West Chester University Lawrence Center 222
University College- Professional Studies Program
West Chester, PA 19383
Program Contact | Monica Lepore |
raminitiative@wcupa.edu | |
Phone | 610-4363548 |
Website | https://www.wcupa.edu/universityCollege/professionalStudies/ramInitiative.aspx |
<p>The RAM initiative (Real Achievement Matters) is a new program at West Chester University, bringing students with intellectual disabilities, ages 18-24, to campus in very small numbers (initially 1-2 per year, capping at 6-10 after 5 years), to participate in a two year inclusive post-secondary education experience. The RAM initiative is ‘inclusive’ in that RAM students would learn, live, and interact with all students, faculty, staff and administrators on campus, not in segregated environments. The students generally take classes on an Audit basis and have a non-traditional application/admissions process. RAM Initiative students are full time students, have full privileges of the university, and are eligible for Pell Grants and Federal Financial Work Study programs (if financially eligible). VISION: Provide inclusive post-secondary education to students with intellectual disabilities, who meet specific criteria of Intellectual Disability, in order to develop citizens who are independent and economically self-sufficient and to meet the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency. Goals: Develop students who are empowered Develop students who are employable and have career aspirations Develop students who are self-learners and life-long learners Develop students who are socially effective Develop students who are healthy and happy Develop students who have independent living skills and have a high participation level in their community Pilot Program in 2018-2019 has 2 students who take 12-13 credits including a work-experience practicum/internship per semester and participate as day/commuter students. This is a 4 semester, 2 year program at this time. Residential opportunities on campus being developed for future students and piloted in 2019-2020 School year.</p>
General | |
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Public or private: | Public |
Type of school: | 4-year college or university |
Is this program a federally funded TPSID program? | No |
Students in this program: | Have graduated or exited from high school |
Number of students: | 0 |
This program will be serving students in: | 2019-2020 |
Requirements | |
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Deadline to apply to this program: | January 16, 2020 |
Link to admissions process: | Admissions link |
Requirements for admission to this program: |
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Accepts out-of-state students?: | Yes |
Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have: |
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Program length: | 2 years |
Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates | |
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Percent of students applying who are admitted: | 29% |
Retention rate: | nan% |
Cost | |
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Cost of the program: |
Tuition $5200 |
Additional costs: |
$2,000.00 Future Per semester Peer and Faculty/Staff Support Fee (in review) $2000 |
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: |
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Academic | |
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Students take these types of "typical" courses (with students who don't have disabilities): |
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More about course access: |
<p>4 typical WCU classes per semester for 4 semesters including one required class towards wellness and personal growth, one required internship per semester towards career goals, and two classes per semester toward academic goals.</p> |
Time spent only with other students in this program: | None of the time |
Employment | |
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Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: | 0% |
Other career development activities are: |
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Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: | 0% |
We offer the following specialized credentials: |
<p>We do not have students who are near graduation yet, therefore we have no data to report (we just started in Fall 2019)</p> |
Housing | |
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Housing is provided to students: | Yes |
Housing options available: |
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Extracurricular | |
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Students participate in student organizations on campus: | Yes |
Proportion of time spent only with other students in this program: | None of the time |
Students have participated in these social/extracurricular activities and organizations: |
<p>Student Activities Council; Homecoming; Radio; Photography for the TV studio; Volunteer at MLK Jr Day of Service; RAM Rallies, Football Games; Special Olympics Coaching and other Adapted Physical Activity Volunteerism; Spread the Word Day; Student Leadership Conference; Women's Conference; Personal Training; Nutrition Training; Yoga; Zumba; Rec Center; Going to Plays and Dance Concerts.</p> |