The Integrated Studies (IS) Program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is a 2-year non-credit certificate program for students with intellectual disability. The program aims to meet students where they are in their academic journey. The IS Program is a non-credit certificate created as an alternative pathway for students with intellectual disability. Students who are at least 18 years old and have completed their secondary schooling by earning a high school diploma and/or certificate are eligible to apply. The IS Program is a fully inclusive experiential learning opportunity at the postsecondary level.

Student studying
A group of six people stands in front of a building. They are dressed casually and smiling. One person holds a blue folder. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Integrated Studies explore day, student has her photo taken

The Integrated Studies Program In-Depth

Students with intellectual disability who are enrolled in Saint Joseph’s IS Program will progressively develop skills each semester. Skill development will be achieved through academic exploration, meaningful employment opportunities on and off campus, and the development of effective communication skills. Additionally, students will develop their ability to live independently on campus and enhance their technological skills. The long-term goals of the IS program include increasing students’ independence both academically and personally, expanding their employment experience through meaningful community employment opportunities, and exploring the potential of deepening their own self-awareness.

Students enrolled in the program will work collaboratively with their academic advisor, program staff, as well as professional support both on and off campus to establish a person-centered academic path. The person-centered plan will include auditing courses, participating in internships, developing individual interests, and establishing future employment goals. At the end of a student’s experience, they will earn a non-credit certificate in Integrated Studies. As part of their academic experience, students will develop a portfolio which will be a culmination of their highlighted work. Additionally, they will leave SJC with a college transcript outlining their academic courses and internship experiences.

During their enrollment at SJC, students in the IS Program will have the support to fully embrace the college experience. They will have meals with peers in Pearson’s Café, actively engage in clubs/activities based on their interests, and gain independence by participating in our Resident Living experience.

Admissions Criteria

In order to be considered for admission into SJC’s Integrated Studies Program, each applicant must meet the following criteria (Please click on the + sign to see more details):

  • Be at least age 18 at the start of the program;
  • Have a documented diagnosis of intellectual disability; Primary disability must be cognitive, not behavioral or emotional;
    • Have either received or would have been eligible to receive services under IDEA (i.e., had an IEP/504);
  • Have exited high school or a secondary institution with one of the following: diploma, GED, special education, or certificate;
  • Prefer that student is their own guardian at the start of the program; supported decision-making is encouraged;
  • Enrolled in Community Case Management/Support Coordination/OVR/waiver at the program's start.

  • Likes to be around people (sociable);
  • Able to handle changes in routine; can be flexible in fluctuating circumstances;
  • Not defiant toward authority; can take direction;
  • Demonstrates the ability to accept personal responsibility for actions and maintains respect for self and others;
  • Has parents who will support their independence;
  • Be able to accept and follow campus rules and policies and behave respectfully towards others without supervision;
  • Has the potential to be successful in competitive employment situations. We highly recommend employment or at least volunteer, experience before entering the program;
  • Has the ability to independently self-administer and manage medication, specialized dietary, and/or medical needs. Note: SJC personnel are not available to manage/administer medication and take no responsibility for specialized diets or medical needs;
  • Be able to function independently in social situations such as being alone in the Alfond Center, academic buildings, cafeteria, etc.;
  • Meet SJCs immunization requirements.

  • Have their own cell phone; knows how to use it proficiently; understands basic phone/texting/messaging etiquette.

  • Be able to appropriately participate in 75-minute classes with necessary accommodations in place.

The Integrated Studies program is not a Dual Enrollment program.

Admissions Process

/ Step 1

Complete the  Integrated Studies Inquiry Form

/ Step 2

Complete the FAFSA

A) apply for outside scholarships
B) consult Vocational Rehabilitation

/ Step 3

Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and/or Individualized Support Plan (ISP) are required, along with any other pertinent documentation detailing additional disabilities or limitations. Send a copy of your most recent documentation to Holly Sanborn, Manager of Student Accessibility Services at hsanborn@sjcme.edu with the subject line: Name, Documentation, Integrated Studies.

/ Step 4

Send a copy of your high school transcript to integratedstudies@sjcme.edu

/ Step 5

Have a Special Education Teacher complete a Recommendation Form

/ Step 6

Have a Community Member (boss, coach, spiritual leader, etc. but NOT a family member) complete a Recommendation Form

/ Step 7

After reviewing the documentation submitted, the IS Admissions Team will review the information. If a student's application is complete and meets the criteria, an in-person visit will be scheduled. This will include student and parent/guardian interviews. Students will also be asked to take a brief technology assessment. Tours of campus will also be available.

Tuition Information

Program Tuition: $25,200 per year*

    • Tuition: $12,600 (per semester)
    • *Wellfleet Health Insurance: $2069 (waived with proof of insurance).
    • Health Facilities Fee: $150
    • Books, class materials, school supplies, damages, and parking decals are not included in the cost of tuition.

Educational Support Fee:  $10,000 per year

    • Program support Fee: $5,000 (per semester).

Room and board fee:  $15,384 per year

    • On-campus housing/meal plan: $7,692 (per semester).
    • Security Deposit: $250 (one-time fee)
    • All first-year students will be enrolled in Meal Plan A: 19 meals per week and $75 in flex per semester.
      • *Flex dollars can be spent at Baggot Street and Brewed Awakening.

Financial Aid Resources

  • Think College has a helpful resource on paying for college.
  • Integrated Studies is an approved Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program (CTP); Students should complete the FAFSA (May 1st) during their admissions process to determine if they are eligible for Federal Pell Grants, Supplemental Education Grants or Federal Work-Study. Because Integrated Studies is NOT a degree-seeking program, students will not be eligible for loans.
  • Students may be eligible for funding through Vocational Rehabilitation, if they are enrolled in VR and it is determined that this program is appropriate for their path. Please consult your VR counselor for more information.
  • Additional scholarships may be available through:

Contact Information

For more information please email:
integratedstudies@sjcme.edu

Dale Brooker, Ph.D. 
Associate Dean, Academic Initiatives and Innovation
Integrated Studies, Academic Advisor
207-893-7927
dbrooker@sjcme.edu 
Office 423, Alfond Hall

Holly Sanborn
Manager, Student Accessibility Services
207-893-7562
hsanborn@sjcme.edu
Office 307, Alfond Hall

Connor Dufour
Director, Residential Living & Community Standards
207-893-6608
cdufour@sjcme.edu
Office, 115 Heffernan

Shanna Webster
Associate Dean, Student Success and Transformative Experiences
207-893-7563
swebster@sjcme.edu
Office 325, Alfond Hall

Program Sponsors

With support from:

Maine Developmental Council logo

Maine Developmental Disabilities Council

Bangor Savings Bank logo

Bangor Savings Bank Foundation

The Integrated Studies program is based on Think College Standards and created with support from Gwynedd Mercy University and other successful programs.

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