This fall, UI REACH welcomed 31 new students to the program. Students came to UI REACH from across the country and are a part of the 80 students who are enrolled in the program. First year students are a part of the second largest class of freshmen in UI history, numbering 5,561.
Transition Support Team
Project EXPLORE
The current Project EXPLORE cohort includes 14 students, four of whom attend sessions in the new UI REACH satellite location near Chicago. Students explore career options and plan for life after graduating from high school, while their parents learn about resources that can be helpful in planning transitions. Students attended Saturday sessions for nine months and came to the UI campus for a summer camp. Enrollment is now open for the next cohort for both the Iowa City and Chicago locations. Learn more about the program and fill out an interest survey by visiting the EXPLORE website. Additionally, UI REACH has been providing consultation to other entities who wish to have transition planning initiatives in Iowa and Puerto Rico.
Online Classes
This fall, UI REACH provided two virtual courses: Intro to Community Leadership and Public Speaking (in partnership with Syracuse University). UI REACH saw its highest virtual enrollment yet in these classes, and students went above and beyond their participation. On the final day of the Public Speaking course, students presented to their classmates. UI REACH student Kristi Brinck was kind enough to share with us her presentation on how to give accessible haircuts.
Opportunity for Parents: This spring, UI REACH Alumni Support Specialist Brian Campbell will walk you through the process of enrolling in and qualifying for benefits to promote your student's independence. Whether your student is in post-secondary education, starting a job, graduating or shifting benefits, this course will give you clear, actionable guidance and a personalized plan. The format is 3 online modules and one complimentary consultation.
Student Support Team
Who Is Here to Support?
Our support team is expanding to meet student needs.
- UI REACH embedded psychotherapists, Jen Khule and Blake Stephenson, were able to support 15 students this semester in individual therapy sessions.
- The UI REACH psychiatric nurse practitioner, Dan Wesemann, met with several students and their families this semester to assess current diagnoses and medicine prescriptions.
- Social worker, Avery Mosher, provides support to 3rd and 4th year students’ social emotional skill building on evenings and weekends.
Friendship Supports
- All first-year students participated in the first Friendship Exploration Group of the semester. They met weekly with Kate Fox to do icebreakers and games.
- Friendship Groups met weekly throughout the semester, providing targeted support.
- Avery Mosher and Dan Wesemann initiated a young men’s group focused on supporting social communication skills.
During our friendship exploration class, students have conversations, play games, and make plans.
Student Life Team
Campus Engagement Fast Facts
How are students engaging on campus, and how does our student life team support this?
- 94% of students are meeting their campus involvement expectations with the support of their 1:1 mentors.
- Students Ambassadors have begun hosting dinners for UI REACH students, offering natural supports with peer leaders.
- 27 students participated in a recent mall trip to promote navigation and using different transportation options.
- We’ve implemented the Independent Living Workshop—supporting student scheduling, navigation, and access to campus resources—into resources for students’ increasingly integrated academic schedules.
- Student Life Associates served on Student Support Teams and met with students to check on progress with social and independent living goals.
- Kendal Anderson supported students with navigating roommate agreements and working through differences to reach compromise.
Academics Team
Inclusivity Works
This fall, UI REACH students have been enrolled in over 225 inclusive courses, reflecting a growth in students’ interest and confidence in integrated academic experiences. Between classes and internships, all UI REACH students now spend at least 50% of their time in inclusive settings.
To best support students’ integrated academic experiences, one-on-one support was provided for classes when requested or appropriate. Academic associates support student’s coursework and serve as liaisons between the student and their instructor for assignment modifications and communication. Students also received support with navigating syllabi, class assignments, and study tips by attending academic support labs.
Stacie Nelson provided excellent support and training for the academic supports in addition to supporting students on her student support caseload. Stacie was chosen for a SPOT award during the fall semester.
Career Team
Work-Based Learning and Internships
This semester, 48 students were placed in internships, 60% of which were paid. As funding is available in future semesters, a new initiative will provide students who have unpaid internships with a $500 trainee stipend upon completion of internship requirements.
Michael Petkewec and Carter Stigge trained students and staff in First Aid/CPR over the past semester and will offer training to an internship site in the spring. This certification is required in certain careers of interest to our students, such as childcare. Earning the certification prior to graduation gives students the skills needed to move into employment after graduation.
The UI REACH leadership team has been at work on developing a course of study that includes inclusive courses, certificates and credentials, and work experience for six different career pathways. These pathways will allow students to more closely align their studies with career exploration and goals.
