TRIO ACES Program Description & Enrollment Agreement

Program Description

TRIO SSS Program Description (As defined by the US Department of Education)

Through a grant competition, funds are awarded to institutions of higher education to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. Student Support Services (SSS) projects also may provide grant aid to current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants (# 84.063). The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants.

Program Objectives (as defined by TRIO ACES Grant in compliance with all SSS grant program objectives)

• Persistence Rate: 80% of all participants served by the Boise State TRIO ACES Project will persist from one academic year to the beginning of the next academic year or will have earned a bachelor’s degree at Boise State during the academic year.
• Good Academic Standing Rate: 89% of all enrolled TRIO ACES participants being served will meet the performance level required to stay in good academic standing at Boise State.
• Graduation Rate: 42% of new participants served each year will graduate from Boise State with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent within six years.

Our Goal

The goal of the TRIO Academic Coaching and Educational Support (ACES) Program is to encourage and support 100 students who have diagnosed conditions in pursuing and attaining an undergraduate degree by offering individualized services to successfully guide students through their academic goals towards graduation.

Services and Support

Academic coaching and educational support are available to all TRIO ACES students. Students may choose to meet once a week, biweekly or once a month with an ACES staff member.

Academic Coaching

Academic Coaching

Coaching is a student-driven goal-oriented process that provides students with structure and strategies needed to achieve academic success. The coach helps the student create, meet, and exceed academic goals while honoring the student as an independent and resourceful individual.  Students are responsible for setting their own goals and creating a plan to achieve them. The coach does not control the plan, the coach monitors and supports the plan by offering encouragement, asking meaningful questions, and providing helpful feedback.

Educational Support

Mentoring

Professional and peer mentors act as positive role models and guide students through their academic development. The mentor offers academic or career advice, assists with completing the FAFSA, provides resources, shares institutional knowledge, and provides caring support.  

Advising

Professional and peer advisors provide advice and assistance with course selection. Advisors work with students to explore majors that are well suited to their interests, skills, and abilities. The advisor reviews degree requirements with students to help keep them on track for graduation. Students are still encouraged to meet with their university assigned academic advisor to ensure they have program-specific knowledge.

Skill Development

Students work with ACES staff members to develop learning and study strategies such as time management, test preparation, organizing, planning and prioritizing, anxiety reduction, social engagement, and financial literacy.

Tutoring

Content-based tutoring is available for freshman and sophomore level classes. Students work with TRIO ACES staff to identify the areas in which they need tutoring and to be matched with a qualified tutor or tutoring resource.

Enrollment Agreement

TRIO pledges to you that we will provide all of our services to you at no cost and, more importantly, will commit everything we are able toward expanding your learning opportunities and supporting your journey toward earning your college degree. In return, we ask that you take this opportunity seriously and commit yourself to being an active and engaged member of our TRIO community. As a new member of TRIO ACES, we are asking that you commit to the following expectations:

1. I will check my u.boisestate.edu email on a regular basis.
2. I will commit myself to obtaining my bachelor’s degree within a six-year period of my enrollment into TRIO ACES.
3. I will make a good-faith effort to complete at least 24 credits within an academic year (fall, spring, summer).
4. I will reach out to TRIO ACES with any questions or concerns regarding my academic experience.
5. I will check in with TRIO ACES on a monthly basis during my first academic year in the program.
6. I will continue to check in with TRIO ACES at least once a semester each subsequent year until I graduate.
7. I will complete Student Success Assessments to guide me in establishing and completing semester goals.
8. I will notify TRIO ACES of any changes regarding my academic plan, including change of major, anticipated graduation date, full-time attendance, etc.
9. I will make a good faith effort to attend at least one TRIO ACES-sponsored event each academic year.
10. I understand that my participation in TRIO will involve critical conversations with my TRIO ACES coach around developing a professional mindset and academic skill sets necessary for the successful completion of my degree.

Contact Information

Students may reach out to TRIO ACES by calling the main office at (208) 426-1582 or emailing Trioaces@boisestate.edu. Follow us on Instagram @boisestatetrioaces

Signature

Please sign and date below to acknowledge that you have read and understood the TRIO Enrollment Agreement. Failure to adhere to the expectations outlined in the Enrollment Agreement may result in dismissal from the TRIO ACES program.