TRIO and TRIO activities

• Attend all sessions, workshops and scheduled appointments
• Meet in person with their TRIO advisor a minimum of once per block
• Develop an academic plan to meet educational goals for a 4-year post-secondary degree
• If you are a freshman you will participate in the TRIO First Year Program (FYP) and attend all scheduled workshops
• Sign up as directed for REMIND and, if possible, the TRIO Facebook
• Attend a financial literacy seminar designed to educate about finances, credit card management, debt repayment, budgeting, and more
• Check University of Montana Western email account on a regular basis (at least once per day)

Work toward Academic Success

• Agree to attend class, interact with instructors, participate, complete assignments on time, ask questions, and communicate with instructor and the TRIO SSS staff and mentors in accordance with academic plan or as directed
• Attend an advising workshop and meet with TRIO advisor prior to registration each semester
• Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA
• If you receive a D or an F on an assignment or quiz, you will immediately contact your TRIO advisor
• Inform TRIO of any changes in your address, email or phone number (on-going reminder)
• Notify TRIO staff if you plan to withdraw or transfer from UMW, change your major, drop a class, or in any other way make a change that impacts your academic plan
• Complete the FAFSA by June 30, annually

Utilize services

• If using a disability as criteria for participation in TRIO, you will register with Disability Services and re-register with them each semester

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What students can expect from TRIO staff:

Availability

• We are open Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm most weekdays
• Walk-in appointments are expected and encouraged

Academic Advising

• We are here to help you plan which program/major degree you want to graduate with and help you register for the classes that will get you there

Workshops

• The First Year Program provides both academic and personal skill workshops twice per block that will help you succeed in college. ALL TRIO students are invited to attend FYPs, including upperclassmen
• Upperclassmen workshops are available three times per semester for sophomores, juniors, and seniors to polish their resume, interview and academic planning skills

Support

• We are here to listen, whether you need a listening and caring ear or if you need support for attending a meeting or planning session

Computer lab

• Five computers and a printer are available in our Short Administration Building Office, just for TRIO students. PRINTING IS FREE, within reason.
• Limited color printing is also available

Tutoring

• We will help you set up a tutoring plan with the Learning Commons

Financial Aid

• We offer FAFSA workshops every fall
• We will connect you with Financial Aid experts on campus

Resumes and cover letters

• As a TRIO student, you will have at least two workshops to set you up on the Optimal Resume program (which you take with you after graduation)

Material loans

• We have scholastic aids such as laptops and graphic calculators for you to borrow as needed, as well as workspace for producing projects, using our paper cutter, staplers, tape, and scissors

End of Year dinner/speaker event for all TRIO students

• Join us for a formal-ish dinner with a motivating speaker to mark the end of your successful year