Admission Criteria:
Consideration for admission to the EXCEL Transition program is given to individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Documented intellectual/developmental disability
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Have completed four years of high school, are no longer enrolled in a school district, and are no longer receiving special education services under IDEA
- Previously enrolled in a high school special education program that led to completion of a regular high school diploma or GED
- Eagerness to continue education in a college setting
- Demonstrate communication skills adequate to interact with others on the BSU campus
- Demonstrate emotional stability and maturity; no history of disruptive or challenging behaviors (the EXCEL Program does not have the personnel required to manage behavioral needs)
- Able to self-administer medications
- Express interest in living and working as independently as possible in the community after completing the EXCEL Program
- Able to identify job-related interests and career goals
- Ultimate goal is to become a degree seeking undergraduate student; a vision supported by family/guardian
Additional criteria for students applying to the EXCEL Residence Life program:
- Able to function independently (uses technology, navigates campus, follows own schedule, etc.)
- Functional daily living skills (personal care, grooming, etc.).
- Functional self-advocacy skills (knowledge of one’s own disability and learning strengths/needs)
- Able to independently recognize and react to emergency situations
- Able to live independent from support staff
- Able to make appropriate decisions regarding personal safety
- Able to manage personal belongings (ID, phone, wallet, money, etc.).
- Motivation and willingness to build upon daily/independent living skills