Gwynedd Mercy University
AY2022-2023 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
may also be considered based on non-academic program components , such as excessive absences from required program components ( internships , goal-setting meetings , and mentor sessions ) or related to noncompliance with the university ’ s policies ( such as that related to college appropriate behavior , violence , aggression , safety compliance etc .).
Non-Academic Criteria for Admission , Progression and Retention
Non-Academic Admissions Criteria : In order to be admitted into GMercyU ' s Integrated Studies program , each student must :
• Be between the ages of 18-26 at the start of the program
• Have a documented diagnosis of intellectual disability
• Demonstrate interest in pursuing higher education at Gwynedd Mercy University and gaining meaningful employment
• Have either received or would have been eligible to receive services under IDEA ( i . e ., had an IEP / 504 )
• Be able to accept and follow campus rules and policies and behave respectfully towards others without supervision
• Demonstrate sufficient emotional and behavioral stability , personal safety , and independent living skills to participate with minimal support in all aspects of the Integrated Studies coursework and campus environment .
• Highly desired : enrolled in county supports coordination / OVR / waiver at the start of the program
• Compliance Requirements and Clearances : Integrated Studies students are required to follow compliance and clearance requirements based on their internship sites , the courses they are enrolled in , and those that are specified by an academic department that they are involved with .
Non-Academic Components of Program Internships
• Students will complete individualized on-campus and off-campus , community-based internships ( paid or unpaid ), that can count towards audit credit with the ultimate goal of paid employment .
• Internships will require at least 8 hours / week throughout the semester .
• Students will be required to attend campus workshops and webinars that relate to their individualized goals ( e . g . building a resume , interview skills , career exploration , etc .)
• Internship supervisors will provide feedback at midterm and final to determine if the student made effective progress toward learning objectives related to their internships .
• Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from off campus internships .
• Students are expected to attend all scheduled internship shifts , with no more than 3 unexcused absences throughout a semester .
Person-Centered Planning and Goal setting
• All Integrated Studies students will take part in an annual person-centered plan meeting to drive course selection , internship selection , and goal setting .
• Individualized short-term goals will be created for each student based on the five pillars of Integrated Studies ( academics , employment , self-determination , independent living skills and social participation ). Progress will be determined during midterm and final evaluation and goals will be revised as needed .
Mentor Support and Advising An individualized schedule for advising with Integrated Studies program staff will be created based on student ’ s person-centered plan . Students are expected to attend all advising sessions , with no more
131