Wichita State LIFE

Wichita State LIFE (Learning Independence for Future Employment) Program is a two (2) year, part-time, non-degree, postsecondary program that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities between the ages of eighteen (18) to twenty-six (26). Completion of this program results in a Wichita State LIFE Program Award. This is not a Wichita State University degree or certification. Non-degree programs are courses and educational activities offered by the University that do not result in a Kansas Board of Regents or University approved, formal academic degree. Non-degree programs can include credit or noncredit courses taken by nondegree-seeking students, continuing education, workforce training, and other instructional offerings.

The mission of Wichita State LIFE is to enable students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build academic, career, independent living, and social skills for meaningful employment and engaged adult life. Through individualized instruction, applied learning, and partnerships with campus, industry, and community organizations, participants develop self-determination and prepare for competitive, integrated employment. Participants take courses each semester as described below and have access to campus resources, inclusive experiences, and peer mentorship, along with intentional support for social and leisure skills. 

LIFE students will have access to campus wide services such as career services, disability/accessibility services, academic tutoring services, health services, and mental health/counseling services that full-time degree-seeking WSU undergraduates do, and they are expected to assume similar roles and responsibilities as full-time degree-seeking WSU undergraduate students.

LIFE students are responsible for putting forth their best effort in the program. Students will communicate with their families and LIFE instructors and staff in a timely manner if materials or support are needed to fully participate in academic, employment, and student life components of the program.

Wichita State LIFE coordinates annual person-centered planning meetings for each student to individualize their programs of study, career development experiences, advising, and support.

The Wichita State LIFE Program is designed to promote student independence. The program does not provide continuous supervision or individualized, one‑on‑one academic instruction. LIFE students shall act independently and receive instruction based on individualized guidance. Personal care assistance, medication administration, or intensive and ongoing job coaching or tutoring beyond the scope of the program is required, then students/parents/legal guardians are responsible for arranging those services separately, at their own expense. Nothing in this acknowledgment limits the student’s right to request reasonable accommodations or support as required by applicable law and WSU policy.

LIFE students must be enrolled in at least (6) credit hours per semester in the fall and spring semesters and engaged in activities directly related to the program for approximately twenty-five (25) hours/week. LIFE students are required to use their best effort, full participation, and attention to activities. Participants in the Wichita State LIFE program can expect to be on campus Monday through Thursday from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., participating in classes and campus life experiences. Depending on individual schedules, some Friday classes or activities may also be required. Participants may engage in extracurricular activities including: RSO, student government, club sports, and campus events.

The Wichita State LIFE Program adheres to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). See Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. LIFE students are responsible for sharing academic progress and other WSU information with their parents/legal guardians. LIFE students may voluntarily sign a Student Records Information Release that permits disclosure of education records subject to FERPA to their parents/legal guardians. See Granting Student Records Access to Others (Proxy). This authorization does not require the program or University to disclose information beyond what is permitted or required by law. This form may be revoked at any time in writing by the student, except to the extent action has already been taken in reliance on it. Students wanting to release non-directory information to parents/legal guardians, employers, or other specified individuals, referred to as proxies, may do so online by logging into the secure myWSU portal at: mywsu.wichita.edu

The Wichita State LIFE Program provides academic adaptations only to students who are part of the program. The level of support a student receives while the student is in the program will not continue beyond completion of the program. If a student chooses to take courses at WSU, they will need to apply and meet the admissions requirements for degree-seeking undergraduates and seek accommodations in accordance with WSU Policy 8.10 and the Office of Student Accommodations and Testing (OSAT).

LIFE students are subject to and required to comply with all WSU policies, found at: WSU Policies and Procedures Manual. Students should review Chapter 8 - Student Policies And Procedures in detail. If a campus unit recommends or requires a LIFE student to attend a meeting regarding breach or potential breach of a WSU policy, the Wichita State LIFE Program Director must be notified by the student or parent/legal guardian, and a Wichita State LIFE Program Director will attend the meeting with the student.

Wichita State LIFE provides students with individualized, appropriate coursework adaptations, course syllabi, as needed, through use of existing WSU services and specialized program supports. LIFE staff meet with all students’ instructors to discuss the program as well as student support needs.

Wichita State LIFE does not provide ongoing 1:1 support in or outside of class but may provide initial intensive support with a specific plan to fade this support.

LIFE students are expected to complete their own academic work and meet the standards of academic integrity that are expected of all WSU students. Family members, friends, tutors, or other peers should never do a student’s academic work, but can provide appropriate accommodations, adaptations, and support in conjunction with the program and course syllabi. Completion of work by someone other than a student and/or submission of another’s work is considered academic misconduct by the University and has serious consequences including a grade reduction, exclusion from activities, transcript citation for academic misconduct, suspension, etc.).

