Scholars must meet the following requirements to demonstrate academic achievement.

1. Course attendance: scholars must meet minimum course attendance requirements. If the instructor has not established attendance requirements, then scholars must attend at least 85% of their classes.

2. Course hours: scholars complete a minimum of 12 program or degree designated semester hours each semester. Students typically participate in 6 course credit hours per semester and additional 6 credits of work. Scheduled hours such as social/club activities and tutoring are an important part of the program and are required.

3. Progression of courses: with B&B Program assistance, scholars will assume greater personal responsibility for course requirements

4. Course requirements: scholars must complete all course requirements established at the beginning of each semester by the scholar, the B&B program, and the instructor

5. Program of study: Scholars follow their individual program of study based on their personal interests.

Scholars must demonstrate an appropriate progression of career development by participating in:

1. Blackburn Work Program: scholars participate in the college work program each semester. Blackburn and Beyond students receive tuition credit in addition to Program credit.

2. Off-campus Internship/Employment: scholars participate in a full year or two subsequent semesters of on or off-campus internship and/or employment related to their individual career goals in years three and four.

Scholars must demonstrate growth in personal independence and social engagement while attending the program. Social development, community engagement, independence and self determination/advocacy will be assessed on an individual basis each semester. Progress across semesters should be demonstrated through the following:

1. Personal social development through

   1. Self-assessment

   2. Blackburn and Beyond Program staff assessment

2. Increased independence in navigating social experience as shown through

   1. Self-assessment

   2. Blackburn and Beyond Program staff assessment

1. Participation in campus activities (sports events, recreational facilities, concert attendance, CAB events)

2. Participation in clubs

3. Volunteerism/service on or off campus

Scholars must demonstrate growth in independent living skills including:

1. Increased attention to personal safety and independence on campus

2. Decreased reliance on natural supports

3. Increased daily living skills

Scholars must demonstrate growth in self-determination and self-advocacy. This area will be documented in semester progress notes and may be reached through the following means:

1. Demonstrate advocacy skills, including self-advocacy and the Blackburn and Beyond Program

2. Identify post-college plans residentially, vocationally, recreationally, and educationally

• The College Life Mentors program is for undergraduate students who have particular interest in supporting the scholars in their college life experience through peer modelling and mentoring.

• They primarily provide support in the residential setting.

• The Fellows receive work program credit or field experience credit for their ongoing and multifaceted support of the scholars.

• In some cases, the mentors may be roommates of Blackburn and Beyond students. Other times they might live on the same floor or building. Mentors have a unique role as positive peer models who provide support and communicate perceived need and potential challenge areas to Blackburn and Beyond Staff and/or Student Life Staff.

• Blackburn and Beyond encourages mentors to place emphasis on natural consequences as a way to support the scholars rather than giving directives as a way to support making good choices.

• Mentors are not tasked with providing 1:1 type support to the scholars on a day-to-day basis and have a rotating schedule during the week and weekends when they are considered the point person.

• Two mentors are always available during their scheduled days as points of contact and as social supports.

The Mentors are:

• Positive role models

• Supports for scholars

• Engagers of social experiences

• Compassionate and respectful

• Promoters of self-advocacy

• Recipients of a mentorship as a result of their dedication and interest in B&B scholars
  

The Mentors are not:

• Conduits for parents/caregivers or Blackburn and Beyond to the Blackburn and Beyond students

• An automatic best friend

• 1:1 direct care workers

• Responsible for challenging behaviors, even in a roommate situation

• “Informants"

• Enablers of learned helplessness

• Employed by the families

• Employed by University Housing

• Volunteer peer supports are traditional students who find out about Blackburn and Beyond in a variety of ways.

• Fulfillment of Service-Learning requirements for some classes brings Blackburn and Beyond our volunteer supports and these individuals are fulfilling an assignment around service related to their course by volunteering for a specified number of hours.

• We work closely with instructors and students to make the service-learning mutually beneficial for Blackburn and Beyond students and those receiving credit. Volunteers are trained and scheduled according to the needs and interests of the scholars.

Volunteers serve a variety of areas of support:

• In-class support - responsibilities include taking notes, making sure assignments are written down in the agenda, facilitating a discussion with the professor if necessary and encouraging participation by paying attention or responding to discussion.

• Tutors/study partners who assist scholars in completing homework and other study needs that are on their tutoring plans.

• Social Supports are students who spend time with the scholars outside of academics: meals, shopping, events, working out, etc.