CHARLES CRANE/MDN Minot State University TRIO students Tayton Hjelmstad, Jamie Ward , Mia Wiese, Fateema Edwards and Amadis Amaya, from left to right, pose in front of art and comments expressing their appreciation for the assistance and camaraderie the program provides.

The first semester of the average college student’s freshman year can involve a number of daunting situations in and out of the classroom, but some students at Minot State University are tapping into the resources and support provided by the university’s TRIO program.

TRIO is funded through grants from the Department of Education to work with students who are first generation college students, have a documented disability or fit within income guidelines from the federal government. Once a student is accepted into TRIO the student is assigned one of the academic coaches who make up the staff at MSU, who work with the students for a six-year period or until they graduate.

“Academics is number one. However, you’ve got to take care of everything else around academics to make sure you’re doing well in academics,” Katy Allers, director of TRIO Student Support Services, said.

TRIO’s student support services programs include academic tutoring, advice and guidance on course selection, mentoring programs, information and instruction on financial literacy, as well as help with financial aid and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

MSU sophomore Mia Wiese said she was encouraged to apply for TRIO during the first semester of her freshman year, describing the program’s offices on the lower level of the Gordon B. Olson Library as a refuge where she can study, relax and socialize with other students, along with Allers’ dog, Piper.

“I always study and do homework here, and I work here. So I’m always in the library unless I’m in class or there’s an event on campus. Because there’s good people here, but I can also focus on stuff,” Wiese said. “A bunch of people come in and out. There’s food. Piper is always here. I kidnap her sometimes.”

Wiese said her academic coaches help ease her and other students into academic life by navigating platforms like Blackboard, Campus Connection, and even confronting otherwise anxiety-inducing situations.

“I’ve been upset with a teacher, and I asked Katy, ‘How can I make this sound nice?’ and she helped me with that,” Wiese said. “I do encourage other people to look into the program.”

Another glowing review came from senior Tayton Hjelmstad, who said the guidance he’s received from TRIO over the years was a major help on his road toward graduation.

“I can’t say enough good things about them. They’ve seen my good days. They’ve seen my bad days. Whether it’s been to get guidance on dealing with financial aid stuff or going to the Registrar’s Office or coming down here to vent on an off day, it’s been terrific,” Hjelmstad said.

Allers said the academic coaches make themselves available to advocate for the students, and help by taking some planning off the students plate. They provide workshops around subjects such as cooking on a budget at TRIO’s living skills station and serve as a second location for the MSU food pantry.

“It’s been wonderful having a second adviser guiding me through the complex college journey, getting me past the classes that were challenging for me to get through. I will always be grateful to the TRIO program for their support in my college career,” Hjelmstad said.