LIFE students are expected to be continuously enrolled at WSU to continue receiving services from the program. LIFE students must be enrolled in at least (6) credit hours per semester in the fall and spring semesters and engaged in activities directly related to the program for approximately twenty-five (25) hours/week. LIFE students  should meet the attendance and other requirements of each course and communicate with their instructors regarding absences. Students are responsible for completing their course assignments and for taking advantage of the study opportunities that are provided by WSU and the program. Wichita State LIFE staff do not require students to attend Academic Coaching sessions, although regular attendance is highly recommended.

 The Wichita State LIFE Program is designed to support meaningful academic engagement and personal development. However, the Wichita State LIFE Program does not and cannot guarantee a participant’s success, achievement of specific outcomes, or attainment of academic, employment, independent living, or other personal goals.

Year 1

Year 2

As part of Wichita State LIFE, students will participate in electives through Wichita State University's catalog course offerings. These courses are intended to support students' interests, strengths, career goals, and opportunities for campus engagement. Students will work collaboratively with the Wichita State LIFE Program Director to identify appropriate course options each semester. Enrollment in catalog courses is subject to approval by the Program Director and may be based on factors such as course content, student goals, and/or prerequisite requirements.

While course selections will vary based on individual interests, students will typically be encouraged to explore introductory (100–200 level) courses. Examples may include courses in art, wellness, communication, personal finance, technology, music, recreation, or other areas aligned with the student's person-centered plan.

Catalog courses will typically be taken on an audit basis, although individual circumstances may be considered for students to enroll in select courses for academic credit. Auditing a course allows a student to attend and participate in the learning experience without earning university credit or receiving a letter grade. Because audited courses are not credit-bearing, participation requirements may differ from those of degree-seeking students enrolled for credit.

Course expectations, including attendance, participation, assignments, and assessments, will be determined by the Wichita State LIFE Program Director in consultation with the student, course instructor, and other relevant university personnel. Audited course experiences will be individualized to promote meaningful participation, skill development, self-determination, career exploration, and inclusion within the university community.

Additional information regarding Wichita State University's auditing policies and procedures is available through the Office of the Registrar: https://www.wichita.edu/services/registrar/auditing.php.

Final decisions regarding catalog course enrollment, participation expectations, and auditing arrangements will be made by the Wichita State LIFE Program Director in collaboration with the student and as part of the ongoing evaluation of the student's educational goals and program experience.

The Wichita State LIFE Program provides consistent and timely communication with students and families throughout the year. Wichita State LIFE staff provide training and support to students to use their WSU email and other methods of communication.

LIFE students are expected to communicate directly with their staff, peers, instructors, and work supervisors regarding their support needs, requests, or changes in schedules. This includes checking WSU email regularly and responding to emails and phone calls in a timely manner. It is expected that students will contact the appropriate person(s) at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to missing an activity or work shift (paid or unpaid). If needed, students should request support from the program staff to communicate. Wichita State LIFE recommends and can support students to disclose their support needs to instructors and peers, as needed, especially when working in a group/group project.

Parents/legal guardians of LIFE students will respond to requests in a timely manner with requested information to facilitate the student’s success in the program.

Wichita State LIFE Program Director Reagan Murnan, PhD, is the contact person for concerns, issues, or general communication with the program. Parents/legal guardians should not contact other WSU students involved with the program regarding anything related to the program. LIFE staff can be reached by office phone or email during normal business days/hours (M-F; 8am-5pm).

Wichita State LIFE courses are offered at market-based tuition rates for non-elective courses [TALS] to help keep the program affordable and accessible. Full undergraduate tuition rate and fees are applicable to undergraduate exploration elective courses. Eligibility for military educational benefits, 529 savings plans, and other funding sources vary based on individual circumstances and program requirements. Wichita State LIFE Program cannot determine eligibility for these benefits. This program is not a federally funded TIPSID program. Participants in this program are not eligible to receive federal financial aid at this time.

Peer mentors are undergraduate and graduate students selected through an application and interview process based on their interest in disability inclusion, leadership potential, reliability, and ability to serve as positive role models. They will be subject to background checks and training.

Peer mentors are intended to facilitate social inclusion, campus engagement, and natural support for LIFE students. Responsibilities may include accompanying students to Wichita State LIFE courses, inclusive catalog courses, campus activities, and university events; modeling effective study and organizational strategies; supporting participation in university experiences; encouraging self-advocacy and independence; and fostering connections with peers and campus resources.

Peer mentors may provide general encouragement and informal support related to navigating the college environment. However, they do not provide academic instruction, counseling, personal care, behavioral intervention services, case management, transportation, or supervision. Peer mentors are not responsible for implementing disability accommodations or providing specialized academic supports, such as note-taking, scribing, test administration, tutoring, prompting beyond naturally occurring peer interactions, or other accommodations typically coordinated through university disability services or instructional staff. Peer mentors do not replace faculty, university staff, disability service providers, or other qualified professionals.

