EXCEL Curriculum
The EXCEL program offers two certificates earned over the course of 4 years:
- Academic Enrichment, Social Fluency, and Career Exploration
Earned at the end of the 2nd year - Social Growth, Leadership, and Career Development
Earned at the end of the 4th year
EXCEL students participate in a combination of 4 EXCEL courses and inclusive courses each semester, totaling 12 credit hours (see 4-year grid). Throughout the four-year program, students take several EXCEL courses that extend fundamentals, reinforce social skills, introduce independent living skills, and initiate career development.
EXCEL courses include content in:
- Functional Reading and Writing Comprehension
- Health and Wellness
- Financial Literacy and Money Management
- Interpersonal Communication/Social Skills (PEERS Curriculum)
- Community Engagement
- Project-Based Learning
- Leadership Skills
- Career Exploration and Preparation
- Preparing for After-College Transitions
In addition to the courses specifically designed for EXCEL students, they will also take inclusive courses alongside degree-seeking students. Inclusive course expectations are modified by the students' Academic Advisor who determines the appropriate modifications to the curriculum and course expectations. Inclusive courses are identified for each student on an individual basis to meet the student's interests and career goals identified in their person-centered planning meetings. Examples of inclusive courses are the following:
- Stars, Galaxy, and the Universe
- Information Technology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Visual Design Thinking
- Habitable Planet
- Personality Theory
- Digital Design Methods
- Ancient Greece
- Organizational Behavior
- Management of Technology
- Introduction to Sociology
Students are supported in their academics through a peer-tutor program. Undergraduate students in each inclusive class are trained by the EXCEL program to work individually with students to provide assistance in learning the course material. Students also have the opportunity to complete coursework during a study hall staffed by Teaching Assistants specific to the EXCEL program.
4-year Grid
| Certificate 1: | |||
| Freshman | Sophmore | ||
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring |
| Career Explorations | Career Success I | Career Success II | Career Success III |
| Self-Awareness | EXCEL Elective | Finacial Literacy I | EXCEL Elective |
| Health and Wellness | EXCEL Elective or Inclusive | EXCEL Elective or Inclusive | EXCEL Elective or Inclusive |
| EXCEL 1000 (Inclusive Freshman Seminar) | Inclusive Course | Inclusive Course | Inclusive Course |
| Certificate 2: | |||
| Junior | Senior | ||
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring |
| Career Seminar I | Career Seminar II | Career Seminar III | Career Seminar IV |
| EXCEL Elective or Inclusive | EXCEL Elective or Inclusive | Senior Capstone | Individual Transition Planning |
| Inclusive Course | Inclusive Course | Inclusive Course | Inclusive Course |
| Career Development Experiences | Career Development Experiences | Career Development Experiences | Career Development Experiences |
EXCEL Course of Study
Throughout the four-year program, students take several EXCEL courses that extend fundamentals, reinforce social skills, introduce independent living skills, and initiate career development. In addition to the courses specifically designed for EXCEL students, they will also take inclusive courses alongside degree-seeking students. The EXCEL student’s Academic Advisor will determine the student’s level of competency and provide a modified course syllabus for credit toward their certificate.