Raven Scholars Program FAQ

Applications:

• Does a student need to already be accepted to U of I to apply to Raven Scholars? 
  • Raven Scholars accepts students on a first-come, first-serve basis, by when the application was received. Early application is recommended.
  • A student may not officially participate in the program until they have been accepted by U of I. We recommend you work directly with the Admissions Office.
• What if a student does not have an official diagnosis? Raven Scholars does not currently require a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or related diagnoses.
  • Enrolled students can request a screening for ASD or ADHD through the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), and they may offer further testing or a referral for diagnosis.
  • If the student is seeking classroom or housing accommodations, they will need to provide documentation to the Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR), and that typically does require an official diagnosis and recommendations for academic or housing accommodations from a licensed clinician.
• What if it is a recent ASD diagnosis? Raven Scholars welcomes newly diagnosed students!
• What if the student had an IEP or 504 in high school? The student will need to request classroom or housing accommodations through CDAR, and will need to supply documentation (usually beyond an IEP or 504), preferably completed within three years. Please be aware that not all accommodations available through an IEP or 504 will translate to college level accommodations, we recommend you reach out to CDAR to learn more, 208-885-6307. 
• How will a student know if they have been accepted into Raven Scholars program? We will communicate that we have received the application through email. For fall semester we will reach out through email and phone during spring, March-April, to confirm a students intention to attend U of I and participate in the program. We will confirm at that time that the student has been accepted or if there is an active waitlist.
• What if there is a waitlist? We will inform the student of their placement on the waitlist and next steps. We communicate primarily through the students' @vandals.uidaho.edu email and it is highly recommended they check it daily and no less than twice a week if they are actively on a waitlist.
• Can we get a tour? Yes, you may schedule a virtual (Zoom) or in-person tour during our operating season and hours (early-August-mid-May). We may also be available to meet for UIdaho Bound and other recruitment and resource events. Email Leslie, the associate director, to learn more. If we are not available, CDAR is well versed in our services and they may be able to answer your questions.

Meeting Frequency:

• Tier 1 (T1): Raven staff meet with T1 students for one-on-one meetings up to twice per week for a maximum of 90 minutes. Freshmen T1 students are also required to enroll in the INTR 101 course, Focus on Success, unless the program has waived this requirement (case-by-case basis). Students may stay in T1 until they graduate or are promoted to T2.
  • Students who will regularly need more than two one-on-one points of contacts per week may not be a good fit for our program.
• Tier 2 (T2): Raven Staff will meet with T2 students two-four times monthly for a maximum of 45 minutes a week. Most students stay in T2 until they graduate, though, they may graduate to T3 if they no longer need regular services.
• Tier 3 (T3): This tier is only available for sophomores and above, who have graduated from Tier 2 and who no longer need regular support. Often, T3 students choose to remain in the program for its social perks or to have access to the Ravens Activities or Sensory space. T3 students are only required to check in with program staff once per semester but may request to meet monthly, or as needed. Students may remain in T3 through graduation.
  • T3 students are eligible to apply for the Peer-Mentor Internship.

Student Participation:

