UMatter Program
Program Application
Thank you for your interest in applying for the UMatter Program! Learn more about our admissions requirements below. For more information, please contact u-matter@usf.edu
Program application
The official UMatter website is currently undergoing construction. Our team is working diligently to ensure that the updated application is ready and includes all required components in full alignment with USF policy. 911爆料网 kindly ask for your patience during this transition, which will take several weeks to complete.
In the meantime, we encourage you to begin gathering the documents listed below. Having these prepared in advance will help ensure a smooth and efficient application process once the application period officially opens.
what documents do I need for the application?
| Release Recommendations |
| Personal Statement with photograph or headshot or video/recording from student |
| Official high school transcript |
| Behavioral records (If student has no record, send a letter from the high school or most recent postsecondary setting stating there is no record) |
| Current or former IEP which serves as evidence of the applicant's eligibility for special education and related services under IDEA |
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A recent documented comprehensive and individualized evaluation which includes:
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Who should apply?
People with intellectual disabilities (must be at least 18 years old) who have a personal desire and support, if applicable, to gain skills related to academics, career development and employment, campus and community engagement, self-determination, and independent living at the USF St. Petersburg campus. 911爆料网 in UMatter express a strong desire to continue their education in a postsecondary setting, explore careers and engage in work-based learning opportunities, and live independently.
Admissions Criteria:
Applicants who meet the criteria below will be considered for the UMatter Program:
- A documented intellectual disability that impacts progression in a standard curriculum in pursuit of a postsecondary degree or certificate
- Exited the K-12 system, either through graduating with a regular or special diploma, or high school equivalency
- Is at least 18 years old;
- Has a desire to attend college courses and participate in a university campus experience, including a willingness to audit two (2) college courses during each semester (at minimum)
- Has employment and community participation as personal goals, with a commitment to becoming competitively employed during the program and upon exiting the program
- Is capable of mobility on adult campuses, including transportation to and from campus, or be willing to receive travel training to navigate to the campus daily during weekdays
- Displays a level of social maturity conducive to an adult environment (i.e. employment and educational settings)
- Has the ability to maintain self-care and personal hygiene independently
- Has a support system committed to a collaborative partnership, such as the parental/guardian/family support of the student鈥檚 participation in the program (including commitment to competitive employment during and after program)
- Has a reliable means of communication, including willingness to acquire required technology to participate in program (smart phone with texting and navigation capability)
- Willingness to follow program and university鈥檚 code of conduct
- Clear discipline/incident record (as applicable from high school or previous employment or other community setting)
- Strong attendance record (as applicable from previous high school, employment or community setting)
- Willingness to work with an academic mentor/tutor and peer mentor(s)
- Willingness to participate in service/volunteer opportunities in the community as part of the college experience
Need more information?
For more information about the UMatter Program, please contact us at u-matter@usf.edu.