Integrated Studies Program
The Integrated Studies (IS) Program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is a two-year, non-credit certificate program designed for students with intellectual disabilities. This IS program seeks to support students at their current stage in their academic journey.
Program Details
- The IS Program serves as an alternative pathway for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed their secondary education by obtaining a high school diploma or certificate.
- This program offers a fully inclusive, experiential learning opportunity at the postsecondary level.
The Integrated Studies Program: A Comprehensive Overview
Students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in Saint Joseph’s Integrated Studies (IS) Program will progressively cultivate their skills each semester. This skill development will occur through a combination of academic exploration, meaningful employment opportunities both on and off campus, and the enhancement of effective communication skills. Moreover, students will improve their capacity to live independently on campus and bolster their technological proficiency. The long-term goals of the IS Program encompass fostering increased independence in academic and personal realms, broadening employment experiences through valuable community job opportunities, and promoting deeper self-awareness.
Students in the program will collaborate closely with their academic advisors, program staff, and professional support both on and off campus to create a person-centered academic journey. This personalized plan will include auditing courses, engaging in internships, pursuing individual interests, and defining future employment goals. Upon completion of their experience, students will receive a non-credit certificate in Integrated Studies. As part of their academic journey, they will compile a portfolio showcasing their work. Additionally, they will graduate from SJC with a college transcript detailing their academic courses and internship experiences.
Throughout their time at SJC, students in the IS Program will receive the support needed to fully engage in the college experience. They will share meals with peers in Pearson’s Café, actively participate in clubs and activities that align with their interests, and gain independence through our Residential Living experience.
Admissions Criteria
To be considered for admission into SJC’s Integrated Studies Program, each applicant must meet the following criteria (Please click on the + sign to see more details):
Demonstrate interest in pursuing higher education at SJC and gaining meaningful employment;
- Be at least age 18 at the start of the program;
- Have a documented diagnosis of intellectual disability; Primary disability must be cognitive, not behavioral or emotional;
- Have either received or would have been eligible to receive services under IDEA (i.e., had an IEP/504);
- Have exited high school or a secondary institution with one of the following: diploma, GED, special education, or certificate;
- Prefer that student is their own guardian at the start of the program; supported decision-making is encouraged;
- Enrolled in Community Case Management/Support Coordination/OVR/waiver at the program’s start.
Demonstrate sufficient emotional stability, safety, and independent living skills to participate with minimal support in all aspects of the Integrated Studies coursework and campus environment;
- Likes to be around people (sociable);
- Able to handle changes in routine; can be flexible in fluctuating circumstances;
- Not defiant toward authority; can take direction;
- Demonstrates the ability to accept personal responsibility for actions and maintains respect for self and others;
- Has parents who will support their independence;
- Be able to accept and follow campus rules and policies and behave respectfully towards others without supervision;
- Has the potential to be successful in competitive employment situations. We highly recommend employment or at least volunteer, experience before entering the program;
- Has the ability to independently self-administer and manage medication, specialized dietary, and/or medical needs. Note: SJC personnel are not available to manage/administer medication and take no responsibility for specialized diets or medical needs;
- Be able to function independently in social situations such as being alone in the Alfond Center, academic buildings, cafeteria, etc.;
- Meet SJCs immunization requirements.
Have functional literacy skills and basic mathematics understanding (can use a calculator) and basic computer (laptop) literacy to comprehend basic safety signage, complete assignments with supports, and navigate the campus independently;
- Have their own cell phone; knows how to use it proficiently; understands basic phone/texting/messaging etiquette.
Have a strong desire to complete the goals and course requirements outlined in the individualized Integrated Studies Learning Agreement with minimal support;
- Be able to appropriately participate in 75-minute classes with necessary accommodations in place.
The Integrated Studies program is not a Dual Enrollment program.
Admissions Process
/ Step 1
Complete the Integrated Studies Inquiry Form
/ Step 2
Complete the FAFSA
A) Apply for outside scholarships
B) Consult Vocational Rehabilitation
/ Step 3
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and/or Individualized Support Plan (ISP) are required, along with any other pertinent documentation detailing additional disabilities or limitations. Send a copy of your most recent documentation to Holly Sanborn, Manager of Student Accessibility Services at hsanborn@sjcme.edu with the subject line: Name, Documentation, Integrated Studies.