• What does program participation look like? Each student will go through an intake process so staff may learn more about their strengths and goals. From this interactive process we will develop an action plan that will detail their Tier placement, meeting frequency, areas of strengths and need for support. This plan is reviewed and updated each semester for T1 and T2 students.
  • T1 and T2 students will have regular planning meetings with program staff (T1: 1-2 weekly, T2: 2-4 monthly). During these meetings staff ask about each class, self-care, use of accommodations (if applicable) and their social wellbeing. Staff will refer students to campus supports or schedule a follow up, if needed.
  • Students enrolled in INTR 101 will use time during class to plan assignments in other courses and to learn techniques to effectively manage time, develop stronger organization skills and to avoid common pitfalls, like procrastination. We also cover campus resources and social and life-skill topics related to young adults: self-advocacy, setting and respecting boundaries, nutrition, financial literacy, self-awareness, utilizing campus services, conflict management, self-care and other topics. This 2-credit course is graded on an ABCDF scale. Students may take the course in both the fall and spring,
    • T1 students who are on probation and/or requiring an program Accountability Agreement will be required to take INTR 101 both semesters.
  • All Raven Scholars are welcome to spend time in the Ravens Activity Space, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., students may do homework, puzzles, play games, eat their lunch, visit with other students or peer-mentors, etc., in this space.
  • We invite students to participate in monthly events, workshops, discussion groups, etc. We also encourage students to attend residence hall and campus events.
• What if a student is struggling?
  • Raven Scholars program is intended to be proactive, rather than reactive. A student's candid disclosure and self-advocacy toward staff during weekly meetings are the most effective ways of preventing foreseeable problems.
  • Staff will see academic system indicators (early progress grades, midterm grades, poor attendance/engagement) and we will intervene. Program staff may also assist students in navigating other system indicators or holds placed by Advising, Housing, Student Accounts, Dean of Students, Conduct, etc.
  • Staff may prompt students to check their email and/or request to review courses on Canvas (or other applicable websites) to ensure follow through or to prevent any known problems from escalating. It is highly recommended students be open to this, especially if they have received academic warnings or are on academic probation. 
  • We make referrals to many other campus offices and/or recommend students attend instructor office hours. Students must follow through independently or request program advocacy.
  • Raven Scholars staff may occasionally advocate for flexibility from an instructor, however, it is important to note that the program cannot advocate for fundamental alterations to course requirements. Raven Scholars are held to the same academic standards as their peers.
  • Students may seek official accommodations through the Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR). Raven Scholars can support a student navigating those services, but students are autonomous, independent adults and must request/renew those services each semester.
• What if the student is reluctant to accept support? The Raven Scholars program honors the autonomy of students and their choice in accepting program services is entirely voluntary. If a student does not respond to our communication attempts after several tries, we will assume they are no longer interested and dismiss them from program services.
  • We do not recommend parents apply on behalf of students for this service. We strongly prefer the student's direct and voluntary involvement in the application and intake process.
  • We view and treat our students as fully autonomous adults and will respect their wishes, even if that means not participating in the program or accepting CDAR accommodations.
• What if the student doesn’t adhere to the program policies? The Raven Scholars program has a three-strikes no-show policy, and a policy and participation agreement. While program staff will do our best to communicate and problem solve, students can and will be dismissed at the Associate Director’s sole discretion. We will make a VandalCARE report to the Dean of Students Office, if we have concerns for the students academic, social or mental wellbeing.
  • Students are expected to participate as agreed upon in the program action plan, including enrollment and attendance in INTR 101, weekly planning meetings and following other program recommendations. Staff will communicate clearly and support students in making informed decisions with knowledge of natural, logical consequences (e.g. academic probation, program dismissal, receiving a D or F, a program accountability agreement, etc.).
• What are the goals of an accountability agreement? The Accountability Agreement is an online form designed for a student to reflect on obstacles, behaviors and circumstances that led to poor outcomes and to identify values related to their academic and social goals. It is also a tool to express expectations for a student's participation in the program. The process is intended to realign responsibility for effort towards positive personal outcomes onto the student within a growth mindset. Refusal to complete an Accountability Agreement upon program request may result in a permanent dismissal.
• What are some reasons we may request an accountability agreement?
  • Returning from an Academic Disqualification, probation and/or other academic concerns
  • Reapplied for program support after being dismissed
  • Disrespectful behavior towards students, interns, faculty or staff
  • Frequent no-shows for regularly scheduled appointments
  • Conduct or legal issues
  • Mental health, social or self-care concerns
• Is there a grievance policy? The Raven Scholars program is a voluntary, donations-based program; it is not a federally mandated accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Access to the program is not guaranteed under any U of I policy or federal or state law.
  • If a student needs accommodations to participate in the program, they may request those from CDAR.
  • If a student has an issue with a peer-mentor, volunteer, or staff member, they are encouraged to bring that directly to the associate director.
  • The associate director reports to the director of CDAR, and you are encouraged to bring any grievances about them to the director of CDAR.

Program Availability:

• Staff are available during business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, appointments may be required.
• The program is closed on all U of I holidays, and hours may be limited on breaks (fall recess, winter break, spring recess). There are no services over the summer term.

