Student Support Services
The Student Support Services program provides opportunities for academic development, assistance with college requirements, and support for the successful completion of postsecondary education.
The program serves students at the University of Michigan–Dearborn who are low-income, first-generation college students, or academically at risk, helping them overcome social and financial barriers.
Services include:
- Academic tutoring
- Guidance in course selection
- Information about financial aid programs
- Assistance with completing financial aid applications
The goal of the program is to increase student retention and graduation rates.
Student Support Services Logo
GoBlueCast SSS Podcast
Checkout our podcast - the GoBlueCast! Some of our recent episodes are below.
This episode was our very first! Dive deeper into what the program is about and to learn more about our staff. Listen to the Episode.
This episode features SSS Program Advisor, Rachel, and former Tutor/Mentor Austin Kipfmiller. Join in as we dive deeper into the reflection on how the SSS Program evolved during the first year. Listen to the episode.
Join TRIO staff members Mahdi, Austin, Gigi, and Kayla as they dig deep and chat about mental health experiences in college. Listen to the episode.
Join the SSS Program Seniors as they reflect on their college experiences, and share advice to other UM-Dearborn students. Listen to the episode.
Listen as Amari, Alfa, Joshua, and Mario share about their experiences, achievements, and challenges being first generation college students at UM-Dearborn. Listen to the episode.
Tune in to hear four SSS students reflect and provide advice to current UM-Dearborn students and high school seniors. Listen to the episode.
Join Amari, Kalaia, and Mario as they prepare for their sophomore year and reflect through their lessons learned from freshman year. Listen to the episode.
Student Feedback
Below is feedback from current and former SSS Program participants regarding the highlights of the services they have utilized.
- “Thank you to my tutor/mentor. This semester I performed very well in Chemistry 134, and much of that success is due to the support I received. I achieved perfect scores on two quizzes and earned a 93% on an exam. I appreciate the program and the support provided.”
- “I value the opportunity to meet with a mentor or tutor who understands what students are going through because they have had similar experiences.”
- “Scheduling meetings with my tutor was easy and convenient. Their availability made it simple to get the help I needed.”
- “I appreciate my tutor/mentor’s patience and understanding. Their advice on time management and organization helped me start the semester strong and feel more in control.”
- “My tutor/mentor is supportive and genuinely wants me to succeed. They have helped me improve my writing and stay on track academically.”
- “The mentoring and tutoring sessions are already very effective and helpful.”
- “I appreciated how my tutor explained concepts clearly and allowed me to practice until I fully understood the material.”
- “I appreciate the support and encouragement I receive from my mentor.”
- “My advisor was very helpful and provided detailed answers to all of my questions. We met regularly, and each meeting was professional and friendly. She was knowledgeable about campus resources and provided valuable feedback on my scholarship essays.”
- “I appreciate the opportunity to meet with my advisor and tutor/mentor through virtual sessions.”
- “My advisor is excellent at their job and provides great support.”
- “My advisor is very supportive and helpful.”
- “My advisor did a great job supporting me.”
- “I enjoy the benefits offered by this program.”
- “I am grateful for the continued support provided to students like me.”
- “I appreciate the flexibility in scheduling appointments with my tutor, mentor, and advisor.”
- “The staff in this department are supportive and do an excellent job.”
- “The SSS program has made a significant impact on my college experience. My advisor and mentor encouraged me to apply for scholarships, which helped me secure funding for tuition and essential needs. The program has also strengthened my financial and academic skills and provided valuable resources throughout my college journey.”
- “The services offered by this program are very helpful and should continue.”
Meet Our Team!
Latresa Rice
Rachel Leonard
Rachel Leonard, Program Manager
KCP / 4S
Student Support Services Advisor
View Rachel Leonard’s LinkedIn profile
Phone: 313-583-6612
Alternate Phone: 313-593-3276
Email: [email protected]
Gabrielle Nettles-Owens
Tutor/Mentor
Tutoring Subjects:
- Computer Science 110
- Computer Science 220
- Mathematics 90
- Biology 100
- Anthropology 101
- Honors 300
- Honors 301
- Spanish 101
Major: Psychology
Email: [email protected]
Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment with Gabrielle Owens
Nila Hooper
Tutor/Mentor
Tutoring Subjects
- Communication 366
- Computer Science 485
- Journalism and Social Sciences 405
- Speech 320
- Computer Science 105
Major: Communications
Email: [email protected]
Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment with Nila Hooper
Veronika Ramirez
Tutor/Mentor
Tutoring Subjects:
- Humanities 248
- Computer Science 248
- Political Science 101
- Criminal Justice 200
Major: Political Science – Pre-Law Track
Email: [email protected]
Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment with Veronika Ramirez
Sara Gutta
Tutor/Mentor
Tutoring Subjects:
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Geography
- Statistics and Probability
- Big Data
- Databases
- Artificial Intelligence
Major: Data Science
Email: [email protected]
Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment with Sara Woldeyohannes