College experience program at the University of North Florida
Students with intellectual differences enjoy the college experience through The Arc Jacksonville On Campus Transition (OCT) program at the University of North Florida. Through OCT, young adults ages 18-26 can transition into adulthood alongside their contemporaries, maturing together in an environment that fosters independence while including supports.
OCT students follow a unique and customized plan for achievement, rather than a structured curriculum. Their individual Program of Study focuses upon: academic enhancement, career development, university life, health/personal growth, and independent living/community life. Students are encouraged and empowered to act as self-advocates and to further enhance their self-determination by careful selection of their Program of Study.
The Arc Jacksonville’s OCT serves persons ages 18-26, who have completed four years of high school. OCT students become immersed in all aspects of college life by: auditing UNF courses, joining campus organizations and clubs, and participating in recreational/leisure activities that are available to all UNF students.
OCT students also have the opportunity to live in either on or off-campus student housing, and they receive small group tutoring and mentoring by UNF students.
Now Accepting Applications
Our On Campus Transition application for Fall 2024 is now LIVE and is due June 1st at 11:59pm.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling, first-come basis. Please ensure you select “On Campus Transition” when prompted to select a category of application.
In addition to the $30.65 application fee to UNF, please note that we will be reaching out to you after the application is submitted with a prompt to pay a $75 Arc Jacksonville application fee. This fee must be paid before we can process your application.
- In partnership with the University of North Florida, The Arc Jacksonville’s On Campus Transition college experience is an innovative postsecondary transition program for students with intellectual disabilities
- The program began in 2006 and is the longest-running program of its kind in the Southeastern U.S.
- Students receive an authentic and inclusive college experience while learning to become independent, responsible, contributing members of society
- The program offers two and four-year tracks, with a customized program of study for each student
- Students are connected to government resources including Social Security Administration, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, paratransit services and more
- Optional residential programs include on-campus housing at Osprey Fountains for first-year students, or off-campus apartments at Frassati-Newman Hall for upper-level students.
Eligible students, at a minimum, must:
- Have an intellectual disability
- Be at least 18 years of age by the start of the program
- Exhibit socially adaptive and responsible behaviors and have no noncompliance behavioral issues
- Have been eligible to receive special education services during high school
- Have a desire to receive transition services in a university setting, including an academic curriculum of college courses, meetings, study/tutoring sessions, mentorship, work experiences, student life experiences, etc.
- Have exhibited a need and desire for greater independence, and have parent/guardian support in the pursuit of independence
- Be able to travel independently to college and while on campus
- Be able to independently manage and self-administer medicine
- Be able to communicate effectively with others with/without accommodations
- Students should be afforded every opportunity to have full integration and be included in the same academic, vocational, independent living and social opportunities as others
- Intelligence quotients (IQs) do not define a person and their worth
- Students have the freedom and the ability to make their own choices
- Students are entitled to the “dignity of taking risks” and natural consequences that may follow
- Students learn best through experiential learning that includes mentorship and friendship with other matriculating UNF students
- True independence is not learned from a textbook or segregation, but is acquired and enhanced through actual inclusive experiences
- Each student is capable of becoming independent in the community with minimal supports
- Students should think for themselves, dream their own dreams and write their own stories
- A student’s potential is limitless
On Campus Transition students receive an individualized program of study tailored toward their personal academic and employment goals. All students have a unique program of study that dictates their daily schedules; no two students have the same schedule.
Students will:
- Audit two UNF courses per semester
- Work with academic advisors and professors to modify their syllabi based on their program of study goals
- Receive one-on-one mentoring from UNF students
- Have access to UNF’s Accessibility Services Office and Student Academic Success for Services for additional accommodations, tutoring and academic preparation seminars
- Be actively engaged in their goal monitoring and evaluation, and dictate the direction and/or changes of their program of study
While at On Campus Transition, students will learn the necessary tools and skills needed to work in the community after graduation.
Students receive career counseling and pre-employment transition services by work readiness mentors and UNF’s career-related services. They learn soft and technical skills through service learning, opportunities, volunteering, job shadowing and internships.
Additionally, students are referred to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and receive job development and supported employment along with other services through The Arc Jacksonville’s Employment Services.
On average, 78% of On Campus Transition graduates secure employment in the community after graduation.
Personal Enrichment
Students learn and improve their daily living and social skills through peer mentoring and participation in campus clubs and organizations. Students are paired with a team of mentors, each focusing on an aspect of daily living, including health/wellness, financial literacy, personal care and safety, home economics and self-advocacy. Students work with mentors on an individual basis and in group settings.
Through mentorship and participation in student clubs and organizations, students learn:
- Self-advocacy
- Financial literacy
- Healthy cooking
- Household and community safety
- Independent living
- Public transportation
- Health/ fitness/wellness
- Personal care
- Assistive technologies
- Public transportation
- Civic engagement
- Government resources
- Ranked a Top Public Institution —U.S. News & World Report
- Top 10% of Universities Worldwide —Center for World University Rankings
- Diversity Champion —INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine
- A Best in the Southeast College —The Princeton Review
- Holds the Community Engagement Classification from The Carnegie Foundation, a designation held by only 5% of universities in the U.S.
- Small classes and individualized attention
- Internships and real-world experiences
- Transformational learning opportunities
- Environmentally friendly campus
On Campus Transition is a two- or four-year program, with an optional residential program.
College Experience Program Fees or Two Semesters
- Florida Residents: $12,800 (Private Pay)
Potential Funding Sources: McKay Scholarship, Gardiner Scholarship, Medicaid Waiver, Veteran’s Affairs, and Vocational Rehabilitation - Out-of-State Residents: $17,800 (Private Pay only)
Residential Program Fees for Two Semesters
- Off-Campus Housing: $16,590 for the 2022-2023 academic year (base cost of $8,295 per semester)
Fees may vary by individual support needs and does not cover students’ personal expenses or meals. Additional fee-based support services may be necessary and will be determined on an individual basis. - UNF On-Campus Housing Supports: $10,000
Fee does not include UNF’s on-campus housing costs and personal/activity costs. Students are responsible for leasing and meal plan fees to UNF
Click here for more information on housing for On Campus Transition.