• Is there a fee for participation? Raven Scholars is a free, donations-based program. We greatly appreciate anything a student or their family can contribute, your generous gift will help us in providing an enriching experience for our students. Our university funding only covers staff and bare minimum operations.
• How are donations used?  We use gifts to develop fun, interactive student events: social events, workshops, discussion groups and to update program materials like workbooks, crafts, sensory tools, etc. Additionally, they may fund program promotion and recruitment materials, technical equipment, training materials and professional development opportunities for our staff and interns.
• What other contributions can I make to the Raven Scholars Program? Please reach out to Leslie Gwartney, Raven Scholars Associate Director, for information on volunteer opportunities or other ways you may support the program, leslieag@uidaho.edu or 208-885-1107.
• Does Raven Scholars offer scholarships? No, Raven Scholars is a free academic and social support program, our funds are used primarily for staffing and program operations. However, there are many scholarships available on the Financial Aid Scholarship webpage. We're also aware of some additional resources or scholarships related to ASD or other disabilities you may want to further explore:
  • The Organization for Autism Research Scholarship
  • The Courageous Kids Scholarship (Idaho freshmen students with disabilities)
  • The Reveley Scholarship (for U of I students who have ADD/ADHD)]
  • The George Warren Scholarship (for U of I students with physical/systemic disabilities)
  • Making a Difference Autism Scholarship
  • The Avonte Oquendo Autism Scholarship
  • ASD Ascend Autism Scholarship
  • The Nitro Scholarship

• Can a student get Housing accommodations? The Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) must approve all Housing Accommodations, (e.g. a private bathroom due to a documented disability). These accommodations need to be renewed annually with both CDAR and Housing.
  • Raven Scholars program can assist in advocating for a student's needs to CDAR, however, the student must have supporting documentation from a doctor or clinician stating the need for a housing accommodation (related to their diagnosis) and it must be approved by CDAR.
  • Freshmen are required to live on campus, (with some exceptions, e.g., those living with family in the community). Upper classmen are not required to live on campus and are strongly encouraged to renew their housing by the applicable deadlines, if they wish to remain on campus.
• What about dietary restrictions in the Dining Hall? A student would either work through CDAR or directly with Housing to address any allergies or food sensitivities. Raven Scholar staff could help a student navigate those processes or advocate with a student (if their needs are not being met). 
• Does Raven Scholars have a dedicated dorm? No, Raven Scholars does not have a designated Housing building, dorm or wing. Our students live in Residence Halls, apartments on and off campus, in Fraternities or Sororities or even in a parent's home. It is up to the individual to determine the best fit for them. We recommend a campus tour to view all Housing options.
• What if an assigned roommate or suitemate is a poor fit? We can help a student go through the proper channels to request a room reassignment or to advocate for a student’s needs, but students are ultimately responsible for self-advocating and abiding by terms and conditions of their Housing contract.
• Do Raven Scholars ever room up with each other? Raven Scholars does not provide a roommate matchmaking service. However, if multiple Raven Scholar students wanted to be roommates with other program enrollees, the program could connect those interested parties to work it out on their own (without further program involvement).
• Does Raven Scholars provide any services in Housing? No, Raven Scholar students must have independent living skills sufficient to live on campus (with roommates or by themselves).  
  • The program does not provide any personal care or in-home services such as cleaning, monitoring personal hygiene, wake up calls or bedtimes, distributing medications, etc. If a student is not able to manage these tasks independently, the program is not designed to meet their needs.
  • Raven Scholar staff and interns do not have access to the Housing buildings as part of their role within the program.
• Does Raven Scholars provide funding for housing or dining costs? No, the Raven Scholars program is a free, donations-based service. We do not have funding available to cover individual student living expenses.
  • We recommend you talk to Vocational Rehabilitation in your home state to see how they may help offset costs. Additional recommendations are to see if you are eligible for the Western University Exchange or to talk directly to Financial Aid about scholarship and grant opportunities.

• How do students meet with Peer-Mentors? Peer-Mentors schedule their regular hours (between Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) in the Raven Student Lounge, and they will be posted. Peer-Mentors schedule between 3-9 hours per week in the Raven Lounge, depending on their credit load.
  • Students may drop in to visit with Peer-Mentors or may be scheduled to focus on a specific task.
  • Peer-Mentors also often attend our social events or provide fun, open projects during their scheduled hours.
• Are Peer-Mentors on the spectrum? Not necessarily, but they certainly can be! In fact, we have had several students ‘graduate’ from the Raven Scholars to go on and become Peer-Mentors themselves, and we love and encourage that. Tier 3 students are eligible to apply. While some Peer-Mentors may identify as neurodivergent, most are neurotypical students going into Education, Psychology and Pre-Health fields, (any major is eligible to apply).
• What do Peer-Mentors gain through their internship? Raven Scholars resume-worthy internship also offers credits through PSYC 498, (three upper division and up to six credits total), many Peer-Mentors return for multiple semesters. Peer-Mentors also gain hands on experience working with diverse learners while they learn Motivational Interviewing skills. They are also eligible to earn a Peer Educator Certification through the College Learning and Reading Association. Many since graduated Peer-Mentor interns have shared that the experience of working with Raven Scholars strongly influenced their career choices towards fields supporting neurodivergent individuals. 
• Can a Peer-Mentor be assigned to a dorm? No, Raven Scholars Peer-Mentors are not assigned to intern in Housing and are only available during scheduled hours or program events.
• Are Peer-Mentors Tutors? No, they are junior or senior interns with a 3.0+ GPA who can help students with time management, study skills, social skills and to navigating campus supports. Often, they are happy to help a student organize or explore ambiguities in assignments, but they are not intended to be tutors.
• Can the program assign a "buddy" to a student? No, the program provides social opportunities and places for students to interact with other Raven Scholars and Peer-Mentors during our hours of operation. We also support a Discord server, and recommend Raven Scholars share contact information with each other to socialize outside the program, but it is up to them to follow through. 
  • Peer-Mentors are in a professional internship role, and are only available during their assigned hours or program events. We do not permit Peer-Mentors to share person contact information with students, as we view this is an ethical boundary while they are in that role.
  • The program does not support sending Peer-Mentors to escort, supervise or redirect Raven Scholars students on or off campus, that type of service is outside of the purview of the program.