Wichita State LIFE prepares students for competitive, integrated, paid employment by providing coursework, workshops, paid and unpaid employment internships and experiences, in addition to collaborating with community employment agencies.

Wichita State LIFE students develop individualized career goals and work with Wichita State LIFE staff to obtain career and employment experiences aligned with their career goals. Students must complete job search and employment experiences (paid and unpaid) as part of the program with the end-goal of finding integrated, paid employment in their preferred career area.

Wichita State LIFE students are expected to follow work attendance policies set by the work site for both paid and unpaid positions. They are expected to communicate directly with their supervisors regarding work-related issues and inform LIFE staff. LIFE staff do not do this on behalf of students unless there are unusual circumstances.

LIFE staff will work with families, students, and service agencies to identify appropriate employment services in a student’s home community upon graduation. This may include the student applying for Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

Paid, integrated employment for students exiting LIFE is the end goal, but Wichita State LIFE does not and cannot guarantee such employment.

LIFE students are responsible for and are expected to engage in formal and informal social activities as part of the Wichita State LIFE Program. Wichita State LIFE does not directly collaborate with the WSU Housing Department. However, LIFE students are expected to comply with the Housing & Residence Life Handbook upon approval of an application for on-campus housing.

Wichita State LIFE staff recommends that students engage in adult roles and responsibilities at home. This might include arranging transportation, contacting friends, or planning social activities, doing laundry, preparing snacks/meals, making purchases, preparing for the next day (packing a backpack, picking appropriate clothes, making lunch, setting alarms, etc.) and setting appointments. In collaboration with other WSU entities as well as community service providers, LIFE students will experience opportunities to learn and engage in a variety of adult roles and responsibilities. Wichita State LIFE staff will work with each student to identify supports necessary for participation.

LIFE students are expected to record planned academic, social, and other activities in their calendars, with support as needed.

Continuation in the Wichita State LIFE Program is determined based on the students’ participation, progress, eligibility criteria, and meeting the expectations outlined above including complying with the Student Code. If there are multiple or serious infractions of the program expectations, Wichita State LIFE reserves the right to dismiss a student from the Wichita State LIFE Program at any time. Students and families must comply with this decision.

The following applications must be completed for admission to Wichita State LIFE Program:

1. Complete the Wichita State LIFE Program Application

   Submission of a completed application does not guarantee acceptance into the Wichita State LIFE program. As part of a holistic review process, selected applicants will be invited to participate in an interview to assess readiness, independence, and overall fitness for the program.

   Following the interview, confirmation from the Program Director will be sent to the prospective participant.

2. Complete the Wichita State LIFE application. The link will be provided by the Program Director for invited applicants. Submission of this application requires a $25.00 payment.

The following criteria should be met:

• Documentation of an intellectual disability, with significant limitations in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, as defined by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) as, “Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. This disability originates before the age of 18.”
• Age is between 18-26 years old upon admission.
• Previous eligibility for IDEA services while in school (e.g., student has/had an Individualized Education Program [IEP] or equivalent documentation [Student Assistance Plan or private school support plan])
• A high school diploma/GED/alternative equivalent
• The ability to independently self-administer and manage medication, specialized dietary, and/or medical needs. Wichita State LIFE instructors and personnel are not available to manage/administer medication and take no responsibility for specialized diets or medical needs.
• The ability to respond to emails, text messages, and read functional lists such as a grocery list (approx. 3rd grade reading level).
• The ability to perform basic mathematics understanding; can use a calculator.
• The ability to utilize technology (cell phone, laptop, etc.) on a basic level.
• The ability to act independent and remain on a task.
• The ability to socially engage with others.
• The ability to handle changes in routine and demonstrate flexibility in fluctuating circumstances.
• The ability to accept direction and respond appropriately to authority.
• The ability to accept personal responsibility for actions and maintain respect for self and others.
• The desire and motivation to be successful in competitive employment situations. Employment or volunteer experience before entering the program are highly encouraged.
• The desire and motivation to participate in a college experience.
• Parents/guardians/caregivers who will support participant’s independence, education, and growth are essential.

• High school/GED transcript/or proof of alternative education completion
• Most recent Individualized Education Program [IEP] or equivalent documentation [Student Assistance Plan, private school support plan, or similar documentation]
• Two (2) letters of recommendation supporting the participant’s application to Wichita State LIFE Program
• Documentation of an intellectual disability [i.e. Individualized Education Program [IEP]; Physician’s documentation; Social Security Administration documentation; Psychological or Neuropsychological Evaluation Summary; Comprehensive Evaluation Summary; Vocational Rehabilitation documentation]