Eligible students currently enrolled at the University of Mary can apply in person at the Student Support Services office. Applications may be mailed or faxed by calling 701.355.8124 and or e-mailing gleyer@umary.edu.

 New potentially eligible incoming freshmen who have been accepted may pre-apply before they arrive on campus. The pre-application will allow the new incoming freshmen to take advantage of services the first day they arrive on campus as an enrolled student.

Once a student has completed a Student Support Services participant application it is possible that additional applications for various services within Student Support Services may also be required.

Once a student has submitted an application they will be notified as soon as possible as to their eligibility to participate in the Student Support Services Program.

The primary objective of Student Support Services (SSS) Program is to increase the retention and graduation rates among college students who are low income and/or first generation, or qualified under the Americans with Disabilities Act, by providing a wide array of services. Studies have shown that students with greater financial concerns while attending college are at a higher risk of not completing their education due to finances. Studies also show that students coming from homes where neither parent completed four-year bachelor level degrees (first generation) are less informed about the college environment, thus making their transition from high school sometimes more difficult. Students with disabilities also experience greater success when programs like SSS advocate for their academic and personal needs. Students who apply for assistance from Student Support Services typically will participate in one or more services during one academic year. Students interested in participating in subsequent years must reapply. Students can apply at any time during the academic year depending on what service they need. Students who apply must expect to accumulate at least 5 hours of direct assistance to become eligible for additional benefits offered by SSS.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAY ABOUT SSS

	·	"It was a lot easier to get help than I thought it would be, everyone was very helpful and encouraging."
	·	"The effectiveness of the program is really good."
	·	"Very quick to respond when I first applied--very knowledgeable staff in areas where I was tutored."
	·	"Everyone that works there gets things done quick & efficient."
	·	"It's a good program; it helped me out a lot, thank you for everything."
	·	"They were there to answer all of my questions. They were very helpful."
	·	"I think the program is an excellent idea, and found it to be very helpful."
	·	"It is an awesome support service especially for freshmen."
	·	"They are providing & supporting things that I need to succeed in school."
	·	"I am very glad that this service is available. I like to learn in more than one way and with a tutor this is possible."