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ACCESS

ACCESS
Mississippi State University
ACCESS
01 Montgomery Hall
P.O. Box 806
Mississippi State, MS 39762
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Program Contact Chris Dallager
Program Contact Email access@msstate.edu
Phone 662-325-7924
Website Program website
Facebook link to program Facebook page

Program information submitted: January 29, 2024

General
Public or private: Public
Type of school: 4-year college or university
Is this program a federally funded TPSID program? No
Number of students: 28
Summer program name Mississippi State University Access Campus Experience (A.C.E)
Description of our summer transition program: A.C.E. is a three day summer program that allows prospective ACCESS applicants to experience the ACCESS Program and life on the Mississippi State University Campus.
Requirements
Program serves students who have left high school? Yes, all of our students have left high school
Regular high school diploma required? No, an IEP/non-standard diploma/certificate of attendance is accepted
Deadline to apply to this program: Applications are open each year from October 1st - November 30th (for the following Fall Semester)
Criteria for admission
  • Those eligible to apply for admission to ACCESS must have an intellectual and developmental disability that significantly interferes with their academic performance, social development, and independent living skills. ACCESS graduates receive a Certificate of Completion. Students who are eligible for ACCESS are generally not eligible for admission to a degree program from a college or university. Desired applicants display the following: Diagnosed with an intellectual and/or developmental disability Preferably between 18 and 26 years of age upon admission to the program Strong desire to live and work independently Functional reading and math skills (e.g. demonstrate comprehension of basic text, ability to apply basic math applications such as addition and subtraction, identification, and basic understanding of money, etc.) Adequate communication skills to interact with others Understanding of technology and electronic communications (e.g. usage of smartphone, text messaging, emailing, etc.) Demonstrates independence, motivation, and stability with minor assistance Handles changes in routine, flexible in fluctuating circumstances Follows direction and guidance of those in authority Prior employment or volunteer experience preferable Independence in handling specialized dietary requirements, medical needs, medication, and hygiene (ACCESS staff will not manage, supervise, or administer medications) Unified commitment from family to support goals of ACCESS Navigate a daily routine (read and conceptualize time and dates, independently transition throughout day, etc.) Ability to self-manage when left unsupervised for an extended period of time Commitment to a 4-year transition program
Accepts out-of-state students? Yes
Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have:
Planned program length 4 years
Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates
Retention rate for first year students from the previous academic year to the current one: 100.00%
Cost
Average student tuition and fees for the current school year: $2454.00
Room and board: $14000.00
Program fees: $20000.00
Additional costs:
Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)? Yes
Students pay for the program in the following ways:
  • Private pay (student and family)
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Funds
  • Scholarships
  • Adult intellectual/developmental disability state agency funds
  • Federal Financial Aid
Academic
Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities):
  • Typical college courses for credit
  • Typical college courses for audit
More about course access: Each semester our students enroll in at least one course that is related to their areas of interest or area of focus (similar to a major). They attend the classes, labs, etc with the rest of the enrolled class and do class assessments (with modifications as needed).
Students take courses that are only for students in this program: Yes
Information on special classes: Our students take Functional Academics classes and Employment classes in addition to their audit courses and ACCESS support courses (such as social skills class or relationships class).
Percentage of academic time spent in inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): 25-49%
Do all students in this program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course for credit or audit each semester? Yes
Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program: ACCESS Certificate of Completion
Is the credential approved by the college/university? Yes, this credential has been through a formal approval process at the IHE
Other than the credential listed above, can students earn any other credentials that are available to all students? Some students have completed courses related to their area of focus from outside of the university (one was related to the Hospitality Area and working as a certified Hotel Front Desk Person)
Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services:
  • Career services
  • Disability/accessibility services
  • Academic tutoring services
  • Health services
  • Mental health/counseling services
  • Access to a transcript via the registrar
  • Academic advising services (not program staff)
Employment
Other career development activities are:
  • Internships
  • Volunteer work
  • Community Service
Does this program have a working partnership with VR to provide funding, supports and/or services to students in the program? Yes
Housing
Housing is provided to students: Yes
Housing options available:
  • Inclusive on campus
  • Inclusive off campus
Extracurricular
Students participate in student organizations on campus: Yes
Percentage of social time spent in inclusive activities (open to all students on campus): 100%
Students may participate in the following extra-curricular activities
  • Registered student organizations
  • Student government
  • Club sports
  • Campus events
  • Fraternities/sororities
Students participate in these campus-wide events:
  • College/University's Student orientation
  • College/University's Family orientation
  • College/University's Graduation