Student Services Receives Grant to Foster Academic Success Among Undergraduate Students  

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Seton Hall University's Division of Student Services a grant which will benefit 140 low-income, first-generation, or students with disabilities pursuing an undergraduate degree. 

The proposal, entitled, Student Support Services Program at Seton Hall, was approved for a $1,300,584 commitment over the next five years. This grant, part of the federal TRIO program, is designed to provide a comprehensive plan of support for a variety of student needs ranging from academic coaching, tutoring, mentoring, personal, financial, and social support to career counseling. The goal of the SSS program is to increase persistence and graduation rates for eligible Seton Hall students.  

The SSS Program Team, which consists of a Project Director, Assistant Director, and Program Coordinator will partner with campus constituencies to provide students with resources and support. The SSS Program Team will work closely with Disability Support Services to provide students with disabilities additional support for individual accommodations, including extended time on tests, modifications for test environments, and resources for notetaking. Workshops will also be provided for students on topics of financial literacy and post-graduate opportunities.  

Dr. Monica Burnette, Associate Vice President of Student Services and Chief of Staff for the Division of Student Services, was thrilled with the news. She is also the principal investigator and key author of the Student Support Services grant. 

"We are honored and excited to invite 140 Seton Hall students to participate in the SSS Program this academic year. The grant will provide opportunities for collaborative partnerships with several campus departments. The grant also aligns closely with the University's Strategic Plan, which strives to create a premier student experience that is equitable and consistent, enhances student support and retention, and prepares students to be impactful global citizens."

Dean Majid Whitney, Assistant Vice President of Student Services and Senior Associate Dean of Campus Inclusion and Community believes that,  

"The Student Support Services Program will allow Seton Hall University to amplify its effort to provide all students with the resources necessary to have a premier student experience that ensures success in college and beyond.  It's the perfect addition to SHU’s already impressive lineup of college access programs that serve New Jersey residents, such as Upward Bound, the Educational Opportunity Program, and the Pre-Medical Pre-Dental Plus Program, because it can support SHU students from across the country. It's been said that access to college without support is not opportunity. With Student Support Services students will be provided with access, support, and ultimately the opportunities to become agents of change in a global society."  

The program will have a physical presence on the South Orange campus on the first floor of Alfieri Hall. If you are a student interested in applying to participate in the SSS Program, or a staff, administrator, faculty, or community member hoping to become involved, please email [email protected] or fill out this form. 

Categories: Education