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
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. Students 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.
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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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’s 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’s 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.