University of North Texas ELEVAR, ENGAGE & WISE programs

UNT ELEVAR students earn a Certificate of Completion supported by the U.S. Department of Education as well as a transcript of their zero-credit traditional courses from UNT at the completion of the program. UNT ENGAGE students receive services that help them attain any of the 114 bachelor's or 126 master's and doctoral degrees the University of North Texas offer. UNT WISE's College WISE program provides an in-depth look at post-secondary education for young adults with disabilities, ages 14-22, and offers a certificate of completion.

The University of North Texas is:

• Located in Denton, one of the best college towns in the nation
• Named one of the Safest College Campuses in the nation by Alarms.org for four years in a row
• Named a Tree Campus Higher Education institution by the Arbor Day Foundation for 15 consecutive years
• Named one of America's Top Colleges by Forbes 16 years in a row
• Named 7th Best College Town in the nation according to 247WallSt.com

Participants in UNT ELEVAR, ENGAGE & WISE all have campus-based experiences.

A world-class music and arts scene, Denton is located just a short drive from Dallas-Fort Worth, Oklahoma, lakes, and state parks. It is a town where hip intersects with historic where there is no shortage of things to do. Denton has 4,000 acres of open space, unique restaurants and shopping, a vibrant downtown, lakes and trails, museums, historic tours, and Instagram-worthy photos at the city's most popular murals.

All three programs have on-campus housing availability.

The UNT ELEVAR program has an approximate maximum cost of $33,000 per year. This includes tuition, university fees, program fees, room and board, and a 7-day meal plan;Funding is required for the UNT ENGAGE program, but there are different funding options available to students; UNT WISE College WISE is grant funded.

UNT ELEVAR students are eligible for Pell Grants and Work Study through Financial Aid, and scholarships are also available. UNT ENGAGE students are eligible for the same financial aid and scholarships as any UNT students.

UNT ELEVAR: UNT ELEVAR (Empower, Learn , Excel, envision, Advance, Rise) is a four-year inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disability (ID). Following this definition of the program's name, ELEVAR (lift, soar, rise in Spanish), the program's vision is the empower young adults with ID who wish to continue postsecondary education (PSE) to become self-determined, independent, and healthy adults readied for integrated competitive employment. Most importantly, the UNT ELEVAR program welcomes young adults with ID to be part of the Mean Green family experience. The program provides support and services related to academic success, employment, social and emotional goals, and independent living. The UNT ELEVAR program also provides support and services required by ADA through university services.

UNT ENGAGE: UNT ENGAGE stands for Embracing Neurodivergent Groups in Academics and Gainful Employment. ENGAGE serves neurodivergent students (diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, etc.) enrolled at UNT with reaching their academic and vocational goals through person-centered planning and individualized services. Students participate in assessment and planning meetings to identify personal, academic, and vocational goals. We take a person-centered, holistic approach to serving our students and collaborate closely with other support services on campus that the student utilizes or could benefit from.

UNT WISE: UNT WISE (Workplace Inclusion & Sustainable Employment) is the premier training and consultancy group for programs seeking to enhance employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. They offer College WISE a one-week residential summer program for young adults with disabilities, ages 14-22, interested in pursuing a post-secondary education. An overview of the expectations and demands of community college and a four-year university are explored. Participants engage in a variety of activities aimed at demonstrating skills necessary to be successful in higher education, including independent living, social, and recreational skills. Overnight accommodations in campus housing are provided and public transportation will be utilized for travel around campus and the community. This program opens the door to the realities of community college and university life.

UNT Speech & Hearing Center

• Social skills
• Reading skills
• Articulation & stuttering therapy
• Accent modification

UNT ELEVAR students have access to and can participate in all activities sponsored by the University of North Texas. For more information, click here.

ENGAGE students meet with ENGAGE staff individually and through group activities hosted by ENGAGE weekly or co-facilitated by partners on campus. Students are always encouraged to attend UNT affiliated events at their availability and per their interest. Each individual meeting is tailored to the students' goals and any objectives, and change based on mastery and student request. Students often participate in other events hosted by the UNT Neurodiversity Initiative partners such as UNT EPIC, Perspectives of Communication Group, and the UNT WELL Clinic.

UNT WISE's College WISE activities include instruction and hands-on activities focusing on:

• Study Skills & Time Management
• Disability Disclosure & Self-Advocacy
• Student Engagement
• Resources for Academic Success
• Degree Exploration
• Transportation Training
• Cooking & Nutrition
• Professional Communication
• Money Management & Budgeting
• Recreation Activities /Leisure Time
• Work & College Life

UNT has around 450 student organizations from which to choose, so there's something for everyone. And if for some reason there's not, students can create one. Becoming a member of a student organization helps students meet new people, develop leadership skills, and promote interests while in college.

