Website: www.unco.edu/unc-goal
Telephone: (970) 351-4605
Go On And Learn (GOAL) is an inclusive higher education program for people aged 18 and older with intellectual and/or development disabilities. GOAL offers students a variety of opportunities, including access to college courses and residential hall living. GOAL students are UNC students first, and, as a result, have full access to UNC resources, activities, clubs, and events.
Students live in the GOAL Residential Learning Community (RLC) for their first year. Following successful completion of their first year, students can choose to remain in the RLC, live in a different residence hall with their peers or commute to campus. Students must participate in at least one Registered Student Organization (RSO) each semester. They are also encouraged to attend UNC sponsored activities on and off campus with their peers in and out of the program. Students must participate in vocational experiences each semester. Students pay an additional non refundable program fee each semester to cover costs associated with the program.
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 consists of a student interview, a family interview, and a functional skills assessment. Students who successfully complete the interview process are invited back for a summer orientation, which includes college and residential life preparation sessions. 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 of their intent to attend
- Students may apply if they meet the following criteria: 18 to 25 years,completed high school, and will not be enrolled in an 18-21 Transition program at the time of enrollment
- Have a documented intellectual or developmental disability
- Have a strong motivation to attend UNC
- Express an interest in living and working as autonomously as possible after completing UNC GOAL
- Students must be their own guardians
- Demonstrate communication skills adequate to interact with others on campus
- Ability to follow UNC's student code of conduct
- Willingness to accept feedback from program staff
- Have the ability to read & complete math at a functional level (3rd/4th grade)
- Demonstrate socially acceptable behavior
- Have necessary skills to manage downtime independently
- Exprience with staying overnight away from family
- Independent in managing dietary needs
- Independent in handling medical needs, including medication
- Family and community support
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
- New student conference with their cohort peers
- Full access to UNC resources, activities, clubs, and events
- Opportunities to engage in on and off campus vocational experiences
- Academic support from program staff and peer mentors
- Courses taken for modified credit
- Full inclusion in the GOAL Residential Learning Community