Augie Access Program

Contacts

• Augie Access Program | augieaccess@augie.edu | 605.274.4926
• Augie Access Interim Program Director Dr. Julie Ashworth
• Augie Access Program Coordinator Catherine Davis
• Director of Accessibility Services Jeff Merkle
• Dean of the Sharon Lust School of Education and Director of Graduate & Continuing Education Dr. Laurie Daily

Social

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Tours

Augie Access Program tours and information sessions for families and students are held from 3:30-5 p.m. Tours begin in the Madsen Center Room #220.

Eligibility Requirements

• Ages 18-26 (must start prior to turning 27)
• Primary goal of attending a post-secondary education program must be an employment outcome
• Students must have a documented diagnosis of an intellectual/developmental disability
• Ability to fund tuition and fees (approximately $14,000 per year), housing and books/supplies — 2024-25 Fees Listed Below
• Access to and from Augustana's campus to attend classes and other activities
• Demonstrated ability to participate appropriately in a classroom or professional setting
• IDEA-eligible, formerly IDEA-eligible or entitled to support through other disability services such as VR or DD
• A completed Access to Opportunity/Pathway to Success Admission Project
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy for federal financial aid

Application Process  

Augie Access Program applications are being accepted for Fall 2025 enrollment and due by Dec. 6. The Admission Committee will notify applicants when the interview process will begin, and letters informing applicants of the decision will be mailed out approximately two weeks following interviews.

A completed application includes:

• Application form
• High school transcript
• Current IEP
• Two letters of recommendation
• Current evaluation documenting disability
• Transcripts of all previous college work (if applicable)
• Completed vocational rehabilitation application/intake meeting documentation
• The Access to Opportunity/Pathway to Success Admission Project does not need to be sent in with the application — it is to be presented during the interview process.

Program Design

The Augie Access Program supports students using an intentional design, which includes:

• Admission of a minimum of six new students each year
• Providing access to catalog courses with credit, non-credit or auditing options
• Utilizing a person-centered planning process 
• Creating appropriate support for students in classroom settings
• Assisting students in locating appropriate residential options
• Developing peer-support networks (Peer Navigators)
• Producing on- and off-campus work opportunities and internships, including job coaching services

• Program Fast Facts

Augie Access collaborates with Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Department of Labor and Regulation, Disability Employment Initiative, Department of Education and Division of Developmental Disabilities and other agencies.

Careers

By the end of this program, students will demonstrate soft and/or hard skills required to obtain and maintain paid, competitive employment. With a certificate in career studies, Augustana gives students in this program support for finding employment that suits their interests.

Hands-On Learning  

All Augie Access students experience employment internships, which are based on preference, strengths and interests.

Students in this program also work toward independent living. They develop and achieve personal goals surrounding the life domains of daily living, employment, community living, safety, security, healthy living, social and spirituality, as well as citizenship and advocacy.

Courses & Organizations

The Augie Access Program uses research-based self-determination/self-advocacy strategies to develop and achieve personal learning goals.

Augie Access students study:

• Inclusive courses from the Augustana University course catalog — chosen based on student interest, strengths and desired career goals 
• Specially designed courses with a transitional focus, such as Employment Attainment, Skills for Social Skills, Consumer Math or Leadership

Augie Access students often participate in campus activities based on their own preferences, where they apply interpersonal and social competence skills by engaging as an active participant on a regular basis.