Starting Point

1. Apply Now.  Complete the online application and provide any required documentation. Students are accepted into the program on a first-come, first-serve basis. See our Eligibility Requirements below for information about required documentation.
   Note: Admission to the program is not automatic. Completed applications will be evaluated for eligibility and space in the program. If admitted, you will be contacted about the next steps to begin your involvement with TRIO Starting Point. 
2. Complete the Starting Point orientation. Find out all about TRIO history and our program services and requirements in one session. Once this is complete, you will be contacted to make an appointment with your new TRIO Starting Point advisor.
3. Meet with your assigned TRIO Starting Point advisor. During this session, you will be able to talk with your new advisor about your goals, questions & needs and discuss how our program can help you do your best.  
4. Get involved! Once you have met with your TRIO Starting Point advisor, you will be able to take advantage of our services and activities. They are here for you!

To apply, you must:

• Be currently accepted or enrolled at Minneapolis College
• Plan to graduate from Minneapolis College and/or transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident

To qualify, you must demonstrate an academic need and have one of the following requirements:

1. Income eligible
2. First Generation (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree)
3. Have a disability 

You must be at or above the following course levels:

• Writing: ENGL 0900 or ESOL 0041
• Reading: READ 0100 or ESOL 0042

 You are ineligible for the program if you are: 

• Close to graduating and/or transferring
• Applying soon or in the nursing program
• Have a previous degree

The following services are available and FREE to all TRIO Starting Point students:

Advising:

• Advice and assistance in course enrollment, selection and planning
• Transfer planning & application assistance
• Monitoring of academic progress, assessment, and intervention when needed
• Advocacy with faculty and staff
• Transfer college campus tours
• Financial aid award letter review
• Assistance in completing applications and monitoring Federal Student Aid
• Financial literacy education
• Scholarship searches and application assistance.
• Career exploration and planning
• Goal setting assistance

Academic Support & Professional Tutoring:

• Professional tutoring
• Study skill development
• Educational workshops
• FYST 1000: Orientation to Higher Education course
• Academic resource lending program (laptops, SmartPens, digital recorders)

Leadership & Cultural Opportunities:

• Peer mentoring
• Leadership opportunities
• Cultural & social events
• Student conferences

For information about any services, please contact your Starting Point advisor.

Email: triostartingpoint@minneapolis.edu
Call: 612-659-6563

Staff:

• Julie Vang, Administrative Assistant, 612-659-6563
• Kate Germ, Program Advisor, 612-200-5456
• Kris Leveille, Interim Director, 612-659-6561
• LaJune Cain, Program Advisor, 612-659-6314
• Mary Jo Dahl, Program Advisor, 612-659-6541
• Michael Bro, Program Advisor, 612-659-6565
• Michael Hodges, Academic Coordinator, 612-659-6567
• Sharon Margalli, Interim Assistant Director, 612-659-6566