PAWS students are active members of the Mizzou campus community. They attend classes, study, complete assignments, and participate in the academic and social rhythms of college life while working toward individualized goals.

Students take a combination of PAWS-specific courses and University of Missouri courses aligned with their interests. PAWS courses focus on independent living, academic and work success, and social and community connections, while Mizzou courses allow students to learn alongside degree-seeking peers.

Living on campus is a central part of the PAWS experience. Students reside in university housing during the fall and spring semesters and build relationships with roommates, classmates, and other students through everyday campus life.

As students explore their interests, they may also pursue volunteer or paid work opportunities with support from PAWS instructors and staff.

PAWS students are supported by a team of faculty, instructors, and staff who work closely with them throughout the program. This includes a PAWS Support Specialist, instructors for PAWS courses, residential staff, and peer mentors who help students navigate academic, social, and campus life as needed.

Support in PAWS is individualized. As students become more familiar with campus routines and expectations, they are encouraged to build independence while knowing support is available when challenges arise. Students develop relationships not only with PAWS staff, but also with roommates, classmates, coworkers, and peers across campus.

PAWS is designed to support a wide range of access needs. In PAWS courses, supports are built into class structure and expectations. In University of Missouri courses, students work with their support specialist and instructors to identify accommodations or modifications when needed and are supported in advocating for themselves within the university setting.

PAWS students participate fully in their classes and are expected to engage in coursework, complete assignments, and work toward course goals. Students spend class hours equivalent to full-time enrollment and are supported in meeting expectations in ways that align with their individual strengths and needs.

Most students take a mix of PAWS skills courses and undergraduate courses from the University of Missouri course catalog. PAWS courses are designed specifically for the program and focus on skill development, while university courses allow students to learn alongside degree-seeking peers. Course selection is guided by students’ interests, goals, and readiness rather than a fixed schedule.

Support for learning is individualized. In PAWS courses, class structure and instruction are designed to meet a wide range of access needs. In university courses, students work with their support specialist and instructors to identify accommodations or modifications when appropriate and are supported in learning how to advocate for themselves within a college environment.

Preparing for life beyond college is a central part of the PAWS experience. As students explore their interests and strengths, they build practical skills that support independence, employment, and community participation.

Students have opportunities to pursue volunteer, internship, or paid work experiences in areas that align with their goals. With guidance from instructors and support staff, students learn how to apply skills developed in coursework to real-world settings and workplace expectations.

Throughout the program, students are supported in developing confidence, self-advocacy, and decision-making skills that extend beyond employment. PAWS is designed to help students move forward with greater independence and readiness for the next stage of adulthood.