Howard E. Wray, JD
Program Director
Pursuant to the Higher Education Act of 1965 Section 402D, the Student Support Services Program is designed to increase the retention and graduation rates of eligible students, foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of low-income and first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities.
The vision of Student Support Services Program is to promote SSSP as a performance-based program through leadership in meeting the academic, personal, and career needs of its students. This vision will be accomplished by creating within CSULB SSSP a model environment for student growth, rentention, and diversity.
SSSP Advising Component assists program students in developing a reasonable coursework schedule that can be easily managed, assign tutors for the subject areas of greatest academic need, maintain advisor and tutor feedback to monitor progress, provide academic advising to ensure academic progress, and maintain dialogue with department advisor. Further, SSSP Advisors offer assistance to program students in clarifiying their values, acquiring assertiveness, bolstering self-esteem, enhancing aptitudinal perspectives, and provide assistance with financial aid application processing.
SSSP Writing Component provides each program student with a holistic evaluation of their writing sample during the initial orientation process. The Writing Specialist is available to program students throughout their CSULB academic career to review and discuss students' work and assist with time-management, writing multiple drafts, and producing quality academic essays. In addition, program students are provided workshops for both WPE testing and development of personal statements.
SSSP is in partnership with the Learning Assistance Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Career Development Center, offering a variety of study skills, personal growth, and career development workshops conducted throughout the academic year. Please click on the links above for dates and times of these sessions. The key to success is often knowing which service you need. http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/aa/grad_undergrad/lac/
In addition, SSSP provides the following services through the Learning Assistance Center to assure college success:
Free tutorial services are available to program students at the CSULB Learning Assistance Center. Referrals for free tutorial sessions may be obtained from a SSSP Advisor.
SI classes are optional one-unit adjunct courses that are directed study groups designed to give students skills to succeed in historically difficult courses; usually, General Education (GE) and other Introductory courses, referred to as "target courses." Students enrolled in SI courses meet with an SI Leader either before or after the target class to work on learning strategies and critical thinking skills.
Sign in at SSSP front desk. Show current ID with current SSSP sticker.
Equipment available:
Specialty computer programs available:
Laptops are available for three day checkouts. Checkouts and returns are processed Monday-Thursday, 9am-2pm.
The SSSP Mentoring Program provides guidance and support to students who are transitioning to CSULB. Mentors are upperclass SSSP students who are very familiar with the University experience. The primary focus of the Mentoring Program is to introduce new students (mentees) to campus culture, available resources, and assist them in having a positive and productive semester.
Students interested in becoming a mentee may contact Erika Thomas-Eddens at (562) 985-7656 or ethomase@csulb.edu.
SSSP Student Council members participate in the SSSP student government process and represent program participants in the planning and developing of social activities and fundraising events.
For more information, contact Norman Perlas at (562) 985-4230 or nperlas@csulb.edu.
To qualify for GRANT AID, program students must be freshman or sophomore status, a Pell fund recipient, and demonstrate need for supplemental financial assistance. Junior and senior students will be considered on an 'as need' basis. Applications are available at the SSSP front desk. 2009-10 Application Deadline: Friday, December 11, 2009.
In addition to honoring graduates each year, Student Support Services Program recognizes outstanding students for their academic excellence, community service, leadership, and SSSP 'spirit'. Honorees are acknowledged at the SSSP Graduation Recognition Ceremony during May of each year.
GRE fee waivers are available at the financial aid office. Contact financial aid to find out how to apply.
Click on this link, Letter of Recommendation, for instructions on requesting letters of recommendation to complete graduate school application packages.
The McNair Scholars Program provides academic support, research opportunities, and involvement in scholarly activities to CSULB eligible participants to increase their likelihood of enrollment and success in doctoral programs. To find out more about benefits, services, and eligibility requirements, view the CSULB McNair Scholars Program website http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/students/mcnair/. Applications are available at the McNair Scholars Program office, LA3-100. 2009-10 Application Deadline: Thursday, December 10, 2009.