CrossingPoints Certificate in Occupational Studies

Overview of the Program

Welcome to the Certificate in Occupational Studies (CCOS) Program at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. The CrossingPoints Certificate in Occupational Studies (CCOS) is a non-degree certificate program for young adults with intellectual disabilities who are interested in pursuing postsecondary education at The University of Alabama. CCOS seeks to provide students with intellectual disabilities with high quality and inclusive college experience. Upon successful completion of the CCOS program, you will earn a Certificate in Occupational Studies, which is a non-degree credential.

Students enrolled in CCOS program will:

Successfully complete individualized academic enrichment goals by earning passing grades in UA courses that provide inclusive supports and will be measured by the CCOS Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) rubric.
Demonstrate knowledge of community-based skills that support self-determination and self-management by successfully completing a portfolio assessment demonstrating their understanding of critical skills for living independently including, but not limited to financial management, transportation, agency/self-determination in academic enrichment courses.
Demonstrate capacity for self-determination and self-management that also include making sound decisions on personal wellness and socialization as evidenced in earning a rating of Satisfactory as measured by a rubric drawn from the Positive Choices curriculum.
Gain practical experiences in performing essential skills related to their chosen careers as paid employees in community-based employment settings.

CrossingPoints: Starting with Why

“We believe in creating learning opportunities for youth with significant disabilities so that no-one ever has to doubt their value.” (WHY)

We do it by creating and utilizing protocols and procedures that make it possible for others to replicate our success. (HOW)

We test, innovate, explore, and create opportunities for youth with intellectual disabilities to access and participate in inclusive experiences related to:

Postsecondary Education
Independent living
Recreation/Leisure
Employment
Community (WHAT)

Program of Study

The program includes 24 UA hours, 10 CPP specialized hours, 54 internship hours.

Academic Enrichment Courses (Inclusive): 24 UA hours

CAT 100 Computer Applications
EN 101 English Composition
COM 123 Public Speaking or COM 225 Small Group Communication
SPE 300 Introduction to Special Education
SW 351 Oppression and Social Injustice
12 additional hours of UA courses based on student’s interests, preferences, and needs (approved by advisor)

Required Independent Living Courses (Specialized): 4 hours

CPP 111 Financial Management
CPP 260 Transportation
CPP 215 Agency Awareness
CPP 312 Living Arrangements
CPP 327 Decision Making

Wellness and Socialization Courses (Specialized): 3 hours

CPP 224 Interpersonal Skills
CPP 244 Health and Wellness
CPP 267 Personal Relationships I
CPP 268 Personal Relationships II

Required Employment Courses (Specialized): 3 hours

CPP 143 Career Exploration
CPP 290 Employment Development
CPP 300 Employment Attainment
CPP 107 Workshop in Technology

Employment Internships (Inclusive): 54 hours

CPP 101 Internship I
CPP 102 Internship II
CPP 201 Internship III
CPP 202 Internship IV
CPP 301 Internship V
CPP 302 Internship VI
CPP 401 Internship VII (Optional)

Costs

The anticipated program fee will be approximately $8,000 per semester. The estimated costs for the program are as follows (links for further information are provided):

In State

Approximated Cost for Fall 2023- In State
Direct Costs
Tuition	$3,500 (approximately)
Room and Board	$4,750
Dining Plan	$1,300 (approximately)
Program Fee	$7,050
TOTAL Direct Costs	$16,600
Transportation	$2,146
Books	$800
Miscellaneous	$3,696
TOTAL Indirect Costs	6642
TOTAL APPROXIMATED COSTS	23242

Out of State

Approximated Cost for Fall 2020- Out of State
Direct Costs
Tuition	$9,200 (approximately)
Room and Board	$4,750
Dining Plan	$1,300 (approximately)
Program Fee	$7,050
TOTAL Direct Costs	$22,300
Transportation	$3,140
Books	$800
Miscellaneous	$3,696
TOTAl Indirect Costs	$7,636
TOTAL APPROXIMATED COSTS	$29,936

Admission Requirements

Required

The applicant must:

Have a documented intellectual disability (per HEOA ,2008, definition);
Have received a diploma or certificate of completion or equivalent from a high school program;
Possess functional receptive and expressive communication skills;
Have a documented history of meeting behavioral and attendance expectations of past employment, training, and/or educational programs;
Have and maintain health insurance at all times while participating in the program;
Have the ability to attend to personal, hygiene, and/or medical needs independently, including medication administration, and other routine medical processes and selfcare routines.
Have the ability or potential to adhere to UA’s social decorum as expressed in the UA Capstone Creed;
Meet eligibility guidelines for State agencies (such as Vocational Rehabilitation, Medicaid, Adult DD agencies, etc.);
Have a demonstrated ability to manage free time independently;
Have a demonstrated ability to self-monitor and self-manage behaviors;
Have a demonstrated desire to participate in and complete the program; and
Have the ability to participate in a personal interview.

Preferred

Be between 19-26 years of age at program entrance.
Be one’s own legal guardian.

Application

The following items will need to be uploaded within the application portal:

2 References Contact Information and Letters of Recommendation;
Most Current IEP from the final year of IDEA services;
Most Current Eligibility Report (including the area of disability served in high school);
High School Completion Documentation (such as a transcript, diploma, etc.);
Applicant’s Most Updated Resume; and
Applicants Application Essay (This is an essay explaining why you would like to be considered as a candidate for the CrossingPoints Certificate in Occupational Studies (CCOS). This essay does not have to be in written form. Other examples of acceptable forms of application essays are PowerPoint presentations, artwork, poetry, etc.).