OMA&D Academic Counseling Services

TRIO SSS Seminars

General Studies (GEN ST) 181 Writing Seminar

When: Tuesdays + Thursdays 1:30-2:50 PM PST

Instructor: Dr. Leah Spence, TRIO SSS Writing Instructor

Course Description: This course connects you with TRIO peers and UW resources while it leads you to explore your identity and build your communication skills.  It helps you smoothly transition into college and grow your sense of belonging at the UW. In this course, you will explore and share your own narrative, both individually and with your classmates.You will also interact with guest speakers from 1st gen backgrounds who will share their college experiences and tips for resilience with you.  As you tell your story and hear those of others, you’ll begin to build your own narrative of achievement and belonging at the UW that reflects and honors both who you are and what you want to become. The assignments you do for this class will develop your personal storytelling and written correspondence skills.  This is a personable class where you’ll also have many opportunities to participate actively in classroom and small group discussions.  

What do past students say was most valuable about this course?  

“Presenters, I learned a lot from them. Their experience, their story, and some really helpful information I can use later on.”  

“I think this course gave me the space to really reflect on my past and how my specific journey will help me in the years to come. I think it also helped me realize that while I am an under-represented minority I’m not alone in my experiences and opinions, even here at the university.”  

“I would say take this course, you definitely will learn a lot from it. You learn how to share and listen to others share. You also get a chance to learn from others. Also, getting more connected to the TRIO/OMAD community. Good course 100/100 recommend taking it.”  

Autumn Quarter 2024 Time Schedule (Section D): Click on this link to find the SLN #, current enrollment, etc.


General Studies (GEN ST) 181: Succeeding in STEM

When: Tuesdays + Thursdays 3:00-4:20 PM PST, Lab on Wednesdays 3:00-4:20 PM PST

Instructors: Dr. Patricia Zagallo, TRIO SSS STEM Instructor & Mariela Galvan, TRIO SSS STEM Academic Adviser

Course Description: This is a 2-credit course offered to TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) students. In this course we will explore topics to enhance your understanding of and approach to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) at the college level. We will provide opportunities to navigate useful resources on campus as well as develop a wide range of skills, like evidence-based study habits, time management, advocacy, and healthy habits for mental health and wellbeing. By actively participating in the course, you’ll have chances to interact with other TRIO SSS students interested in STEM. You’ll also have chances to interact with UW professionals and build a sense of community and support within your first quarter at UW.

Seminar (Section A): If you would like to register just for the Succeeding in STEM Seminar (without the lab) please click on Autumn Quarter 2024 Time Schedule (A) to find the SLN #, current enrollment, etc. Patrica Zagallo is the instructor listed on the time schedule.

Seminar + Lab (Section B/BA): If you would like to register for the Succeeding in STEM Seminar (including the lab) please click on Autumn Quarter 2024 Time Schedule (B) AND Autumn Quarter 2024 Time Schedule (BA) to find the SLN #, current enrollment, etc.


General Studies (GEN ST) 181: TRIO Tools For Success

When: Mondays 1:30-3:20 PM PST

Instructors: Jimmy Merino-Cruz, TRIO SSS Academic Adviser & Muhamed Manhsour, TRIO SSS Academic Adviser

Course Description: Welcome new Huskies! The journey through college is one that is exciting, traumatic, rewarding, challenging and frustrating; encapsulated all in your time here at the University of Washington. This seminar is constructed and designed to help you develop the tools necessary to enhance and ease your transition from High School/Community college to the UW. In this seminar, you will learn about yourself, learn from your peers, build community, open opportunities, and prepare yourself for your future endeavors. You will learn the skillsets necessary to be successful here at the UW while understanding more about your own interests, personality type and learning style using the Strong Interest Inventory and Myer’s-Briggs Type Indicator. Your assignments are designed for you to reflect upon your learning, experiences and apply what you have learned in class to your college life/career.

Autumn Quarter 2024 Time Schedule (Section C): Click on this link to find the SLN #, current enrollment, etc.