/ Step 4
Send a copy of your high school transcript to integratedstudies@sjcme.edu
/ Step 5
Have a Special Education Teacher complete a Recommendation Form
/ Step 6
Have a Community Member (boss, coach, spiritual leader, etc., but NOT a family member) complete a Recommendation Form
/ Step 7
After reviewing the documentation submitted, the IS Admissions Team will review the information. If a student’s application is complete and meets the criteria, an in-person visit will be scheduled. This will include student and parent/guardian interviews. Students will also be asked to take a brief technology assessment. Tours of the campus will also be available.
Tuition Information
Program Tuition: $26,670 per year*
- Tuition: $13,335 (per semester)
- *Wellfleet Health Insurance: $2,419 (waived with proof of insurance)
- Health Facility Fee: $300
- Books, class materials, school supplies, damages, and parking decals are not included in the cost of tuition
Program Fee: $10,000 per year
- Program support Fee: $5,000 (per semester).
Room and board: $16,320 per year
- On-campus housing/meal plan: $8,160 (per semester).
- Security Deposit: $250 (one-time fee)
- All first-year students will be enrolled in Meal Plan A: 19 meals per week and $75 in flex per semester.
- *Flex dollars can be spent at Baggot Street.
Financial Aid Resources
- Think College has a helpful resource on paying for college.
- Integrated Studies is an approved Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program (CTP); Students should complete the FAFSA (May 1st) during their admissions process to determine if they are eligible for Federal Pell Grants, Supplemental Education Grants or Federal Work-Study. Because Integrated Studies is NOT a degree-seeking program, students will not be eligible for loans.
- Students may be eligible for funding through Vocational Rehabilitation, if they are enrolled in VR and it is determined that this program is appropriate for their path. Please consult your VR counselor for more information.
- Additional scholarships may be available through:
- Ruby’s Rainbow
- O’Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund
- Other local, community-based organizations.
Postsecondary Education Resources
- Saint Joseph’s College ADA Accommodations webpage
- The College handbook is written for students with disabilities, by students with disabilities for students link. (Note: this is not SJC’s student handbook)
- Think College Parent Module on Inclusive Postsecondary Education – We suggest looking at this module to understand what these programs are meant to be. We think it will help you in identifying the questions you want to ask programs that you reach out to for more information.
- Think College Family Facebook Link
- Student/ Self Advocate’s Guide to Choosing college – a document in English and a second in Spanish
- ReThinking College Video or Trailer with Spanish subtitles
- College Search 101: Where do I start Blog
- Conducting a College Search: Questions toReThinking College Video or Trailer with Spanish subtitles Ask College Programs
Guardianship/Supported Decision Making Resources
ABLE Accounts
Transition
Living on Campus
- Saint Joseph’s College Residential Living webpage
- 12 Tips for Preparing Kids with ADHD for Life with College Roommates (article references ADHD, but is applicable to other diagnoses.)
- Preparing for the Expectations of College in High School
- 20 Powerful Strategies: Prepare Your Child for Inclusive Postsecondary Education
Integrated Studies FAQ
Contact Information
For more information please email:
integratedstudies@sjcme.edu
Dale Brooker, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Academic Initiatives and Innovation
Integrated Studies, Academic Advisor
207-893-7927
dbrooker@sjcme.edu
Office 423, Alfond Hall
Holly Sanborn
Manager, Student Accessibility Services
207-893-7562
hsanborn@sjcme.edu
Office 307, Alfond Hall
Connor Dufour
Director, Residential Living & Community Standards
207-893-6608
cdufour@sjcme.edu
Office, 115 Heffernan
Shanna Webster
Associate Dean, Academic Success and Retention
207-893-7563
swebster@sjcme.edu
Office 325, Alfond Hall
Program Sponsors
With support from:
Bangor Savings Bank Foundation
The Integrated Studies program is based on Think College Standards and created with support from Gwynedd Mercy University and other successful programs.