University of Central Arkansas (UCA) Enhances Efforts to Support Students with Autism
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is taking significant steps to improve support for students with autism, aiming to enhance their overall campus experience and success. This initiative is part of UCA’s ongoing commitment to creating inclusive environments for all students.
New Program: ASCEND
One of the key enhancements is the launch of the Autism Support Center for Executive Functioning and Neurodiversity (ASCEND). This program is designed to cater specifically to students with autism and other neurodivergent diagnoses. ASCEND will provide a safe and supportive community for these students, helping them connect with other students and campus resources.
Services and Resources
– Reduced Sensory Environment: The ASCEND program will offer a reduced sensory atmosphere, which is crucial for students who may experience sensory overload in traditional campus settings.
– Student Success Resources: Participants will have access to a variety of student success resources. These may include academic support, tutoring services, and career guidance.
– Dedicated Faculty Coordinator: The program will be overseen by a dedicated faculty coordinator who will help facilitate the needs of neurodivergent students living in residence halls on campus.
– Community Connection: By being part of the RISE Living Learning Community in Hughes Hall, students will be surrounded by peers from different majors who share similar interests in careers in education and public service.
Program Details
The ASCEND program is set to launch in the fall of 2025 and will be headquartered in the RISE Living Learning Community, which is strategically located near the College of Education, Christian Cafeteria, UCA Police Department, and the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) building.
Involvement and Registration
Those interested in participating in ASCEND are encouraged to register by January 31, 2025. This early registration ensures the availability of housing on campus, which is an essential aspect of this supportive community.
Mission and Vision
UCA’s mission to support neurodivergent students is rooted in the understanding that every student deserves a community that meets their unique needs. Patricia Smith, Dean of Schedler Honors College and Learning Communities, highlights this vision by saying, “The ASCEND program is another example of the work that the Living Learning Communities are doing in order to make sure that every student at UCA finds a community that meets their needs and helps to connect them with other students to create a culture of belonging in their first year.”
Broader Impact
The introduction of ASCEND underscores UCA’s broader commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students. By providing these special accommodations, UCA aims to help students with autism transition smoothly into higher education and succeed academically and personally. Doris Pierce, director of the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services, emphasizes the impact stating, “We are excited to see how the ASCEND program will provide neurodivergent students with an opportunity to connect socially and achieve their academic goals.”
For more information about ASCEND, interested students and families can visit the official UCA website dedicated to the program.uers can visit the official UCA website dedicated to the program.