Non-Degree Seeking Students

• Can a non-degree seeking student participate in Raven Scholars? The program is intended to support students on a traditional four or five-year degree-seeking track, and that is where our staff and resources are focused. Raven Scholars can provide services to non-degree seeking students who wanted to see if college is a good fit, but only for up to two semesters. Degree seeking students are given priority and non-degree seeking students are more likely to be waitlisted if the program is full.
  • If a non-degree seeking student wanted to continue with program supports after two semesters, they would need to enroll in a degree program.
  • We recommend looking at alternatives, such as the ROAR program at Washington State University, if seeking a degree is not the long term goal.
• Can non-degree seeking students take Focus on Success, INTR 101? While we do cover some lessons on social and independent living skills, INTR 101 is intended to support students in their other courses (e.g. planning and time management). It is strongly encouraged that a student take at least one additional course for credit, in addition to INTR 101.

Part-Time Students

• Can a part-time student enroll with the program? Raven Scholars is intended for full-time, degree-seeking students. However, if a Raven Scholars student has a CDAR accommodations for part-time enrollment, they will be allowed to participate in the program as a T1 or T2 student, and the program will defer to the first-come, first-serve policy in a waitlist situation.
  • Fulltime students will be given priority enrollment over part-time students who do not have a CDAR accommodation, and are choosing a less than fulltime course load, (only if a waitlist is active).

• After hour support: Raven Scholars is only available during business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The program is closed during weekends, holidays, U of I closures and only available by appointment during winter, fall and spring recess.
• Summer Term Services: Raven Scholars staff are out on leave from mid-May to late-July and no program support is available for typical summer course schedules.
• Fully Online/Distant Support: The Raven Scholars program is intended to be an in-person program and that is where our resources are concentrated. While we occasionally host online instead of in-person meetings, we must prioritize our in-person services. We would have to determine if it was a good fit based on our current caseload, staffing and the needs of the student before accepting a fully online/distant student into the program.
• Transportation: Raven Scholars does not provide any kind of transportation services.
  • There is a free local bus service, the SMART Transport Bus, which has routes through campus and the Moscow community.
  • Students with mobility issues may also qualify for assistance through the Vandal Access Van, requested through CDAR.
  • The U of I also offers a Vandal Break Bus which provides transportation to some surrounding cities and airports during term breaks.
• Counseling and Mental Health Services: Raven Scholars does not provide counseling, but all U of I students may access mental health support for free through the Counseling and Mental Health Center, including a 24/7 crisis hotline 208-885-6716.
• Tutoring: Raven Scholars does not directly provide tutoring, though we can help connect students to the Writing Center, Academic Coaching and Tutoring and Academic Support. All are free services.
• Classroom/Housing Accommodations: Raven Scholars program can advocate for accommodations to Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR) with a student, but we do not make the final decision on what accommodations are assigned. It is recommended that you communicate with CDAR to learn more about accommodations available at the college level, as not all will translate from an IEP or 504 plan in high school. Raven Scholars can help students navigate these processes, but students are responsible for accessing their own accommodations. This PDF may be helpful in supporting your understanding of ADA accommodations in institutions of higher education, in comparison to high school. 
  
