Go On And Learn (UNC GOAL)

Program Overview

Telephone: (970) 351-1164

UNC Go On And Learn (GOAL) is an opportunity for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities to attend UNC. Students complete a program that is individualized to their interests and strengths. Students enroll in courses based on their interests and long-term career plans. These courses are then modified to their skill level.

Students may choose to live in the residence halls with their peers or commute to campus. Students are encouraged to participate in clubs, organizations, and other social activities alongside their classmates. Students work on campus and in the community as part of their individualized plan of study. Students pay an additional Program Fee each semester to cover program costs.

Admission Process and Criteria

The application review begins on January 31st for the following academic year. All application requirements can be found on the UNC GOAL website (www.unco.edu/unc-goal).

Applications are screened and a select number of prospective students are invited to participate in a personal interview. The interview is comprised of a student interview, a parent interview, and a functional assessment. Students who successfully complete the interview process are invited back for a summer orientation which includes a college life and residential life preparation session. Applicants who successfully complete the interview and the preparation session will be accepted into UNC GOAL.

Students accepted into the program must notify UNC GOAL staff no later than four weeks before the beginning of the semester.

Students may apply if they meet the following criteria: 18-years and older, have completed high school, and will not be enrolled in an 18-21 Transition program at the time of matriculation (No SAT/ACT required)
Have a documented intellectual or developmental disability
Have a strong motivation to attend UNC
Express an interest in living & working as independently as possible after completing UNC GOAL
Students must be their own guardians and have the ability to sign documentation for themselves
Demonstrate communication skills adequate to interact with others on campus
Have the ability to read & complete math at a functional level (3rd/4th grade)
Demonstrate socially acceptable behavior (no history of behavior concerns)
Have stayed by themselves for at least 4-6 hours and preferably overnight
Are independent in handling/managing dietary and/or medical needs, including medication
Have family and/or community supports

Students earn a Comprehensive Higher Education Certificate upon completing and meeting all requirements of their individualized program.

Program Highlights

UNC GOAL students participate in the following:

Person-centered planning sessions
A two-day New Student Orientation with their peers and a one-day UNC GOAL college life preparedness session
On campus internships and work experiences during their freshman and sophomore years
Off campus internships during their junior and senior years
On-campus housing or living off-campus and commuting to campus

Program Requirements — 72-80 Credits

Students complete courses as part of an individualized Plan of Study based on their interests and career goals.

Semester 1

GOAL 101	Transition to College Life and Career	4
UNIV 101	Foundations for Learning and Development	3
	1 course	3

Semester 2

GOAL 102	Career Exploration	4
	2 courses	5-6

Semester 3

GOAL 201	Social Thinking for Careers and Community Living	4
	2 courses	5-6

Semester 4

GOAL 202	Literacy for Career and Community Living	4
	2 courses	5-6

Semester 5

GOAL 301	Career Choices & Finances	4
	2 courses	5-6

Semester 6

GOAL 302	Career & Community Engagement	4
	2 courses	5-6

Semester 7

GOAL 401	Workplace Skills, Interactions & Communication	4
	2 courses	5-6

Semester 8

GOAL 402	Preparing for Career and Independence After College	4
	2 courses	5-6

A student will earn a Comprehensive Higher Education Certificate with an emphasis in their individualized area of study by attending UNC for eight semesters over four years (Fall and Spring semesters only), participating in on- and off-campus work experiences, and completing a total of 72-80 credits with an earned GPA of at least 2.5.

Students who successfully complete all requirements to earn a Comprehensive Higher Education Certificate will be eligible for full participation in UNC's Commencement ceremonies.

Detailed information is available at the UNC GOAL website www.unco.edu/unc-goal, by visiting the office in McKee 066, or by contacting the program director.