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.
Students 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. Incorporated into the program are vocational exposure, training, and internship opportunities. Independent living skills (a.k.a. life skills) are likewise 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.
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.
Enrollment procedure for the Link Program, whether Link Certificate or Link Degree, is different from Succeed and Succeed+. Students who qualify for the Link Program must fill out an application form through the UMSL Office of Admissions. This 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 take undergraduate courses offered by the University. 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 (i.e. tutoring, coaching) and facilitating accommodations leading to academic success and employment support resources.
Succeed, Succeed+, and Link programs subscribe to the following:
Each academic program reflects our four pillars: Live, Learn, Work, and Play. These promote a holistic, immersive college experience for our students.
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.
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.
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.
