Frequently Asked Questions
The College and Career Studies (CCS) program is UK’s Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program. CTPs support students with intellectual disability who want to attend a college or university to better prepare for employment and independent living.
CCS students take part in all areas of campus life, from classes and clubs to social events and activities.
With support from the College and Career Studies team, students work toward their own academic, career exploration, and community engagement goals.
A: To be eligible for this program, applicants must have a documented intellectual disability as defined by the Higher Education Opportunity Act, 2008.
“Student with an intellectual disability means a student –
(1) With a cognitive impairment characterized by significant limitations in –
(i) Intellectual and cognitive functioning; and
(ii) Adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills; and
(2) Who is currently, or was formerly, eligible for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (20 U.S.C. 1401), including a student who was determined eligible for special education or related services under the IDEA but was home-schooled or attended private school.”
[Source link: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/subtitle-B/chapter-VI/part-668/subpart-O/section-668.231] This resource from Think College may also be useful in determining eligibility: https://thinkcollege.net/resource/admissions-ctp-application-process-program-development/defining-and-documenting
A: No. Students commute to and from campus.
A: The CCS Program is a non-degree program. While the program does not result in a university degree or specific career certification, it supports students to take classes, explore career options, and engage in campus activities. Successful completion of this program results in a meaningful credential that reflects these activities and accomplishments.
A: No. A person can apply for the CCS program whether they received a standard high school diploma, a Kentucky alternative high school diploma (KRS 156.160(1)(e)), or no diploma.
A: Completion of the program requires at least 24 hours of coursework, including 3 semesters of career exploration through a practicum, internship, or other work experience. Students who average 6-7 hours per semester should be able to complete the program in 2 years (4 semesters).
A: Courses are selected through a person-centered process with the support of a full-time Program Coordinator, who is available to the student and faculty. The Program Coordinator maintains contact with students throughout their two-year program, from application to completion.
For audited classes, course materials and assignments may be modified to align with students’ learning styles and goals. Learning Agreements are developed in collaboration between students, faculty, and the Program Coordinator.
Course syllabi and assignments are not modified for students taking courses for credit.
Program support staff can also help students with assignments and help connect them with existing campus resources such as tutoring, career exploration, and writing help. In addition to the supports described above, students can request accommodations through the Disability Resource Center. Program staff assist students with this process, as needed, at the beginning of the program, and at the beginning of each academic year.
A: We cannot ensure that a program support person or peer mentor will be with a CCS student at all times while on campus. Part of the college experience is gaining more autonomy and independence and learning new things. However, we work with each student to make sure they have the support they need to navigate campus and course work.
At the beginning of a new student’s time on campus, we try to arrange extra support as they get to know their routes, classes, and expectations. Once these become more familiar, students generally become comfortable doing more things on their own.
We stay in close contact with students, whether in person or by phone or text. It is expected that CCS students be able to use a cell phone in order to communicate with us, as needed.