The Pohl Recreational Center is available to all students, as well as the programs and activities offered.

The Mean Green have won 139 conference championships all-time across 16 different sports.

Permitted parking is available across campus at designated parking areas.

114 bachelor's or 126 master's and doctoral degrees

UNT students have the opportunity to:

• Apply tuition waivers and federal student aid to study abroad.
• Access generous UNT scholarships and other financial awards.
• Build their resume with major-related programs or internships.
• Experience life in another part of the world.
• Study abroad AND graduate on time.
• Increase their independence and cultural competencies.
• Immerse themselves in global culture and learning.
• Study abroad on their own or with UNT faculty and students.
• Share their experience with peers upon return.

Choose from Affiliate Programs, Exchange Programs, Faculty Led Programs and Global Intensive Opportunities.

24/7 online computer labs and laptop checkouts available for students. UNT also offers a wide-range of software for free or at a low cost to students.

UNT ELEVAR is designed to serve students who meet the following criteria: 

• Is an individual of at least 18 years of age, transfer students are eligible to enter through the age of 28.
• Has a documented disability diagnosis of intellectual disability
• Has completed high school with or without a high school diploma, who received services through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), been served by IDEA, or completed an alternate assessment portfolio. Students should no longer receive support from their high school at start of the UNT ELEVAR program
• Has basic functional skills in reading, writing, and mathematics with or without assistive technology  
• Has completed high school with or without a high school diploma  
• Has a personal interest to attend college and is seeking greater independence and employment by enhancing social, communication, vocational, health and wellness, and life skills in an inclusive post-secondary education program as demonstrated through a personal statement and interview 
• Is willing and able to live communally and independently with other UNT or UNT ELEVAR students in campus housing during the program as demonstrated through the Transition Pathway program or other evidence (e.g., overnight camps, etc.)  
• Can function independently (e.g., navigate campus on their own or with appropriate support) and participate in semester-long workshops and seminars that last between 90 minutes and 2 hours  
• Displays skills to manage stress and adapt to change or the ability to learn such coping skills with minimal disruption to others. Exhibits responsible and socially adaptive behavior with minimal supervision and appropriate support. 
• Has sufficient emotional and independent ability to participate in all aspects of the UNT ELEVAR program and the University of North Texas
• Demonstrates the ability to accept personal responsibility for actions and maintains respect for self and others and understands and follows all UNT safety and health requirements
• Has limited or no history of disruptive or aggressive behavior.  
• Independently self-administers and manages medication, specialized dietary and/or medical needs.
• Serve as their own full legal guardian. Individuals with ID who have a supported decision-making agreement are also encouraged to apply and decisions will be made on an individual basis.
• Demonstrate the potential to successfully achieve personal and program goals within the context of the UNT ELEVAR program and setting.  

For more information on UNT ELEVAR admissions, click here.

UNT ENGAGE is designed to serve any four-year degree-seeking student that is neurodivergent on UNT's campus. Funding is required for the program, but there are different funding options available to students.

Participation in the UNT WISE College WISE Summer Program is sponsored by Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) working for Texas Workforce Solutions – Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWS-VRS).

All UNT students receive free services at the UNT Speech & Hearing Center.

UNT ELEVAR application is open Oct. 1 through the beginning of December each year.
UNT's application information can be found here.

University of North Texas is home to more than 7,400 international students and scholars. International Student and Scholar Services is committed to providing top-notch, culturally sensitive immigration services to UNT's international communities.

UNT ELEVAR  - The program's vision is to empower young adults with ID who wish to continue post-secondary education to become self-determined, independent, and healthy adults readied for integrated competitive employment.

The UNT ENGAGE mission is to improve the quality of life for neurodivergent students by supporting their academic, vocational, social, and personal success at the University of North Texas and beyond. 

The UNT WISE mission is to Improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by researching innovative best practices, training professionals in effective and ethical service, and directly supporting the disability community. 

UNT offers a variety of summer courses that are open to the UNT ELEVAR and ENGAGE students. The UNT WISE College WISE program takes place during the summer.

UNT has a wide-range of notable alumni - from musicians, to actors, to business moguls to public servants. A few of note are Roy Orbison, Norah Jones, Don Henley, Anne Rice and Joe Greene.
Search a full list here: https://northtexan.unt.edu/notable-alumni

UNT ELEVAR social media:
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UNT WISE social media
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UNT Speech & Hearing Center
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