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Overview of Support
ASD Affinity Program

Participating students will benefit from:

  • ADVISING PLUS
    Working with a specially-trained academic advisor who will support the student selecting, navigating, and completing his or her college journey
  • ASD AFFINITY LOUNGE ACCESS
    The lounge is a dedicated space where students can meet with their peer interventionist, study, or hangout with friends.

TRANSITION TO COLLEGE
& PREPARATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

As students transition into their role as Defiance College students, our goal is to build the skills necessary for navigating college academics, independent living, and social life. Students are supported in their transition to college through the following components:

  • Weekly progress monitoring meetings with the program coordinator
  • Up to 5 hours/week of direct support with peer interventionists
  • Required study hours* (based on academic performance)
  • Required participation in student organization or ongoing social opportunity
  • Second-year students are eligible for paid DC career experience during their spring semester

TRANSITION TO CAREER

As students demonstrate success on campus, our goals shift from campus success to career preparation. Students are supported in their transition to pre-professionals based on individual needs. Available services include:

DIRECT SUPPORT SERVICES

  • Monthly progress monitoring meetings with the program coordinator
  • Up to 4 hours/week of direct support with peer interventionists
  • Required study hours* (based on academic performance)
  • Required participation in student organization or ongoing social opportunity

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

  • A semester-long workshop designed to prepare students to apply and interview for internships and entry level positions
  • Up to 3 hours/week of direct employment support with peer interventionist
  • Eligibility for a paid DC career experience (one per academic year)

LIFE SKILLS WORKSHOPS

Based on availability, students may select skill-specific workshops to enhance their personal and professional development. Workshops include:

  • Personal health and safety
  • Household management
  • Personal finance
  • Leadership
  • Social media and technology
  • Employment and self-advocacy
  • Personal relationships and self-advocacy

PAID CAREER EXPERIENCE

Defiance College Paid Career Experience is a semester-long, campus-based employment program. During the first four weeks of the semester, students will be matched with on-campus employment opportunities related to their field of study, apply to appropriate positions, and participate in interviews. Once a student is hired to fill a position, he or she will work 3-5 hours per week for ten weeks.

Support provided during the experience includes:

  • On-site training for DC faculty and staff who supervise career experiences
  • On-site training and supervision for participating students
  • Written, performance-specific feedback received weekly
  • Performance review meetings with employment supervisor and ASD Affinity Program coordinator mid-way and at the end of the career experience
  • Action plans created as needed to support students in developing the skills necessary to meet their employment responsibilities