Faculty and Staff: Help Students Connect to TRIO
How TRIO Supports ECC Students
TRIO Student Support Services gives eligible ECC students consistent, individualized support so they can stay enrolled, complete a credential, transfer, and move toward career goals.
Faculty and staff often see students’ potential (and their obstacles) before anyone else does. You can help by nominating a student, inviting TRIO into your classroom, or applying to join students on a campus visit as a TRIO Faculty Fellow.
Refer Students Who:
- are first-generation, income-eligible, or registered with Access Services for a documented disability
- seem overwhelmed by deadlines, forms, or college systems
- need more structure, accountability, or follow-through
- are unsure about transfer, career direction, or next steps
- would benefit from regular advising and stronger connection to campus resources
Students do not need to be failing or in crisis to benefit from TRIO. Early connection is often the most helpful.
The greatest help may be your personal invitation to the student, or sitting with them while they begin the TRIO application. The first section is only ten questions long, but that small push can make the difference between intending to apply and completing the application.
Note: ECA students and international students are not eligible for TRIO.
Invite TRIO to Your Classroom
A brief classroom visit gives students a clear, low-pressure introduction to TRIO. Staff can explain eligibility, services, activities, and the application process while answering questions students may not ask on their own.
Even a few minutes at the beginning or end of class can help us reach students who would otherwise never walk through our door.
Become a TRIO Faculty Fellow
The TRIO Faculty Fellow program gives ECC faculty an opportunity to join TRIO students during selected college campus visits.
For our Fall 2026 pilot, one or two Faculty Fellows will join students during a visit to the University of Missouri-St. Louis, tentatively scheduled for September 25.
Faculty Fellows will:
- travel to UMSL in their own vehicles and meet the TRIO group on campus
- receive mileage reimbursement
- participate as knowledgeable, supportive guests—not as chaperones or supervisors
- share relevant knowledge, experience, or perspective with students
- learn more about UMSL so you can better support ECC students considering transfer
The bus ride will remain reserved for TRIO students and staff. This preserves time for students to build community, speak openly, and process the experience together.
FAQ
Can I refer a student even if I am not sure they qualify?
Yes. If you think a student could benefit from TRIO, go ahead and refer them.
Our staff can talk with the student, review eligibility, and help determine next steps. You do not need to screen students in advance or be certain that they qualify before making a referral.
What does TRIO do for students?
TRIO provides individualized support to help students stay on track and move toward their goals. Services may include academic planning, transfer guidance, financial literacy, career preparation, resource connection, and one-on-one support throughout the semester.
TRIO is designed to help students build confidence, navigate college systems, and make informed decisions about what comes next.
Is TRIO only for students who are struggling academically?
No. TRIO is not only for students who are having academic difficulty.
Some students benefit from TRIO because they want help with transfer planning, financial literacy, career goals, time management, or navigating college expectations. Others may simply benefit from having a consistent support person and a stronger connection to campus resources.
What happens after I refer a student?
After a referral is submitted, TRIO staff will reach out to the student to introduce the program, explain available services, and discuss whether TRIO may be a good fit.
If the student is interested and appears eligible, we will guide them through the next steps. A referral does not commit a student to participating. It simply helps connect them with support.
Does referring a student mean they have to participate?
No. A referral is not a commitment.
Students can learn more about the program, ask questions, and decide whether they would like to participate. The goal of a referral is to open a door, not to obligate a student.
What should I say to a student when I refer them?
You can keep it simple. For example:
“I think TRIO could be a helpful support for you. They work with students on things like planning, resources, transfer, and staying on track. It may be worth connecting with them to see whether it is a good fit.”
You do not need to explain every detail of the program. A brief, supportive recommendation is enough.
What can I say about why TRIO matters?
East Central is in the early stages of offering TRIO services, so we do not yet have institutional outcome data to share. However, TRIO programs have a long history of supporting eligible students as they persist in college, complete their programs, and prepare for transfer or career goals.
At East Central, our focus is on helping students feel supported, connected, and better prepared to navigate college successfully.
National TRIO data show strong outcomes. In the latest federal report, Student Support Services participants at two-year institutions posted a 50.0% three-year completion rate, and the overall persistence rate across SSS grantees was 90.0%.
A separate U.S. Department of Education comparison study of community-college starters found that TRIO participants were more likely to transfer to a four-year institution by year four (30% vs. 18%) and had earned more credits by that point (about 61 vs. 41).
Use those links above if you would like TRIO introduced in your classroom or if you want to refer a student directly.
Is TRIO free for students?
Yes. TRIO services are free to eligible students. Also, participation in TRIO does not reduce a student’s financial aid
Can students connect with TRIO on their own, or do they need a referral?
Students are welcome to connect with TRIO directly. A referral can be a helpful starting point, but it is not the only way for a student to learn about the program or get connected.
Can I refer a student who has stopped attending or seems disengaged?
Yes. If a student seems disengaged, uncertain, or difficult to reach, a referral may still be worthwhile.
Even if a student does not respond right away, a referral gives TRIO the opportunity to make contact and offer support. In many cases, early outreach can make a difference.
What perspective should I bring on a faculty visit?
Useful perspectives might include:
- personal experience transferring between colleges
- familiarity with the college, its academic programs, or the surrounding area
- knowledge of how a particular major or profession differs between institutions
- insight into transfer preparation, expectations, or common obstacles
- connections between ECC programs and upper-level study at the college
Faculty do not need to be alumni of the visited college or transfer experts. You may also apply because visiting a college would help you better understand its programs, facilities, expectations, or student experience, and therefore better guide students in your own discipline. It may help our students to hear you asking probing questions about a particular program for your uses, as well.
What is a TRIO Faculty Fellow?
A TRIO Faculty Fellow is an ECC faculty member selected to join students during the campus-based portion of a TRIO college visit.
Faculty Fellows contribute relevant knowledge or perspective, learn alongside students, and become more familiar with transfer opportunities. They are not additional chaperones, supervisors, or student evaluators.
Are Faculty Fellows responsible for supervising students?
No. Faculty Fellows participate as knowledgeable and supportive guests. TRIO staff will retain responsibility for student supervision, scheduling, and trip logistics.
Faculty Fellows should bring any concerns involving safety, student well-being, or logistics directly to TRIO staff.
Are College Staff or Adjuncts eligible to be TRIO Faculty Fellows?
Unfortunately, not at this time. Recent ECC student surveys have reflected a lack of experiences between students and full-time faculty. We think this program is an ideal way to help our students connect more thoroughly with their ECC instructors. If a different need develops, or our students express a desire for something else, we may re-evaluate.
How many Faculty Fellows will be selected?
Ideally, we will have two faculty fellows for each campus visit they participate in.
Are Rolla faculty eligible to be TRIO Faculty Fellows?
Yes, of course!
