If you are a first-generation college student, have a disability, or meet federal income requirements, you might be eligible for free support services and incentives created to help you achieve your goal of graduating in four years. UAB’s TRIO Academic Services (TAS) is a Student Support Services program that is a part of a network of TRIO programs fully funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The mission of TAS is to provide academic and personal support to help participants be successful as they pursue their educational goals at UAB.
To participate in TAS, you must apply and be accepted to the program. TAS accepts new students into the program each fall semester. TAS New Participant Applications are available from April 1 to July 15 of each year. An application can be downloaded by clicking on the link below (this link will only be active from April 1 to July 15) or can be picked up from our office during this time period. Applications are also mailed to all conditionally admitted students accepted to UAB between April 1 and July 1. The application deadline is August 7.
ServicesThroughout your freshman and sophomore years, TAS provides continuous intensive support that is available whenever you need it. You can also take advantage of these free services during your junior and senior years, but typically less assistance is needed then.
The following are just a few of TAS’ valuable services:
- one-on-one assessment of your needs by TAS staff each semester;
- midterm monitoring of your progress so that TAS can adjust services to meet needs identified by instructors;
- close monitoring to ensure you meet financial aid requirements;
- tutoring assistance;
- help with developing good study skills;
- academic, career, personal, financial, and graduate school counseling;
- assistance with preparation for graduate and professional school entrance examinations; and
- additional services based on your individual needs.
Incentives
Along with its services and support, TAS provides special incentives that make it easier for you to stay on track and focus on your goals of educational success.
The most important benefit is a UAB-paid stipend that increases yearly. If you enter the TRIO program as a freshman, remain in good standing, and graduate in four years, you will be eligible for the largest amount of money.
Some incentives include:
- free admission to selected popular cultural activities;
- an honors program, which awards stipends, plaques, and trophies to participants;
- priority registration for juniors and seniors;
- free access to computers and the internet;
- tours of graduate and professional schools and assistance with the admissions process;
- a UAB-paid stipend that increases yearly (participants who enter the TAS program as a freshman, remain in good standing, and graduate in four years will be eligible for the largest amount of money); and
- supplemental grant aid for eligible participants who also receive Pell Grant.
Eligibility Requirements
TAS is free and open to freshmen and sophomores demonstrating both academic need and academic potential. Priority is given to conditionally admitted freshmen attending UAB for the first time during summer or fall semesters, and limited space is available for freshmen and sophomores already attending UAB. The reason for this is that TAS attempts to select eligible students before they enroll for their first classes to help them avoid situations that might present academic difficulties.
To meet federal TRIO eligibility requirements, you must
- be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.;
- be seriously seeking a college degree;
- demonstrate a need for academic assistance; and
- have a low taxable family income, be a first generation college student (which means the parent(s) or guardian(s) you lived with until you turned 18 does not have a four-year college degree), OR have a disability. (All disabilities must be documented by an appropriate medical practitioner or state rehabilitation service.)
Staying in TAS Once accepted as a participant in TAS, you must do the following to stay in the program:
- attend UAB full time;
- choose one of UAB’s undergraduate majors;
- complete a minimum of 27 hours per academic year;
- maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0;
- maintain eligibility for needed financial aid; and
- participate fully in TAS services recommended for you
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