Certificate of Proficiency – Integrated College and Community Studies
Aggies Elevated students graduate with a certificate of proficiency in Integrated College and Community Studies. The certificate has been recognized by Utah State University, the Utah Board of Regents, and the Northwest Commission on College and Universities. It is credit-bearing, and the associated credits can be transferred to other credentials and institutions according to university transfer policies.
A minimum of 23 credits are required to receive the certificate. Students must take all EDUC-designated courses for credit and pass with a grade of C- (70%) or higher. All other required and elective courses may be taken for credit or audit. This determination will be made with the student’s support team based on their learning objectives and academic skills. Guidance is provided in selecting appropriate elective courses. Electives must be approved by advisor prior to enrolling.
Link to certificate in USU Catalog.
Program of Study
The ICCS Certificate is a 2-year program of study. ICCS Certificate Plan
Aggies Elevated Courses
Program-taught courses are designed specifically for students with intellectual disability (ID). They provide foundational knowledge and skills in areas vital for students with ID, including academics, social, career, independent living, and self-determination/self-advocacy. These courses help fill in social and academic gaps that many students with ID experience, and set them up for success in inclusive college classes and life after graduation.
Aggies Elevated classes allow program staff to get to know students and understand how they learn, so the program can provide effective individualized tools and supports. The courses also allow students to practice applying knowledge, skills, and tools in safe spaces before they “launch” into more inclusive settings.
Program courses mirror traditional college courses in format and expectations. Courses are credit-bearing, progressively increase in difficulty and complexity, have a variety of assignments and demonstrations of learning.
Utah State has over 30 statewide campuses. Broadcast courses are a common type of class in this system. Aggies Elevated core courses are broadcast between Logan and Price campuses, which prepares students to be successful in this environment.
Inclusive USU Courses
In addition to program-taught classes, Aggies Elevated students take a variety of inclusive elective courses available to all undergraduate students at the university. These courses are selected based on students’ interests, needs, and career goals.Examples include:
- PE classes
- Science classes
- English classes
- Art classes
- Computer classes
- Human services classes (education, psycology, disability, human development, etc.)
Credit vs. Audit
Taking a course for credit means that a student must complete all assignments and class requirements outlined in the course syllabus. All courses the program teaches (EDUC-designation) are designed for AE students and must be taken for credit.
If a student finds that an elective or required non-EDUC course is beyond their academic abilities, they may decide to audit the class. Audited courses do not earn credit towards degree requirements and are documented on a student’s transcript as “AU.”
Auditing a course allows students and AE staff to select parts of the course that will be most beneficial for a student’s learning and career goals. Assignments and requirements can be modified to match the student’s abilities and goals. Students, AE staff, and the course instructor work together to create an audit agreement, which outlines precisely what the student will do to complete the course.
Disability Resource Center & Accommodations
All Aggies Elevated students register with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to receive appropriate accommodations for their courses. Common accommodations include audio books, extended time on quizzes/exams, notetaking support, speech to text software, screen reader software, and other assistive technology.