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Department of Special Education | Pathways to Authentic College Experiences (PACE)
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Saint Joseph's University Department of Special Education | Pathways to Authentic College Experiences (PACE)
Pathways to Authentic College Experiences (PACE)
  • Home
  • About
    • History
    • Highlights
    • FAQs
    • Resources
    • Partners
    • Meet the Team
  • Admission
    • Request Information
    • Application Process
    • Eligibility
    • Tuition and Fees
  • Program Components
    • Academics
    • Social
    • Employment
    • Residential
    • Student Support
  • Support
  • Contact

Enter a Search Term

    • Prospective Students
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Program Components
Academic Experience
Social Experience
Employment Experience
Residential Experience
Student Support

Program Components

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  • Pathways To Authentic College Experiences (PACE)
  • Program Components

Program Components

  • The following is a sample advising sheet, which outlines the curriculum of the PACE program for the Class of 2029 and beyond. The curriculum is subject to change and may vary based on the students’ individual strengths, needs, and goals, as identified by the person-centered planning process.

    1ST YEAR STUDENTS - FALL SEMESTERHOURS PER WEEK1ST YEAR STUDENTS - SPRING SEMESTERHOURS PER WEEK
    Non-Native Language 3-4Diversity3
    Rhetoric & Composition3World History3
    Elective3Elective3
      Work-Based Learning6
        
    Independent Study3Independent Study3
    Academic Coaching3Academic Coaching3
    Social Coaching10Social Coaching5
    Campus Extracurriculars1Campus Extracurriculars2
      Employment Coaching5
        
    TOTAL HOURS26+TOTAL HOURS28+

     

     

    2ND YEAR STUDENTS - FALL SEMESTERHOURS PER WEEK2ND YEAR STUDENTS - SPRING SEMESTERHOURS PER WEEK
    Mathematics3Theology3
    Inequality in American Society1Fine & Performing Arts, Design, & Creativity3
    Elective3Elective3
    Work-Based Learning OR Elective 3-6Work-Based Learning8
        
    Independent Study3-4Independent Study3
    Academic Coaching3-4Academic Coaching3
    Social Coaching5Social Coaching3
    Campus Extracurriculars5Campus Extracurriculars2
    Employment Coaching5Employment Coaching7
        
    TOTAL HOURS27+TOTAL HOURS28+


     

    3RD YEAR STUDENTS- FALL SEMESTERHOURS PER WEEK3RD YEAR STUDENTS - SPRING SEMESTERHOURS PER WEEK
    Natural Science with Lab 4Religious Studies3
    Philosophy Level One3Philosophy Level Two3
    Elective (FIN 100 - Personal Finance, recommended)1-3Elective3
    Work-Based Learning OR Elective3-6Work-Based Learning10
        
    Independent Study3Independent Study3
    Academic Coaching3-4Academic Coaching3
    Social Coaching1Social Coaching1
    Campus Extracurriculars8Campus Extracurriculars5
    Employment Coaching5Employment Coaching9
        
    TOTAL HOURS26+TOTAL HOURS31+

     

     

    4TH YEAR STUDENTS – FALL SEMESTERHOURS PER WEEK4TH YEAR STUDENTS – SPRING SEMESTERHOURS PER WEEK
    Literature3Social Science3
    Elective3Elective3
    Elective3Elective3
    Work-Based Learning (On- or Off-Campus) or Elective3-6Employment Capstone (Off-Campus, Paid Employment)10-15
        
    Independent Study3Independent Study3
    Academic Coaching3Academic Coaching3
    Social Coaching0Social Coaching0
    Campus Extracurriculars10Campus Extracurriculars1
    Employment Coaching5Employment Coaching10
        
    TOTAL HOURS28+TOTAL HOURS26+
  • The following is a sample student schedule; students’ schedules will vary based on their course enrollment, extracurricular activities, and work-based learning experiences.

    MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday

    Spanish I (Non-Native Language)

    9:05-9:55

    Philosophy Level I

    8:00-9:15

    Spanish I (Non-Native Language)

    9:05-9:55

    Philosophy Level I

    8:00-9:15

    Spanish I (Non-Native Language)

    9:05-9:55

    World History 10:10-11:00Academic Coaching (Philosophy)  9:30-10:30World History 10:10-11:00

    Social Coaching (Exercise @ Gym)

    10:00-11:00

    World History 10:10-11:00
    Social Coaching (Lunch) 11:00-12:00

    Lunch

    11:00-12:00

    Homework in Library

    11:00-12:00

    Lunch

    11:00-12:00

    Lunch

    11:00-12:00

    Academic Coaching 

    (Spanish) 12:30-1:30

    Work-Based Learning (Library)

    12:00-3:00

    Employment Coaching (On-the Job Coaching) 2:00-3:00

    Lunch

    12:00-12:00

    Work-Based Learning (Library)

    12:00-3:00

    Academic Coaching 

    (World History)  1:00-2:00

    Study in Library

    2:00-3:00

    Spanish I Lab

    1:25-2:15

       
    Relax with Friends in Dorm 3:00-5:00

    Homework in Library

    3:00-4:30

    Relax with Friends in Dorm 2:30-5:00Employment Coaching  3:00-4:00

    Zumba @ Gym

    3:00-4:00

    Dinner
    5:00-6:00

    Weekly Service

    4:30-5:30

    Dinner
    5:00-6:00

    Dinner

    6:00-7:00

    Dinner
    6:00-7:00

    Art Club

    6:00-7:00 

    Social Coaching (Dinner) 6:00-7:00Social Coaching (Best Buddies)
    6:00-7:00
    Basketball Game 6:30-8:30Social Coaching
    (Comedy Show) 9:00-10:00

Academic Experience

SJU students enrolled through PACE will take inclusive, SJU classes for-credit, or on an audit basis (not for-credit)*. For the class of 2029 and beyond, the 4-year certificate program consists of 14 core courses and 2 overlay requirements [see Cornerstone Core Curriculum (CCC)] and at least 10 elective courses, chosen based on the student’s interests, goals, and career aspirations through the person-centered planning process. Students will participate in at least 3 academic courses per semester; they may choose to take an additional 4th course (as long as they do not exceed 11 credits per semester).

At the beginning of each semester, the PACE program will work collaboratively with the course instructors to determine meaningful course objectives for the student in order to establish an Individualized Learning Contract and appropriate learning outcomes for each student. 

Students will receive academic coaching outside of class by trained SJU peer mentors; academic coaching may include, but is not limited to, assignment planning, studying, and executive functioning support. Students enrolled in the PACE program also have access to inclusive academic support offered to all SJU students, such as the Office of Learning Resources webinars, the Writing Center, and faculty office hours.

*Students will choose to take classes for-credit or on an audit basis as a part of the person-centered planning process; please be aware that the level of supports and modifications permitted will vary depending on whether the course is for-credit or on an audit-basis. 

Courses

  • World History
    Rhetoric and Composition
    Inequality in American Society
    Diversity
    Philosophy Level One
    Philosophy Level Two
    Theology
    Religious Studies
    Natural Science with Lab
    Mathematics
    Social Science
    Performing Arts, Design, and Creativity
    Literature
    Non-Native Language
  • For a student who is interested in working with technology:

    • COM 175 - My Digital Life
    • CSC 110 - Building Virtual Worlds
    • EDU 242 - Technology Enhanced Curriculum and Instruction
    • ART 160 - Phoneography
    • DSS 100 - Excel Competency
    • PHL 372 - Technology Ethics
    • MKT 365 - Esports
    • MKT 316 - Digital Marketing
    • ART 175 - Image Manipulation: Photoshop
    • SOC 252 - Media and Popular Culture

     

    For a student who is interested in wellness:

    • PSY 100 - Introductory Psychology
    • IHS 150 - Health and Wellness
    • ART 130 - Art Therapy
    • SOC 217 - Mental Health and Society
    • FMK 202 - Overview of the Global Food Industry
    • EDU 151 - Cognition and Learning
    • IHS 160 - Animal Therapy
    • MKT 351 - Business of Sports
    • CLA 206 - Sports and Spectacles in Classical Literature

Social Experience

Students will participate in campus events and activities that allow them to experience increased social inclusion and build their self-advocacy and independence. The PACE program requires students to participate in at least one SJU student club or organization each semester. SJU offers 90+ student organizations to chose from, including clubs for art, gaming, and music to name a few. As a Jesuit institution, there are also many opportunities for students to participate in volunteering and community service activities.

