We offer three college programs for the neurodiverse population of adults. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a documented intellectual disability or developmental disabilities. Each program is designed to encourage and facilitate students to gain independence through academics, vocational experiences, and college residential/student life.
Succeed Program
Students with intellectual disability who qualify for the Succeed Program are eligible to receive a Chancellor's Certificate from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. This requires the completion of 44 credit hours within two years. To support this academic objective, our instructors work alongside our team on accommodations and/or coursework modifications. The Succeed Program likewise incorporates vocational exposure, training, and internship opportunities into the semester. Independent living skills are also taught and encouraged by our program coordinators.
Founded in 2013, Succeed is our longest-running and most-awarded program. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a model Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary program and was the recipient of the Focus St. Louis "What's Right with the Region" Award. Higher education institutions in the country aiming to establish their own inclusive college programs, refer to the research and years of experience of the Succeed Program team.
Succeed+ Program
Graduates of the two-year Succeed Program who wish to continue their matriculation at the University may be eligible for Succeed+. Once in the program, they will be required to complete 22 credit hours. Like their Succeed cohorts, they will receive student support services, such as academic tutoring and coaching, and vocational opportunities. Students in the Succeed+ Program do not have to work towards a certificate.
Link Program
Enrollment procedure for the Link Program, whether Link Certificate or Link Degree, is different from Succeed and Succeed+. Neurodivergent students who qualify for the Link Program must fill out an application form through the UMSL Office of Admissions. This application form is different from Succeed and Succeed+ applications. Only after UMSL Admissions receives the completed form can a student proceed with their enrollment for either Link Certificate or Link Degree.
Link students apply for and take undergraduate program courses at UMSL. This implies that a separate tuition fee is charged by the University. The OIPE has a separate Link Program fee that covers our team's role in providing support services such as 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.
Succeed, Succeed+, and Link programs subscribe to the following:
- Person-Centered Planning (PDF 95KB) toward individual development and independence goals
- Comprehensive communication with and support from the OIPE team
- Partnership with families and significant caregivers
Program Pillars
Each academic program reflects our four pillars: Live, Learn, Work, and Play. These promote a holistic, immersive college experience for our students.
Learn
Academics are designed to support students explore new subjects, expand 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 Electives and one of which is an UMSL Catalog Class
- Consistent and regular meetings with Student Support Specialist and Coordinator of Instruction to develop student schedule each semester
- Access to numerous accommodations and modifications offered by UMSL Succeed staff and volunteers (e.g., 1:1 tutoring, study hall, course accommodations); Disability Access Services, peer mentoring lab
Work
During three of the four semesters that a student is in the program, our Vocational (a.k.a. Work) Pillar experiences assist them in opening doors toward volunteering, interning, and paid employment.
- Coordinator of Vocational Experiences hosts a VocExpo (a.k.a. Vocational Expo) each semester. Here, students are able to share their resumes and connect with our partners on campus and in the community
- Through collaboration with our Coordinator of Vocational Experiences, students learn how to:
Live and Play
Students who live on campus reside in Oak Hall among approximately 400 degree-seeking students. A private suite is shared with three other students who may or may not also be in any of our programs. Suitemates share a single bathroom, as well as responsibility for bathroom upkeep. Like all other students, our students receive support from a Residential Advisor assigned to each floor. They may also reach out to a hall mentor for advice.
Those who commute receive the same campus support provided to other UMSL students. Our program fosters independent living growth through classroom seminars and our independent living lab apartment on campus.
Moreover, our students have access to all UMSL Activities, Clubs and Organizations. Our Student Support Specialist collaborates with UMSL Succeed students to find and access events and organizations of interest.