  • Students must schedule each accommodated exam (extra time, reduced distraction) with CDAR seven (7) days in advance, or 21 days in advance for finals.
  • Students may need to download and use software, to retrieve/return equipment from CDAR, etc.
  • After initial intake, accommodations must be renewed each semester. Students can do so online through the CDAR Access Portal.
  • Housing Accommodations need to be updated each year through a meeting with CDAR staff, students are responsible for ensuring this is done in a timely manner to reserve their accommodated housing for the following school year.
  • Students may need to self-advocate and disclose the use of their accommodations to instructors on occasion, e.g., preferential seating or request access to presentation slides. However, Raven Scholars can help students in composing an email to an instructor or assisting with a list of questions to bring to a professor's office hours, for example.
  • On occasion, Raven Scholars staff can mediate with or advocate on behalf of a student on the use of their accommodations to an instructor, if attempts to self-advocate have been unsuccessful. However, the goal is to empower students to advocate for themselves and become more independent.
• Residential Support: Raven Scholars staff can help a student identify the proper channels to get their needs met within Housing, but Raven Scholars are expected to have the independent living skills necessary to live on campus (with or without roommates).
  • Some students have elected to live locally, off campus with their families, which is one of the exceptions to the on-campus living requirement. 
  • Dear Parents, if you're not already, please start giving your teen responsibilities for their personal hygiene and living space; laundry, dishes, bathing routines, keeping their room tidy, taking out the garbage, etc. These skills are vital for their independent living and college success.
• Time Monitoring and Prompting: Raven Scholars students are expected to regulate their sleep schedules, and to wake up on their own to attend classes and meetings on time. Raven Scholars program can assist students in identifying tools and techniques, but the program does not provide wake up calls, regulate sleep schedules, provide prompts to attend classes, etc.
  •  Dear Parents, please help your teen stick to a reasonable sleep schedule and learn to wake themselves up to an alarm, if you're not already.
• Meal Planning Services: Raven Scholars does not manage food services or accommodations, though we can work with CDAR and Housing to communicate needs, if they are not being met.
• Medication Monitoring or Distribution: Raven Scholars staff may prompt a student to take their medications (as directed) or help them identify the steps to request a prescription refill, for example. However, we do not in any way monitor, handle or distribute any medications to students. It is strongly advised that a student have a solid routine and independence in taking prescription medications before they attempt to live on campus independently.
  • Dear Parents, we recommend you discuss with teens what medications they are on and why. They should know the signs of missing a dose and the consequences of discontinuing use (especially without medical guidance).
  • Dear Future students, the first semester of college is an ill-advised time to discontinue medications that support executive functioning (ADHD, anxiety, depression, mood stabilizing medications, etc.). Please start working with your medical providers now to adjust medications that are not working for you and identify alternative methods of self-regulation and motivation (before classes begin). 
  • Many ADHD medications are controlled substances; students should have a plan to store these kinds of medications in a secure location, especially if sharing a living space with other students.
  • Refilling controlled substance prescriptions with non-local and out of state providers may be problematic, please make sure you have a plan on how to refill these types of prescriptions well before classes begin!
  • There is a Vandal Health Clinic on campus and the Counseling and Mental Health Center does have a Nurse Practitioner on campus that may be able to help manage certain prescriptions.
• Personal Attendants: Raven Scholars does not provide this service and it is not considered to be a reasonable accommodation at the college level; the program is not recommended for individuals needing this level of redirection or supervision, and those services would need to be hired externally.
• Legal or Conduct Services: Raven Scholars program may advocate on behalf of a student and ensure that they fully understand a given situation. However, Raven Scholars is not a legal service, nor do we provide any protection from consequences for a student’s violation of state or federal laws, classroom or housing rules, or the U of I Code of Conduct.
• Imposing Services: Students are enrolled with the Raven Scholars program voluntarily and they must proactively participate to fully benefit from services and social opportunities provided. We will honor an individual's autonomy if they choose to discontinue services. We will also dismiss students for repeatedly missing regularly scheduled appointments (three-strikes no-show policy) or otherwise violating the Policy and Participation Agreement they signed during the application process.
  
  • Raven Scholar students can be dismissed at the Associate Director's sole discretion. While we will do our best to support a student in making informed decisions (warnings, redirections and information on natural, logical consequences), program services are a privilege, not a right. Upon dismissal we will submit a CARE Report to the Dean of Students Office, and will provide an email to the student linking other campus and community resources.
  • Students may reapply after a dismissal, but are subject to any waitlists via the first come, first serve policy (based on the date of their most recent application) and we may require an Accountability Agreement.