Students receive intentional support from trained SJU peer social coaches. Social coaches support students in participating in campus activities and events that relate to their personal and professional goals. For example, if a student would like to practice money management, the student and their social coach may take the campus shuttle to Target to go shopping together.

Students will also participate in campus extracurriculars, which are campus events/activities that are not formally arranged by the PACE program staff and/or peer coaches. Students enrolled in the PACE program will practice independent choice-making and time-management by participating in campus extracurriculars. Campus extracurriculars may include, but are not limited to, attending a sporting event, eating in the dining hall, participating in a faith-based group, or volunteering for a service project.

Employment Experience

Throughout the four-year program, students will participate in work-based learning activities; these experiences expose students to various jobs and work environments and allow for opportunities to develop and practice job skills. Work-based learning experiences may include, but are not limited to, unpaid or paid internships, job shadowing, Work-Study employment, and service-learning. All work-based learning experiences will be integrated in the community and students will be working with other students/employees without disabilities. These work experiences will be chosen based upon the students’ person-centered plan. Throughout the program,  students will receive vocational support and advising from PACE program staff, Career Center staff, on-site supervisors, and trained SJU peer employment coaches. The levels of support fade over time to develop students’ employment and independence skills in order to obtain and retain employment.

During the first three-years of the program, students will participate in on-campus work-based learning experiences with the support of peer employment coaches; employment coaching may include, but is not limited to, on-the-job coaching, career exploration activities, resume writing, and practicing interview skills. Employment coaches will be paid peer mentors who are trained by the Director of Employment Services. During the last year of the program, students will participate in a culminating off-campus, paid capstone experience that connects the student’s academic learning to their future career and professional goals.

Residential Experience

SJU students enrolled through PACE have the option to commute from home or live on campus. If a student chooses to live on campus, they will have the same choice of residence halls that is offered to all other undergraduate students in the same class year. They would choose their roommate(s) through the same process that other students do. Living on campus provides students with inclusive opportunities to learn and practice independent living skills, such as caring for oneself, cooking meals, cleaning, doing laundry, etc. 

Student Support

Students will be supported by a variety of members of the University community, including the faculty and staff who comprise the PACE team. Students will also receive mentorship from trained SJU peers in the areas of academics, social engagement and employment. They will also have access other campus supports that are offered to all SJU students.

  • Students will receive 3+ hours of academic coaching on a weekly basis (typically, 1 hour per course) from trained SJU peers, who are enrolled in the same classes. Academic coaches support the student by reviewing and clarifying the course material, helping with completing assignments, practicing organization and time management strategies, referring the student to the appropriate University resources (e.g. the Writing Center), and modeling appropriate behavior and etiquette.

    For additional information about peer coaching and other campus supports, please contact the PACE Program Coordinator.

  • Students will receive 5+ hours of weekly social coaching from SJU peers, to assist with appropriate social engagement within the SJU community. Social coaches work with students to plan and participate in campus activities that are of interest and align with their specific goals or interests, as determined through the person-centered-planning process. For example, students may attend a campus basketball game with their social coaches.

    For additional information about peer coaching and other campus supports, please contact the PACE Program Coordinator.

  • Students will receive vocational support from trained SJU employment coaches as they complete their work-based learning experiences. Employment coaching may include, but is not limited to, on-the-job coaching, facilitating career exploration activities, assisting with resume writing, and practicing interview skills.

  • Students will have access to and be encouraged to use SJU support services, including, but not limited to:

    • Career Center
    • Writing Center
    • Library Services
    • Student Success (includes the Office of Learning Resources, Student Disability Services, and Student Transitions)
    • Instructor office hours

Interested in PACE?

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