Weekly Updates

October 8 – October 17, 2025

What’s inside this Update?

1. Upcoming SSS/TRIO Events
2. SSS Office Closed During Fall Break – Thursday, October 9th through Friday, October 10th
3. WVU Hub Offering FAFSA Help Tables During October
4. 2026 Thomas R. Wolanin Congressional Internship for TRIO graduates
5. MSW (Master of Social Work) Information Sessions Available
6. No Drop-In Tutoring on Monday, October 13th - Monday Hours Will Resume On October 20th
7. Drop-In Tutoring Now Available in the SSS Office – Mondays 1 pm to 5 pm and Tuesdays/Thursdays 2 pm to 6 pm
8. FALL ISP (Individual Success Plan) meetings
9. SSS Tutor Requests
10. School Supplies Available in the SSS Office
11. Important Dates
12. Additional FREE Academic Support
    

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1.       Upcoming SSS/TRIO Events

Check out the details below for our upcoming events this semester.  Please note: if you sign up for an event, you are making a commitment to attend and you are expected to be there.  We use those sign-up lists to determine how much food to order, what size room to reserve, and how many supplies we need to bring to the event.  If you are unable to attend an event that you have signed up for, please do us the courtesy of notifying us prior to the event that you will not be able to attend. 

 Cozy Connections – Thursday, October 9th, 12 pm to 4 pm, Maple House (724 College Ave)

Start your Fall Break at a relaxing afternoon event with us!  Enjoy a day of spay treatments, movies, candle making, and crafts.  Cider and snacks will be provided.  The event will take place in the Maple House, located at 724 College Avenue (near Dadisman and Stalnaker residence halls).  Use this link to reserve your spot:  https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_72qHxjNSxt4zUfY

 Lunch & Learn: FAFSA and Financial Aid Renewal – Wednesday, October 15th, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, Monongahela Room (Mountainlair – 2nd floor)

File your 26-27 FAFSA alongside a financial aid professional while also learning what you need to do to renew your financial aid award(s). Lunch will be provided, so come hungry!  Bring your questions, appetites, and laptops.  Use this link to reserve your spot:  https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVQfHCwI99GYNVk

 Maximizing Off-Campus Living – Tuesday, October 21st, 5 pm – 6:30 pm, Monongahela Room (Mountainlair – 2nd Floor)

Managing money to pay for off-campus housing can be challenging, whether you’re a new or returning renter. Join us to discuss how to find affordable abodes, learn about community housing resources, and find out how to maximize your financial aid for off-campus living.  Use this link to reserve your spot:  https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_daOIQRkDQZYcNam

 Halloween Party – Friday, October 31st, 11 am – 3 pm, Mountaineer Bunker (Veteran’s Office – Mountainlair 2nd Floor)

Come join us for a Halloween party! Enjoy sweet treats, seasonal crafts, good movies, and good vibes! Drop in at any time that works for you.  Use this link to sign up:  https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6J1EyFQtbC1rZMW

 2.       SSS Office Closed During Fall Break – Thursday, October 9th through Friday, October 10th

Fall Break is almost here!  We know everyone is ready to take some time off and get refreshed before the second half of the semester begins.  Since classes will not be in session, we have decided to close the SSS office location on Thursday, October 9th and Friday, October 10th.  (Our Cozy Connections event on Thursday, October 9th will still take place from noon to 4 pm at Maple House – see item number one for more details on this event.)  Drop-in tutoring will not take place on Thursday since the office will be closed.  We will return to regular office hours on Monday, October 13th at 8 am. 

 3.       WVU Hub Offering FAFSA Help Tables During October

During the month of October, the WVU Hub will be available around campus to answer your questions about the 2026-2027 FAFSA.  The FAFSA help tables for October 6 – 10, 2025 are as follows:

 Wednesday, October 8 at HSC Pylons from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Thursday, October 9 at the Rec Center from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Friday, October 10 at the Rec Center from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

 Visit a help table to get your FAFSA questions answered. WVU’s priority deadline is March 1, but don’t delay! Some financial aid is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. You may also visit the Hub’s Preparing for the FAFSA webpage for more information regarding what you will need to submit your FAFSA (https://financialaid.wvu.edu/applying-for-aid/preparing-for-fafsa).  You can also receive individualized help by calling the Hub at 304-293-1988. 

 4.       2026 Thomas R. Wolanin Congressional Internship for TRIO graduates

The Thomas R. Wolanin Congressional Internship provides individuals who are in the first generation of their families to graduate from college with an opportunity to work on Capitol Hill. This internship opportunity allows the participant to observe the federal policy-making process first-hand and to take part in that process. Learn more and apply here: https://fs3.formsite.com/coecoecoecoe/pjs7rondte/index.

 Primary responsibilities include:

•     Researching legislation

•     Attending and summarizing meetings, briefings, and hearings

•     Drafting talking points and memos; and

•     Providing support to Congressional staff

 For more information about qualifications, stipend, and timing of the internship, please see the application handbook here: https://coenet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Wolanin-Application-Guide-Final.pdf.

 •     Each candidate for the Wolanin internship must be nominated by a TRIO program's current or former director.

•     Student applicants must graduate college before the internship commences. TRIO alumni applicants must have graduated within the last five years.

•     This is a full-time position for 4- to 4-1/2 months.

•     COE provides a stipend of $2,700 monthly, round-trip travel to and from Washington, DC, and a monthly $1,500 housing allowance.

•     In addition to the application form, the candidate must submit a letter explaining their interest in policy and the internship, an official undergraduate transcript(s), a resume, a letter of support from a TRIO director or staff member, and a letter of support from a faculty member not associated with the TRIO program.

