AccessAbility Services Summer Transition Program
WESTPREP
SUMMER TRANSITION PROGRAM
Students with disabilities are often underprepared for – and/or unaware of – the vast array of new academic and social responsibilities required of them in a college setting. Throughout their primary and secondary educations, these students receive direct support pursuant to an Individualized Education Program or “504” plan, which is monitored by a Planning and Placement Team comprised of parents, educators, administrators and various support professionals as appropriate to the disability. Thus, graduating high school students often have been acclimated to an environment in which others intervene and advocate for them, whereas in higher education students’ self determination and self advocacy are critical to success.
A four week transition program, including a three credit course “Interpersonal Communications” (COM 162) specifically tailored to students with disabilities, but open to any student in need of transition programming, will identify and address areas of concern in academic ability while fostering intrapersonal and interpersonal skills development which students will require in a setting and format that primes them for success on campus.
Program Details
The four week summer session course in Interpersonal Communications (COM 162) fulfills a general education core requirement for all WCSU majors. This course will be presented in conjunction with a complementary academic, study, organizational and social skills building program. This comprehensive transition program will run from August 1 through August 24 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am to 3pm. The program will be comprised of morning classes in COM 162, followed by skills building with a learning specialist.
Specifically, afternoon activities will include reinforcing communication skills taught in COM 162, learning and practicing study and organization skills, touring the university library and being introduced to research and writing strategies, discovering personal strengths and learning styles, teaching and reinforcing self-advocacy skills, learning about campus resources and support services, and learning and practicing social skills with fellow students. Several social events will also be an integral part of the program.
Admission Criteria/Cost
Applicants should optimally be graduating high school seniors, or returning WCSU students interested in taking COM 162 and in need of one or more the skills being taught. Interested students must complete an application and submit it with their high school transcript (unless they are a current WCSU student). Applicants with disabilities in need of accommodations must also submit documentation which describes the nature of their disability and requested accommodations.
The cost of this four week, three credit course and skills building program is $1474, payable upon registration.
Outcomes
Students will earn three credits. They will learn communication, self-advocacy, organization, study, and social skills. They will gain a better understanding of college life and expectations. They will also gain a better understanding of their academic and personal strengths and areas of need/concern, and their rights and responsibilities.
Some of the skills to be taught concurrently with COM 162:
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Interpersonal skills building with group activities
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Dining options/managing the Cafeterias/meals/eating healthy
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Academic skills building (e.g., checklists/planners/organization, executive functioning, note taking)
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Being safe (Campus Police presentation)
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Self advocacy skills building
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Dealing with stress
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Social skills/Dos and Don’ts/Tips/Hidden Curriculum
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Study strategies, study groups and good study places and habits
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Safe choices (Counseling/CHOICES presentations)
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Identifying and joining appropriate clubs/sports/etc.
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Technology and Assistive Technology
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Money issues
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Communicating with students, professors, registrar, bursar, etc. – building on self advocacy skills
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Talking/meeting with professors
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Availing oneself of Academic Advising
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Code of Conduct/campus safety
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Registering with AccessAbility Services and reinforcing self advocacy skills
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Going to advisement and registering for courses as a self advocate
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Residential Life Overview (Housing Presentation)
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US AT
(203) 837-8225
