What is Student Support Services, Disabilities?
TRIO Student Support Services, Disabilities (SSS-D) at WKU is dedicated to assisting students with documented disabilities in achieve access to academic programs and services tailored to their unique needs. The program offers personalized academic support, including tutoring and study skills workshops, while also providing financial assistance. Additionally, SSS-D promotes social support by helping students build a strong campus community through resources like counseling and peer mentoring. By addressing both academic and personal challenges, and actively engaging with the campus community, SSS-D aims to foster a supportive environment that enhances student success, retention, and overall engagement.
In order to enroll in WKU SSS-D, students must first register with the Student Accessibility Resource Center (SARC). SARC ensures that students with disabilities receive the necessary accommodations to educational programs and services. For more information on the registration process, visit the SARC website.
How Can We help?
Our goals for you as a participant are that you will persist from this semester to the next, maintain good academic standing, and graduate with a bachelor's degree. We hope that you will gain personal and professional competencies that will enable you to advance your chosen career and/or graduate education.
WKU SSS-D offers academic coaching as a personalized, one-on-one partnership to enhance academic performance through goal setting, time management, and tailored study strategies. Our coaching focuses on developing skills like organization and critical thinking, provides regular check-ins for motivation and accountability, and connects students to campus resources. This support leads to better grades, transferable skills, and greater satisfaction with the learning experience. Along with academic coaching WKU SSS-D provides a wide variety of resources and services, including:
- Tutoring
- Career Exploration
- Networking Events
- Graduate School Preparation and Exploration
- Federal Student Aid Workshops
- Scholarship Application Assistance
- Financial Aid and Financial Literary Workshop
- Economic Literacy Workshop
- Cultural Enrichment Activities and Field Trips
The WKU Student Support Services - Disability (SSS-D) office offers a variety of resources to support students' academic success. When visiting our office, students have access to computers, calculators, C-pen readers, and even a camera for various needs. We also provide snacks to keep you energized and offer a quiet study space when available. These resources, along with other items, are all part of our commitment to creating an accommodating and supportive environment for our students.
Who Do We Serve?
To be considered for the SSS-D program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
- Provide documentation of a qualifying disability
- Be admitted to or currently enrolled at Western Kentucky University (WKU)
- Demonstrate academic need, as defined by program guidelines
In alignment with the goals of the federally funded TRIO Student Support Services (SSS-D) program, which seeks to provide resources and support for access to higher education, priority will be given to applicants who meet both of the following additional criteria:
- Pell Grant Eligibility: Students who demonstrate financial need through Pell Grant qualification, reflecting limited or low-income status.
- First-Generation College Status: Students whose parents have not earned a bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution, underscoring the program’s commitment to supporting individuals from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds.
The SSS-D program is dedicated to empowering students with disabilities by addressing academic challenges, fostering independence, and providing access to opportunities for success in higher education.
How to Apply
Students can use this link to apply or on your SARC application you can click if you are interested in joining and we will reach out with information and a link to apply. There are two deadlines for applying: one in September and another at the end of January. While applications are accepted year-round, decisions will be made by our Project Director during these periods. Priority is given to first-generation students, those with limited incomes, and students transferring from other TRIO programs. After reviewing your application, we will notify you via email of our decision. If accepted, the email will include the name of your academic coach, and you will have two weeks to schedule your first meeting with them.
In order to enroll in WKU SSS-D, students must first register with the Student Accessibility Resource Center (SARC). SARC ensures that students with disabilities receive the necessary accommodations for access to educational programs and services. For more information on the registration process, visit the SARC website.
Student Support Services, Disabilities
Located in the Downing Student Union (DSU) Suite 1079, inside the Student Accessibility Resource Center (SARC) office
1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, KY 42101
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