SSS is a program for all undergraduate students, regardless of school or major. Students who may qualify for SSS are either first-generation, meet the economic guidelines set by the federal government, or are registered with the University’s Disability Resources and Services office. The program is funded to serve 250 students per year, and interested students should apply as early as possible to secure a place in SSS.
Individual Meetings
All SSS students are assigned a professional academic advisor in SSS who works with them throughout their time at the University, in addition to their departmental advisor. The SSS staff is available to help students meet their academic goals, work through personal challenges that could arise, and plan for their future. SSS works closely with other University offices to provide students with referrals to a wide range of campus resources, including the Office of Career Development and Placement Assistance, University Wellness Center, Study Abroad Office, and the University Honors College.
Cultural and Social Events
SSS coordinates free visits to some of Pittsburgh’s greatest attractions, including live theater, museums, city tours, and hands-on activities, such as a visit to the Pittsburgh Glass Center. In addition, SSS offers free social events such as game and movie nights that provide students with an opportunity to relax with other SSS students, SSS Peer Mentors, and SSS staff, while connecting with the University and surrounding community.
Mentoring and Networking
SSS Peer Mentors assist peers in adjusting socially and academically to the University. Peer Mentors share their experiences in areas ranging from the best places to eat to tips on how to study for exams and how to network with professors.
The SSS Scholars Network is comprised of SSS upperclassmen and alumni who are committed to sharing resources and ideas based on major/career interests, internship/research experiences, and scholarship opportunities.
In conjunction with the University, SSS provides individual and group tutoring on a wide range of subjects from statistics to organic chemistry. SSS Scholar-Tutors are available exclusively to SSS students and provide not only content area assistance but general advice about how to attain the greatest success possible in individual classes.
Workshops
SSS offers academic workshops on topics such as time management, test taking, finals preparation, career planning, graduate/professional school application process, networking, financial management, and coping with stress.