Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2008

Thesis Director

Charles Eberly

Thesis Committee Member

Angela Aguayo

Thesis Committee Member

James Harden

Abstract

TRiO Programs are completely grant funded through the Federal Government's Department of Education. These programs are constantly under review for continued funding. There are a total of 8 TRiO Programs and Eastern Illinois University (EIU) receives funding for one, Student Support Services. TRiO Programs were created for first- generation, low- income students; many Latino college students meet both criteria. First-generation college students have unique needs and concerns. TRiO/SSS provides assistance for these students to guide them throughout the college career and prepare them for graduate school and a career after graduation. This qualitative thesis describes the interaction of f:IU TRiO/SSS staff members as perceived by four Latino students. Based on the students' "voices", TRiO/SSS program strengths and areas for development were identified. All of the student participants expressed their gratitude for the program because TRiO gave them guidance and support they did not receive elsewhere. While the participants felt Student Support Services programming was effective, they felt that the program needed m9re counselors to serve more students. Additionally, they mentioned that it was helpful for the counselors to be persons of color.

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