TRIO Student Support Services Participation Points 

The Participation Points Plan is a great way for SSS students to fully engage with our program and take advantage of the resources and support we offer. By participating in a variety of required and optional activities, such as attending workshops, meeting with your advisor, and using the SSS lab, you can earn points that unlock valuable benefits, including scholarships, priority access to textbooks and technology, and more. Read on to learn how you can start earning points and make the most of your SSS journey!

What is the Participation Points Plan?

The Participation Points Plan is for SSS students that encourages active involvement in our program by awarding points for various required and voluntary activities, such as monthly advising appointments, attending workshops, using the SSS lab, participating in SSS events, and more. The more you participate, the more points you earn!

Why Participate?

Participating in the TRIO SSS program is the best way to take full advantage of our resources and support. By earning points, you will have a better chance of:

  • Receiving SSS Endowed Scholarships: Points will be considered when determining scholarship recipients.
  • Priority Access to Textbooks and Technology: In the event of limited inventory, students with higher points will have first dibs on textbook rentals and technology checkouts.
  • Request a letter of recommendation for Graduate school or Employment: A minimum of 50 points is required to request a letter of recommendation for Graduate school or Employment.

How Does It Work?

  • Points are awarded based on participation in eligible activities listed in the Participation Points Rubric.
  • Points are tracked per academic year (e.g., Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025).
  • Points cannot be transferred, shared, or carried over to the next academic year.

Note: Points are awarded only for activities completed within the current academic year timeline

This plan is constructed to make sure that our students engage more with our program, but also ensure that SSS students get the most out of the resources and support we offer.

Please see the following for the rubric. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact your advisor.

 

Category Activity Points per Activity Frequency Limit Notes
Workshops Attend a workshop 25 points No limit Points awarded for each unique workshop.
Lab Usage Use the SSS lab 5 points No limit Points given per visit. Max 5 points per day.
Advising Meeting with an advisor 10 points Max 1 per month Covers academic, career, or personal goals advising.
Tutoring Attend a tutoring session in-person 10 points No limit Max 10 points per session.
Activities/ Events Participating in a group activity (ex: SSS Open House) 5 points No limit Includes TRIO-organized events. Max 5 points per activity.

Surveys/  Evaluations

 Complete a survey/evaluation form for SSS. 10 points Max 1 per evaluation submitted Max 10 points per survey / evaluation submitted

Referrals

 Refer an eligible friend to apply for TRIO SSS 20 points No limit Both the student and the friend earn 20 points after intake.

Volunteering

 Volunteer for TRIO and other eligible initiatives 20 points No limit Example: assisting at events or mentoring.