The UMSL Office of Inclusive Postsecondary Education (OIPE) has three college programs for the neurodiverse. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a documented intellectual disability or developmental disabilities. Each program is designed for students to explore independent living and academic skills building, vocational pathways and readiness, including self-determination and navigating today's rich social climate.
Succeed Program
Succeed was established in 2013 and is our longest running and most-awarded college program. It is designed for individuals with intellectual disability. Application is online and is followed by an interview of both student and their family member(s). Those who qualify for the Succeed Program are eligible to receive a Chancellor's Certificate from the University of Missouri - St. Louis upon completion of 44 credit hours.
The Succeed Program is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a model Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary program (CTP), and was the recipient of the Focus St. Louis "What's Right with the Region" Award, the Missouri Governor's Council on Disability Inclusion Award, and the UMSL Chancellor's Award for Excellence. Higher education institutions in the country aiming to establish their own inclusive college programs refer to the research and years of experience of the founding members of the Succeed Program.
Succeed+ Program
Graduates of the two-year Succeed Program who wish to continue their matriculation at the University may be eligible for Succeed+. They receive student support services such as 1-on-1 academic tutoring, vocational exploration opportunities, coaching, and access to OIPE and UMSL campus-wide activities. Students in the Succeed+ Program do not have to work towards another certificate. Moreover, they are only required to complete 22 credit hours in an academic year.
Link Program
Application to the Link Program begins with filling out the standard UMSL undergraduate application form. As soon as the UMSL Office of Admissions confirms receipt of application, the student or family member must email OIPE@umsl.edu in order to submit their disability documentation. Only then can they be enrolled in the Link Program.
Please note that student support services for the Link Program are charged separately from UMSL college tuition. Our fee covers 1-on-1 coaching and small group counseling, employment support resources in partnership with UMSL Career Services, time management and coursework organization, and strategies to navigate professional and social interactions.
Ways we support students and their family/guardian:
- Person-Centered Planning by LifeCourse Nexus
- Comprehensive and timely communications via:
- OIPE Family Hub
- Equip
- Family Info Session (monthly)
- Family Workshop (one per semester)
- Newsletter and social media
- Support for family members transitioning to being their student's "Advisor" versus "Caregiver"
- OIPE Alumni Group events

Program Pillars
The comprehensive student support we provide through our programs are grounded on four pillars: Live, Learn, Work, Play. These promote a holistic, immersive college experience for our college students.
Live
A thriving independent lifestyle is a goal shared by young adults and their loved ones. Our Live Pillar Coordinator conducts multiple workshops per semester on building independent living skills. This includes evaluated sessions on grocery shopping, food prep, and basic cooking, safe commuting via public transportation or ride share (which is beneficial to students without access to a personal vehicle), personal hygiene, medication management, and maintenance of a healthy living space, time/routine management, and strategies for successful shared housing (e.g., dormitory suite, apartment, town home).
Learn
Academics are designed to support students through exploration of new subjects, expansion of existing knowledge, and critical thinking skills. The Learn Pillar likewise promotes social and networking skills.
- Minimum of 12 academic hours a semester (four classes), three of which are Succeed Certificate Courses and 1 - 2 that are UMSL Catalog Class
- Consistent and regular meetings with Academic Support Coordinator for academic advising and to develop student schedule each semester
- Access to numerous accommodations and modifications (full credit or modified credit) offered by UMSL OIPE staff and volunteers (e.g., First Year Experiences, 1:1 tutoring, academic and peer mentoring lab hours, holistic coaching, enhancing vocational competencies lab, and transitional supports); Disability Access Services
Work
Our Vocational Pillar (a.k.a. Work Pillar) experiences support students by opening doors toward volunteering, interning, and paid employment, including federal work-study.
- Coursework on resume writing, elevator pitch, and interview preparation
- Required attendance at job and internship fairs hosted by UMSL and the surrounding community
- Employment or training opportunities with St. Louis area partner organizations (e.g., St. Louis Zoo, Busch Stadium, Mercy, UMSL Recreation and Wellness Center, etc.)
- Spring semester OIPE VocExpo (a.k.a. Vocational Expo)
- Training conducted by our Work Pillar team:
- Exploring career pathways based on a student's interest and skill set
- Working independently on the job
- Arranging for transportation independently
- Advocating for needed workplace accommodations and modifications and paid positions
Play
Comfortably participating in social interactions and exercising self-determination are essential to independent living. Our Play Pillar coordinator oversees our students' inclusion in campus-wide UMSL Activities, Clubs and Organizations. The OIPE also spearheads UMSL Social Peers which promotes healthy interpersonal relationships among all students at the University. Social Peers organizes group outings (e.g., bowling), movie/game night, group activities (e.g., Friendsgiving, art workshop, volunteering for local charities), and offers guidelines for disability rights advocacy for all Tritons.
The Play Pillar also provides training on healthy relationships, including promoting boundary-setting and defining consent. All Tritons, UMSL faculty, and staff are expected to follow the guidelines of Title IX and may be subject to investigation and disciplinary action if a complaint arises.
