Admission Criteria:
Consideration for admission to the EXCEL Certificate 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
- 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; a vision supported by family/guardian.
- Desire to build upon self-determination and self-advocacy skills; a vision supported by family/guardian
- Able to identify job-related interests and career goals; ultimate goal is paid employment
- Able to adhere to the BSU Code of Conduct
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.).
- At least a third-grade reading level
- Motivation and willingness to build upon daily/independent living skills
- Adhere to the code of conduct as outlined by BSU Residence Life