ASCEND is a program at UCA for students with autism and other neurodivergences to connect with one another in their mutual goals of a successful and enjoyable college experience. Our ASCEND program is located in Hughes Hall within the RISE@Hughes Living Learning Community and incorporates sensory-friendly facilities, a dedicated faculty coordinator to facilitate appropriate programming, and a community board that will provide reminders, tips, and tricks to being successful in your college experience.
While ASCEND is physically located within the RISE@Hughes Living Learning Community and we recommend that you apply to RISE@Hughes in your housing application to receive all program benefits, housing assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis and housing in Hughes Hall may not be guaranteed to everyone interested in ASCEND. Therefore, you are not required to live in Hughes Hall to participate in ASCEND programming or to benefit from ASCEND resources. There is also no additional fee for participation in ASCEND beyond standard housing costs.
Features
- Reduced sensory atmosphere
- Bulletin board with safety tips, success tips, self-care tips, cafeteria, HPER, Police number, counseling connections, emergency counseling numbers for crisis intervention, healthy coping strategies, alliance meeting times, maps, and faculty/staff support contacts
- Located near the College of Education, the Christian Cafeteria, the UCA Police Department, and the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) building
How to Apply
Students interested in participating in ASCEND should complete the Interest Form on our website to join our contact list. Please complete the interest form by January 31st to ensure availability of housing.
If you would like to be part of the ASCEND@Hughes Living Learning Community, follow these steps to apply:
- Complete the ASCEND Interest Form to join our program!
- Apply for admission to the university
- Apply for university housing in the Freshmen Living Learning Communities and select RISE@Hughes as your first choice of living learning community
- Register with the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS) to document any accommodations you may benefit from
Questions about ASCEND? Email Living Learning Communities at llc@uca.edu.