A Federal TRIO Program

In the Student Support Services Office, we are dedicated to improving the ability of our student participants to persist in and successfully complete a college degree.

What is Student Support Services?

The Student Support Services Program is a federally-funded educational opportunity program which operates on college and university campuses in Maine and throughout the United States. Here at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, many part-time and full-time students receive the benefits of Student Support Services during one or more years of their degree work.

Who can benefit from Student Support Services?

For a variety of reasons, not everyone with college ability is initially able to master his or her academic load without a helping hand. Perhaps you, as a new student on our University campus, attended high school several years ago and are a bit apprehensive about returning to the academic scene. Maybe you didn’t take the total college preparatory course in high school and feel a bit shaky about taking college math, chemistry, and/or English composition. Or, perhaps you did “okay” in the high school classroom but had a difficult time with testing. What about those “P.S.A.T”s and “S.A.T.”s and the problems that arose because of “mental blocks?” Do you find it difficult to study? To take notes in class? To cope with a new environment? You can learn to overcome these and many other conflicts through the tutoring, instruction and/or counseling offered by Student Support Services.

Why should I choose to participate in Student Support Services?

If you want to get the most out of your educational experience while attending UMPI, Student Support Services can give you the boost you might need to reach your academic potential.

How could Student Support Services help me?

We can help to provide you with the tools you need to make your educational goals come true. We have qualified people who can instruct and tutor you in a number of college math, science, English and other courses in UMPI’s Tutoring Center. Our staff is also willing and able to help you with the reading, writing, and study skills in other areas of your degree work. Academic, career, financial and/or personal counseling is provided as it is needed.

How do I know if I am eligible for the Student Support Services Program?

The Student Support Services Program is available to all enrolled UMPI students who meet the Department of Education guidelines. To be eligible for this program, you must be a citizen, a national, or a resident of the U.S. (or eligible to seek such status). Also, you must meet one of the following guidelines:

  • income eligible
  • first generation college student
  • disability (including learning disability)

If you meet at least one of the three preceding requirements, you qualify to be considered for acceptance as a participant in our Student Support Services Program.

What would it cost me to participate in Student Support Services?

Nothing. A Title IV grant from the U.S. Department of Education funds the program, which has been developed to serve you.

When could I enroll in Student Support Services?

If you are enrolled as a UMPI student and qualify according to federal guidelines, you can apply at any time.  Selections are performed in the fall, and open slots are filled as they become available.

The Student Support Services office is located on the 1st floor of the CIL. For more information, contact Mary Kate Barbosa, Program Director, at 207-768-9613 or mary.barbosa@maine.edu.

Be sure to follow the UMPI Student Support Services Facebook page where tips, deadlines, and events are posted weekly.  https://www.facebook.com/umpi.sss/

Staff

Photo of Mary Kate Barbosa

Mary Kate Barbosa

Director of Student Support Services/Disability Services
Location
Student Support Services, CIL
Phone
(207) 768-9613
Email
mary.barbosa@maine.edu
Photo of April Chase

April Chase

Assistant Director of Student Support Services
Location
Student Support Services, CIL
Phone
(207) 768-9614
Email
april.chase@maine.edu
Photo of Shawn Haskell

Shawn Haskell

Science Spec & Tutor Coordinator
Location
Center for Innovative Learning
Phone
(207) 768-9461
Email
shawn.haskell@maine.edu
Photo of Ralph McPherson

Ralph McPherson

Counselor
Location
Emerson Annex
Phone
(207) 768-9791
Email
ralph.mcpherson@maine.edu
Photo of Weatherbee, Ericka

Ericka Weatherbee

Administrative Specialist CL234
Location
Student Support Services, CIL
Phone
(207) 768-9732
Email
ericka.weatherbee@maine.edu