What is the Student Support Services Program?

Mission
The Westfield State College Student Support Services Program (SSS) provides eligible students with the academic and counseling support they need to persist to graduation and to prepare for graduate study or professional school when appropriate.  Our mission is accomplished through the determined commitment of SSS staff to meet the needs of ethnically and academically diverse students through innovative classes, focus workshops, peer mentoring and tutorials together with interpersonal and career counseling sessions designed, ultimately, to help program participants compete successfully in the challenging, demanding and rapidly changing world of work. 

Objectives

• To provide academic assistance to ensure student retention through graduation with a minimum GPA of 2.0
• To administer a comprehensive program of counseling services, peer mentorship and tutorials that support academic success, personal growth and professional achievement
• To establish cooperative learning communities to ensure and maximize student participation and utilization of SSS program offerings
• To offer progressive, innovative instruction in under-enrolled majors (mathematics and sciences) for eligible students who may be ethnically different, or non-native speakers of English, or non-traditional learners. 
• To offer every eligible student a financial aid package that will meet 100% of their school need with minimal reliance on loans. 

Eligibility
Eligible students for this program may be:

• First-generation college students, that is, neither parent has attained a college degree
• Low income students, meaning those students eligible to receive federal financial aid
• Students who are physically or learning disabled