Student Support Services

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Student Support Services Application

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Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded grant program of the Department of Education designed to promote student academic success. This is accomplished by offering a number of academic and personal support services to students who fit federal low-income eligibility guidelines, who are first-generation college students or who have documented disabilities, to stay in school and graduate. 

The program provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their post-secondary education. The Student Support Services program may also provide grant aid to current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants.

Direct Financial Assistance (Grant Aid)
Each year for Spring Semester, students who are participating in the SSS program will be able to apply for grant aid. Students must be receiving a federal Pell Grant, be an active participant in the SSS program, and meet certain academic criteria to apply for these awards. Awards will first be made to students who are freshman and sophomores as required by federal law.

Eligibility Requirements
If you meet at least of one of the following eligibility criteria, proceed to How to Apply Steps. If you are unsure of eligibility, call 524-7471 to set up an appointment with staff.

1

First-Generation College Student

First generation college student is a student whose parents don't have a bachelor's (4 year) degree.

2

Documented Disability

Students with a documented disability must provide acceptable documentation on file to the Office of Disability Services or with your application.

3

Federal Low-Income

Students who meet federal low-income guidelines must show evidence from financial aid documents or income tax documents. A chart of the guidelines with some explanation is available here. Talk to staff so they can help you accurately determine if you qualify.

How to Apply to Student Support Services Program

1

Application

Complete the Student Support Services Application found here.

2

Self-Assessment of Needs

Print and fill out a Self-Assessment of Needs Form found here. Send the form to SSS Office in L127.

3

Appointment with SSS Staff

SSS Staff will contact the student to set up an appointment to discuss the student's interest in the program.

Student Support Services Programs

1

Accelerated Learning Lab

Located in LRC 151, the lab is a place set apart for active SSS members which provides tutoring, academic coaching, free printing and resources to help maximize their learning potential and build academic self-confidence. Learn more

2

Reading and Math Specialist Services

SSS Staff are available to work with students in improving their reading speed and comprehension, and provide more intensive assistance with their math skills.

3

Financial and Personal Advising

The SSS staff works in partnership with students and the Financial Aid office to discuss if financial aid is available. They assist in dealing with personal issues that may be interfering with academic focus, provide a listening ear and direct students to on and off campus resources.

4

Academic Support Services

Students who need additional academic counseling beyond the advising they receive from their faculty adviser can meet with SSS Staff to think about their major and assist in creating a four-year plan for class.

5

Assistance with Graduate/Professional School Search

SSS Staff also If you are thinking about pursuing education beyond your Bachelor's degree, we will be happy to assist you as you search for and apply for admissions into graduate or professional programs. Talk to one of the SSS staff if you are interested in pursuing further education.

6

Information about Career Options

The SSS Staff works hand-in-hand with the Career Development Center on campus to help students explore careers that will fit their interests, skills and education.

STAFF

 

DR. KYLE IRELAND
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
479-524-7400
KIRELAND@JBU.EDU

Dr. Kyle Ireland received a B.A. in Mathematics and a M.A. in Teaching from Olivet Nazarene University and his Doctorate of Education (Educational Leadership) from Liberty University. Ireland has taught mathematics, trained faculty advisers on placement criteria, directed university seminar programs and worked closely with registrars to ensure placement guidelines are met. He loves to spend time with his wife and two daughters, joining them in playing softball, jumping on the trampoline, riding bikes and scooters and exploring new hiking trails.
 

MS. DEBORAH RAIEES-DANA, M.A.
MATH SPECIALIST/TUTOR COORDINATOR
479-524-7217
DRAIEES-DANA@JBU.EDU

Deborah Raiees-Dana graduated from JBU with a degree in secondary mathematics education. She received her M.A. in Anthropology from the University of Arkansas with a focus on geographic information systems and accessibility issues for persons with disabilities. Raises-Dana has several years of tutoring experience with SSS at JBU and at Ozarka College In Melbourne, Arkansas. She also works as the General Academic Adviser with Undeclared Majors. Her most rewarding career has been that of a mother.
 

MS. LISA HACKER, M.A.
READING/WRITING AND ADVISING SERVICES COORDINATOR
479-524-7409
LHACKER@JBU.EDU

Lisa Hacker received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing at Regent University, and a Master of Arts in Literature, Composition and Rhetoric from the University of Houston Clear-Lake (UHCL). She and her husband, David, have three children and two grandchildren. They recently moved to this area from Texas, where Lisa was the coordinator of a community college writing center. Lisa is an adjunct writing professor at both Regent University and UHCL, and when she is not working or teaching she enjoys writing, cooking, and traveling. 
 

MR. MATT GWARTNEY, B.S.
ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR
479-524-7401
MGWARTNEY@JBU.EDU

Matt Gwartney graduated from JBU with a B.S. in Family and Human Services and a minor a philosophy. During his time as a student he was a leader in JBU’s Audio, Video, and Lighting Technologies department, an active member of Theta Alpha Kappa religious studies honor society, and a member of the Honors Scholars Program. Following his time at JBU, Gwartney attended graduate school at The Queen’s University of Belfast in Northern Ireland. Gwartney loves to read and is an amateur woodworker in his free time.
 

MS. CHERYL FOXWORTHY
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
479-524-7471
CFOXWORTHY@JBU.EDU

Cheryl Foxworthy has worked as the Administrative Assistant off and on since the program was started in 2005. She loves her family – "great husband, beautiful daughter and wonderful son-in-law." She lives in Pea Ridge where her husband pastors the Nazarene church. They are blessed with a great church family.