•     Complete applications are due before Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

 5.       MSW (Master of Social Work) Information Sessions Available

Ready to lead change and make a difference?  A Master of Social Work (MSW) from West Virginia University opens doors to a wide range of impactful careers. Whether you see yourself advocating for children and families, shaping and providing health and mental health services, supporting older adults, influencing policy, leading community initiatives, or driving organizational change - your MSW equips you to be a powerful advocate and change agent at every level of service.

With an MSW, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to fight for social justice, elevate underserved voices, and transform lives in diverse settings including behavioral health settings, schools, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and beyond. This isn’t just another degree - it’s your pathway to meaningful impact and lasting change.

 Discover how WVU can help you turn passion into action.  Join us for one of our live, virtual MSW Information Sessions in Fall 2025. Learn about our on-campus and online MSW programs, admissions requirements, application tips, and more.  Information sessions are available on the following dates/times:

·         Tuesday, October 7, 12:00-1:00pm

·         Monday, October 20, 6:00-7:00pm

·         Wednesday, November 5, 12:00-1:00pm

·         Thursday, November 20, 6:00-7:00pm

·         Wednesday, December 3, 3:00-4:00pm

·         Tuesday, December 16, 6:00-7:00pm

Use this link to register for a session:  https://socialwork.wvu.edu/students/msw/information-sessions. 

 6.       No Drop-In Tutoring on Monday, October 13th – Monday Hours Will Resume On October 20th

Drop-In tutoring will not be available on Monday, October 13th.  Drop-in hours will still be available on Tuesday and Thursday this week from 2 pm to 6 pm.  Monday hours will resume on October 20th. 

 7.       Drop-In Tutoring Now Available in the SSS Office – Mondays 1 pm to 5 pm and Tuesdays/Thursdays 2 pm to 6 pm

Get help now!  The SSS office is now offering FREE drop-in tutoring for a variety of subjects in the SSS office (G-30 Mountainlair) on Mondays from 1 pm to 5 pm and again on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 pm to 6 pm.  Subjects tutored include the following:

Mondays 1 pm – 5 pm

PHYS 101,102

CHEM 110,111,112,115,116,233,234

BIOL 115,117,219

MATH 121,122, 124,126,150

STAT 211

SPAN 101,102,203,204

Study Skills

Note Taking Skills

 Tuesdays and Thursdays 2 pm – 6 pm

CHEM 110, 111, 112, 115, 116

MATH 121,122, 124, 126, 150, 155, 156, 251

Study Skills

Note Taking Skills

 8.       FALL ISP (Individual Success Plan) meetings

We are scheduling ISP appointments now.  Appointments will take place in person in the SSS office.  Please allow at least 1 hour for your meeting, you will go over some important information with your counselor.  Stop in the office to schedule or call the SSS office at 304-293-6629.  For those students enrolled in our SSS Service Learning classes, you must schedule your ISP appointment by September 30th to receive points for the class. 

 9.       SSS Tutor Requests

The SSS office will be offering one-on-one tutoring this fall with in-person and virtual options.  You will not be able to request a tutor until you complete your ISP appointment with your counselor.  Call the office at 304-293-6629 or stop by to schedule your ISP appointment.  Make sure you let us know that you need to request a tutor at that time so we can get you in to see your counselor as quickly as possible.

 10.   School Supplies Available in the SSS Office

School supplies (folders, notebooks, pens/pencils, index cards, etc.) will be available in the SSS/TRIO Office (G-30 Mountainlair) if you need them.  For those who are taking chemistry, we have plenty of goggles and aprons that you can borrow for your lab courses.  In addition, we will have snacks, water, and coffee available throughout the academic year.

 11.   Important Dates

October 9-10 – Fall Break

October 10 – Deadline to Apply to Graduate December 2025

October 13 – First 8 Weeks Final Grades Due Noon

October 21 - STAR Web available for Seniors (90+ Hours) Spring 2026 Registration

October 24 – STAR Web available for Juniors (60 – 89 hours) Spring 2026 Registration

October 28 – STAR Web available for Sophomores (30 – 59 hours) Spring 2026 Registration

October 31 – STAR Web available for Freshman (1 – 29 hours) Spring 2026 Registration

November 21 – Last Day to Withdraw from an individual course for full term / Last Day to Withdraw from University

November 22- November 30 - Fall Recess

December 11 - Last Day of Classes Fall 2025

December 12 - Prep Day for Finals

December 15-19 - Final Exams

December 20 – Commencement

December 22 - Final Grades Due Noon

 12.   Additional FREE Academic Support

WVU tutoring centers are offering both in-person and online tutoring options for Fall 2025.  For details about each tutoring center and instructions about how to receive support, go to:  https://tutoring.wvu.edu/.

 The Office of Student Success also offers assistance from Student Success Coaches.  These coaches will help you stay on track academically.  For more information about success coaching, go to https://studentsuccess.wvu.edu/services/student-success-coaching. 

 StudentLingo is an online platform that offers 20-minute, on-demand workshops focusing on a variety of skills needed to achieve at the college level.  You can choose from 50 different topics, and each workshop comes with an action plan that you can download to help put these new skills to work.  To access StudentLingo, go to https://studentlingo.com/wvu and use your WVU username and password to log in. 

                     The Student Support Services/TRIO (SSS) program supports WVU and Undergraduate Education as a student-centered environment by providing individualized services to students who are either first-generation, income eligible, or have a learning or physical disability. Based on their needs and goals, SSS assists them with academic accomplishments and social and cultural enrichment so they may successfully complete baccalaureate degrees.