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Colleges / Schools
Program Types
The Raising Expectations for Academic Learning or REAL Certificate offers students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities the opportunity to participate in a post-secondary academic-, vocational- and social inclusion-focused program. Applicants will have received extensive special education services in their secondary schools and are not able to access college by meeting typical entrance criteria. Students in the REAL Certificate audit traditional undergraduate courses and participate in inclusive vocational and social experiences. Students have the option to live on campus or commute. An individual plan for college participation is developed for each student. Students must follow the University Code of Conduct and the REAL Certificate does not have the personnel to (1) supervise students with difficult and challenging behaviors; (2) dispense medications or (3) provide personal assistants.
The REAL Certificate is NOT an accredited college degree program and graduating students will receive a certificate of completion.
The REAL Certificate is a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Eligible students are therefore able to apply for certain types of federal aid. See the Student With Intellectual Disabilities eligibility section of the Federal Student Aid website (studentaid.ed.gov) for further information. Consolidated or Person/Family Directed Supports (PFDS) waiver and Office of Vocational Rehabilitation funding may be used to pay for the REAL Certificate tuition.
The REAL Certificate is a two year program that requires four (4) full semesters of study. Individual planning sessions guide the selection of courses and activities for each semester the student is registered in the certificate. Students spend approximately 20-30 hours per week on campus attending classes, gaining work experience, receiving academic tutoring and socializing with peers. Students in the REAL Certificate program have the opportunity to live in residence halls or commute to campus. Courses are selected based on student interest for vocational or personal development. Students follow the regular Fall/Spring semester calendar.
The following describes the requirements that will be completed each semester (for 4 semesters):
1. Academic:
2. Vocational:
3. Social opportunities:
Supports are provided by the REAL Certificate staff and peer mentors. Courses are usually audited, but may be taken for credit if the student is capable of meeting the requirements of the course without modification of its content. Supports for accessing courses, vocational experiences and other instruction are individually addressed.
The Fall 2020 program cost of this certificate is $7,500 per semester, program costs for Fall 2021 have not yet been determined. The program fee includes the costs associated with auditing classes, taking part in work-related experiences and community-based social instruction. It does not include the cost of living on campus, materials needed for classes, meals or other activities that require additional charges. Students also pay the General Student Fee of $350 each semester. Faculty or staff tuition remission may not be used to pay for this program.
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Upon applying to the program, it is expected that students will demonstrate the following minimal requirements:
Important Dates
February 15, 2021 - Completed Applications Submitted
February/March 2021 - Student/Family/ Supports Interview
March 31, 2021 - Student notified of application status
May/June - Students and family participate in Person-Centered Planning meeting
August 25, 2021 - Fall Orientation begins
Admissions Process
To apply for the Fall semester, complete and submit the application, supporting documents, and teacher reference form. Upon receipt and review of the completed application packet, applicants meeting eligibility requirements may be contacted to schedule an interview.
Following all of the interviews, the application screening committee will review the applications and select students for admission. The decision to offer or deny admission to the program will be made by the admissions committee in their best judgements and in the best interest of the applicants. Final decisions will be communicated through email to all applicants.
Application Packet
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Students who are interested in applying for entrance into the REAL Certificate should complete Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 of the application process below.*
Fall 2021 Applications must be postmarked by February 15, 2021.
If you need additional information or have questions about the application, please contact:
Jessica Mattis, REAL Certificate Director
real@arcadia.edu
(215) 460-4290
*Due to space limitations, not all applicants who complete the application and meet the criteria for admission will be accepted in the REAL Certificate.
Complete and submit the APPLICATION
Collect and submit SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS.
Collect the following documents:
Submission options:
Contact your teacher and ask them to complete the reference form.
https://forms.gle/
The REAL Certificate of Arcadia University
School of Education
450 S. Easton Rd.
Glenside, PA 19038
Jessica Mattis, Director
REAL@arcadia.edu
(215) 572-8624
Simon Mohr, Program Coordinator
REAL@arcadia.edu
(215) 572-4095
1-877-272-ARCADIA (1-877-272-2342)
admiss@arcadia.edu