The Student Support Services (SSS) Program provides individualized counseling for personal, career, and academic information, and exposure to cultural events and academic programs. Academic activities are designed to acquaint students with career options, inform about financial aid and financial literacy, and to assist with the timely completion of the FAFSA. Academic tutoring is provided and may consist of reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects. The transfer component of the SSS program offers advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection, and with applying for admissions and obtaining financial assistance for enrollment in four-year programs. Students are assigned a counselor once enrolled in the program.
Who Qualifies?
Any student enrolled at FDTC who meets the following criteria can apply to participate in the Student Support Services (SSS) program:
- Be a US citizen or registered permanent alien
- Demonstrate a need for academic support to remain in school
- Seek motivation to graduate from Florence-Darlington Technical College or to transfer to a 4-year college or university
- Be enrolled at least half-time and pursuing a certificate, diploma or associate's degree from FDTC
- Belong to one or more of the following population groups:
- Be financially limited
- Be a first generation college student (neither parent has a 4-year degree)
- Have a documented physical, mental, or learning disability
- Be enrolled at least half-time and pursuing a certificate, diploma or associate's degree from FDTC
How will this help me?
Research has found that students who participate in SSS are two times more likely to graduate with the degree or certificate of their choice than those who go it alone. SSS provides a "home-base" for many students on campus. Staff is available to talk with you and assist you. We are here if you need us, and even if you don't! Click on one of the links to the left to learn more about what we can do for you.
Services
Academic Support
Meet with your Counselor to plan a course to complete your chosen field of study. For programs with assigned advisors, your Counselor works with your advisor to make a course plan that's right for you. Counselors help you in formulating your Academic Plan which can help in completing your goals. One-on-one tutorial services are available through a qualified tutor.
Personal Support
The SSS Staff can provide assistance with personal problems and decision-making. You can have the one-on-one help you may need to successfully navigate the rough waters of juggling home, work and school. The staff is available to listen, help you gain a new perspective, or just work through a challenging day.
Career Assessment
The Project Coordinator and Counselors can work with you in exploring careers/occupations that match your skills, interests and values. If you are having difficulty choosing a career path, we will be glad to provide the necessary assessments for career exploration and research.
Financial Aid Assistance
The SSS Staff has a working knowledge of Federal Financial Aid guidelines and coordinate with the Office of Student Aid to ensure that you have all the information you need to maximize your Financial Aid options. We can assist you with online FAFSA completion or corrections, course selection to ensure continued financial aid, or help you with planning your educational budgeting.
Cultural Enrichment Activities
As a part of ensuring that you have an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of educational experiences, SSS encourages all of its participants to attend planned cultural events per semester. FDTC's SSS program has arranged for students to attend Florence Little Theater productions, International Festival, Arts Alive, an opera at Spoleto Festival in Charleston, and much more. All free of charge to participating students. Contact the SSS Office to sign up for an event or two!
Workshops
We also offer a wide variety of workshops to help you with academic and personal growth. Topics include: Financial Aid Information, Time Management, Stress Management, Personal Budgeting, Study Skills, and many others. Students should sign up in the SSS office for monthly workshops.
College Tours and Transfer Assistance
As a part of our purpose, we encourage all interested and qualified students to consider transferring to regional 4-year colleges and universities to continue their educations. Our goal is to help you plan for and complete all the necessary steps to ensure a less complicated transfer to the school of your choice and connect you with any support services you may need. We have a variety of catalogs and also arrange free group tours of several regional colleges and universities, including: USC, SC State, Coker, FMU, Morris College, and Coastal Carolina, to name a few. Students should sign up in the SSS office for scheduled college tours. Students can request their transcript for review by the four-year college's admissions staff to determine college transfer credits.
Contact Information
Dr. Tonya F. Mack, Program Director
Tonya.Mack@fdtc.edu
Latoya Rich, Administrative Assistant
Latoya.Rich@fdtc.edu
Erwin Godwin, Counselor
Erwin.Godwin@fdtc.edu
Twanice Muldrow, Counselor
Twanice.Muldrow@fdtc.edu
Latia Harvin, Academic Coach
Latia.Harvin@fdtc.edu
General