ASCEND Selection Process

Admission Decisions/Selection Process

An application Committee will review applications and select students for admission. Please do not call about the status of your application, as we will not be able to provide this information for you over the phone. You will receive notification in writing letting you know of your acceptance. We strive to keep students and families informed of our progress in reviewing and determining admission opportunities.

A limited number of applicants will be admitted each year. Admission will be based on the following criteria:

• The applicant must have a diagnosis of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
• The applicant must have sufficient emotional and independent stability to participate in all aspects of the Missouri State-West Plains coursework and campus environment
• ASCEND students have the same rights and privileges, freedoms, and responsibilities as other Missouri State-West Plains students. Missouri State-West Plains students are not supervised 24/7 and are expected to live responsibly and independently during their college experiences. Relatedly, an ASCEND staff member can respond to emergency situations on campus.
• The applicant must demonstrate the ability to accept and follow reasonable rules and behave respectfully towards others. NOTE: Missouri State-West Plains ASCEND does not have the personnel to supervise students with difficult and challenging behaviors or dispense medications.
• The applicant must demonstrate the desire to attend the Missouri State-West Plains ASCEND program and adhere to the policies regarding attendance and participation in their program of study and typical Missouri State-West Plains classes.
• The applicant must have the potential to successfully achieve his/her goals within the context of the ASCEND program’s content setting.

Questions?

Email Mikala King, Program Director at MikalaKing@MissouriState.edu