Erika L. Zwahr

• Sul Ross State University (SRSU) has administered a federally-funded TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program for more than 30 consecutive years. SSS is funded with a yearly itemized budget to serve 160 students at SRSI with the goal of increasing the number of students who successfully reach their educational goals. The SSS program promotes student success through activities that support student retention, improve graduation and transfer rates, and foster a supportive institutional climate. The program provides students with: academic skills and resources, such as tutoring; guidance for students who plan to transfer after completing an associate degree; help with FAFSA and other college processes and requirements; and support for students with disabilities. In addition, SSS offers cultural trips, academic and financial workshops, and grant aid to eligible students. SSS is a key resource for first-generation students, low-income students, and students with disabilities, and its staff are committed to helping these students succeed. The Program Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Student Support Services program, and managing the SSS grant in accordance with all applicable policies and regulations. The guiding principles of the Administrative and Professional Faculty Development, Evaluation, and Recognition System reflect a focus on continuous improvement with the goal of strengthening both individual and organizational performance.
• The administrative and professional faculty:
• • Share a commitment to the mission of the VCCS and to the mission of individual colleges within the VCCS
• • Cultivate a culture of high performance and collaboration; foster lifelong learning; pursue knowledge; and demonstrate a spirit of service
• • Focus on student success
• • Respond to the changing needs and cultural diversity of the students, faculty, staff, and the local community by creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive learning environment
• • Perform job responsibilities to the highest ethical and professional standards, apply best management practices; and adhere to the VCCS Code of Ethics and to the code of ethics established by CAMP Community College.

In Success Coaching, students and coaches develop working relationships through scheduled meetings or the Student Success Course (SDEV 0012). Coaches meet with student to help:

• Facilitate a successful transition to Victoria College
• Establish priorities and set goals
• Demonstrate various study strategies.
• Demonstrate strategies for organizational management
• Encourage use of daily schedules and routines
• Through various decision-making processes
• Increase awareness of procrastination and identify ways to get back on track
• Identify strategies for breaking down projects into manageable and achievable tasks
• With exam preparation and test-taking strategies
• Introduce campus resources

The Retention Specialist will be responsible for coordinating support services for TRIO SSS students that are on academic or financial aid probation or warning. Collaborates with all TRIO SSS Academic Advisors to increase student contacts for those students that are struggling academically.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the TRIO SSS Mexia campus liaison.

• Monitor student academic progress (including collaboration with faculty) and provide interventions within program guidelines.

• Collaborate with other TRIO SSS staff members to provide extensive supportive services to TRIO students not meeting "good standing" for academics or financial aid.

• Develop Academic Success Plans with TRIO SSS students on Academic Probation or Suspension.

• Assist TRIO SSS students with completing the Financial Aid SAP appeal process.

• Assist TRIO SSS students with completing the Academic Suspension appeal process.

• Provides advising for students with regard to educational, career, and course options.

• Provide academic advising, mentoring, class scheduling, and registration assistance for TRIO SSS students.

• Utilize Colleague to monitor student progress and persistence. • Prepares and presents educational workshops/seminars as needed.

• Investigates and shares information with TRIO staff and students regarding local community and social services agencies providing supportive services.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Project Director and or College Administration.

• Creation and maintenance of TRIO SSS student files (both physical and electronic versions).

• Collaborate with all TRIO SSS staff to provide coverage of the TRIO SSS Reception Desk.

Summary Function: Scope: Performs varied tasks relating to data collection and reporting, relieves administrator of units of work; and provides skilled secretarial assistance. Duties Essential: Responsible for students’ data entry in UB system; Maintain accurate, up-to-date student records and databases, student academic records; Maintain accurate office records, including budget records, purchase orders, statistical info, etc. Keep monthly electronic & paper copies of info; Process correspondence, reports, proposals, and other project documents as needed; Compile data for reports and evaluation; Assist in preparing reports for the institution, target schools, communities, and U.S. Dept. of Ed to inform them about the progress of the project; Maintain department website and online calendar; Maintain a pleasant, professional, and welcoming demeanor and an office atmosphere conducive to meeting the needs of underrepresented students; Front line personnel for public; Will collect and manage student data for specific student populations such as first-generation, under-prepared, minority, and low-income; Performs tasks using database computer skills; word processing and spreadsheets; keeps various administrative, fiscal, and/or academic records; handles and maintains confidential information; verifies documents for completeness and accuracy; Responsible for personal safety and the safety of others; must exercise due caution and practice safe work habits at all times.

Summary Function: Scope: Performs varied tasks relating to data collection and reporting, relieves administrator of units of work; and provides skilled secretarial assistance. Duties Essential: Collecting data for the project; Record keeping and data entry; Report preparation and documentation; Project communication; Provide administrative support to the Project Director; Maintain Perform varied tasks relating to data collection and reporting, relieves administrator of units of work; and provides skilled secretarial support. Perform data tracking and collection utilizing a specialized computer program; Will collect and manage student data; Perform and maintains confidential information; verifies documents for completeness and accuracy; composes correspondence; compiles public information on policies and procedures; makes arrangements for travel, meetings, and special programs. Other duties as assigned; Responsible for personal safety and the safety of others; must exercise due caution and practice safe work habits at all times.