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Learn More ³ÉÈË´óƬ USoar

• What is USoar
  USoar is a Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program housed at the ³ÉÈË´óƬ in Jacksonville, Florida. The program selects a pre-determined number of students each fall and utilizes a cohort model to build community and relationships among its students.
• Who is USoar for?
  USoar is for students with intellectual disabilities who have excited high school and are ready to take the next step in their transition journey. Students have a desire to grow in the areas of self-determination, career development and independent living thought a university experience.
• How is USoar funded?
  The USoar program functions via an operational grant from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA).
• What do USoar students learn?
  Students who participate in USoar are introduced to a variety of curricular resources pulled from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 7 Habits of Highly Effective College Students, Mploy: A Job Readiness Workbook, transition and independent living programs, and university course content related to their program of study and industry of choice. Upon successful completion of the 3-year program, students are award a USoar Certificate of Career Readiness.
• What is the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA)?
  The FCSUA was created by the Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program Act (FS 1004.6495). This legislation articulated the responsibilities of the FCSUA and its executive director and established Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program (FPCTP) parameters and accountability requirements.
• How do students pay for USoar?

  Scholarship funds are available annually to eligible students who physically attend approved in a Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program (FPCTP). Scholarships are available only to eligible students, defined as a student with an intellectual disability. Students must not be receiving services that are funded through the Florida Education Finance Program or a scholarship (i.e., Opportunity Scholarship Program, The Gardiner Scholarship, The John M. McKay Scholarship, or Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program). To maintain scholarship eligibility, students must show satisfactory academic progress (SAP). The FPCTP is responsible for requesting student scholarships from the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA) and must also determine the initial and continuing eligibility of their students to receive a FPCTP Scholarship. There is no application for students to receive the scholarship. The FPCTP is responsible for requesting student scholarships from FCSUA. The scholarship funds are then distributed to the institution's financial office.

  USoar Students who are in good standing with the program are eligible for an annual student scholarship up to $15,000 from the FCSUA. Depending on the student’s projected program components (e.g., housing, additional course fees, meal plans, etc.) the entire program costs may exceed the $15,00 annually. In those instances, students/families are encouraged to work with Vocational Rehabilitation and other aid sources to support their participation in the program.

• What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?
  USoar Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is measured through the evaluation of student performance on university and program attendance, academic achievement, campus engagement, participation in experiential learning, and attainment of credentials/competencies/certifications.
• What happens if a student does not meet SAP?
  Students who do not meet SAP are placed on probation and may not be eligible to receive financial aid. Prolonged/subsequent semesters of not meeting SAP may result in the student being removed from the program.
• What documents are required for USoar?
  The student application requires submission of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Learning/Support Plan if enrolled in a private or homeschool setting, diagnostic evaluation, high school transcripts, applicable Guardianship documents, Third Party Communication, and an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) from Vocational Rehabilitation.
• How many classes do USoar students take?
  USoar students must be enrolled in courses at least half time. Half-time enrollment for Fall and Spring are 6 credit hours and Summer is 3 credit hours. This equates to approximately 2 courses for Fall and Spring and 1 during the Summer.
• What support is provided to USoar students?
  Students are supported both inside and outside of the classroom by interns, undergraduate mentors, graduate program assistants, and USoar staff. Such personnel assist with navigating the campus, pre-teaching content, reteaching content, homework and project completion, skill development, job shadowing and portfolio development.
• Can USoar students live on campus?
  Students in the USoar program have the option to live on campus in a Living Learning Community (e.g., club or group housing) or in general housing. There are pros and cons to both options. Families should discuss these options with their student and USoar personnel before making decisions.
• Do students in USoar need a car?
  No, having a car is not a requirement to participate in USoar. Students may utilize the university provided shuttle to travel to campus locations and the nearby St. Johns Town Center. Having a car on campus will increase student costs and an additional layer of responsibility the student/family must maintain.
• Is guardianship a requirement for USoar?
  While Guardianship is not a requirement to participate in USoar, many families address this topic during their student’s transition into adulthood. If adult caregivers have any level of Guardianship, USoar will need a copy of the legal documents.
• Can I go to college after I complete USoar?
  Students may find that their time in USoar prepared them not only for employment, but equipped them with the skills necessary to further their education. Once a student has attended a FPCTP, they are not eligible to enroll in another FPCTP.