Pathways Program

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students walking on McNelis Commons

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Ms. Anne Schlinck
Director, Disability & Access Services

YOUR PATH TO SELF DISCOVERY.

Pathways focuses on developing the academic and self-advocacy skills of goal-oriented, self-motivated students with disabilities.

Pathways started as “The STAC Exchange” in 1982 making the program one of the oldest in the country in terms of academic support for students with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders in higher education. The ongoing focus of the program has been to adapt to the increasing diversity of college students with disabilities, with an emphasis on individualized service. 

The goal of Pathways is to help students develop their own sense of independence in college as they prepare for their future careers. This includes taking on more personal responsibility in their learning, developing better organizational and time management strategies, and self-advocacy skills conducted through various forms of communication. 

Frequently Asked Questions

INDIVIDUALIZED ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Each student in Pathways meets with a Learning Specialist who will help sharpen the student’s academic abilities, promote self-advocacy and confidence.

The academic support sessions take place twice each week and are tailored to meet each individual student’s specific needs. Learning Specialists will review course concepts to enhance the understanding of class lectures, work with students on time management and organizational strategies, assist students with developing their writing skills, and foster independence within each student. The Pathways program focuses on academic and personal growth but does not offer therapeutic support services.

Pathways students are required to attend their scheduled weekly academic support sessions and if needed, may schedule additional time with a Learning Specialist on an occasional basis, based on availability.

WORKSHOPS

Pathways believes in bringing our students together and providing them with opportunities that will enhance their skills as future professionals. Workshops, which may cover a wide range of topics such as Note Taking, Self-Advocacy, Textbook Reading, Essay Writing, Effective Communication Skills, Interview Skills, and Resume Writing, are incorporated into our program to strengthen our students’ abilities and prepare them for higher education as well as their professional career. While the content of these workshops is useful, they also give students the chance to meet others in their community, create connections, and learn from one another.

SUMMER PROGRAM

Once incoming freshmen are welcomed to join Pathways, they are required to attend a summer program prior to their first semester at the college. Our goals are to learn the specific needs of each student, to begin preparing individuals for the academic rigors of higher education, and to build a sense of trust and community within the group.

The summer program allows Pathways students to smoothly transition into higher education as they build their confidence for college, become comfortable within the college setting, and are introduced to a community.

Yes. Pathways is a fee-based academic support program that provides services above and beyond those required under the law. Students enrolled in the Pathways program are assessed a fee above the cost of tuition for the program services.

Information on specific program costs may be obtained from the Pathways Office at 845-398-4230.

The cost of the program can be included in the financial aid package. For more specific information about this, please contact Student Financial Services at 845-398-4097.

Pathways requires students to meet with their Learning Specialist twice a week for 45 minutes per session. Students may schedule additional time with a Learning Specialist if needed, based on availability.

Pathways offers a summer program that prepares students for their transition from high school to college. During the summer program, students will move into higher education as they find a sense of community, learn about the college, and build confidence. As students attend mentoring sessions, they will be taught valuable skills that will sharpen their abilities to succeed and transition into higher education.

Our hours are 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM on Monday – Thursday and 9:00AM – 4:00 PM on Friday.

Pathways focuses on providing academic support to develop skills within students as opposed to tutoring in a specific subject. The Center for Student Success offers free peer tutoring for all students, Please visit the Center for Student Success in Spellman 111 for more information.

Learning Specialists are only available during the Fall and Spring semesters.

We typically accept applications from high school seniors from October through May.

Apply here.

We strongly encourage applicants to apply to the College and to Pathways at the same time., however, students must first be accepted by the College before the Pathways application can be considered. The Pathways admissions process includes an interview with the applicant, and students who have submitted all required documentation will be invited for an interview.

We’d love to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us at:

pathways@stac.edu
845-398-4230

PATHWAY OFFERINGS 

Individualized Academic Support

Each student in Pathways meets with a Learning Specialist who will help sharpen the student’s academic abilities, promote self-advocacy and confidence. 

The academic support sessions take place twice each week and are tailored to meet each individual student’s specific needs. Learning Specialists will review course concepts to enhance the understanding of class lectures, work with students on time management and organizational strategies, assist students with developing their writing skills, and foster independence within each student. The Pathways program focuses on academic and personal growth but does not offer therapeutic support services.

Pathways students are required to attend their scheduled weekly academic support sessions and if needed, may schedule additional time with a Learning Specialist on an occasional basis, based on availability. 

Workshops

Pathways believes in bringing our students together and providing them with opportunities that will enhance their skills as future professionals. Workshops, which may cover a wide range of topics such as Note Taking, Self-Advocacy, Textbook Reading, Essay Writing, Effective Communication Skills, Interview Skills, and Resume Writing, are incorporated into our program to strengthen our students’ abilities and prepare them for higher education as well as their professional career. While the content of these workshops is useful, they also give students the chance to meet others in their community, create connections, and learn from one another.

SUMMER PROGRAMS

Once incoming freshmen are welcomed to join Pathways, they are required to attend a summer program prior to their first semester at the college. Our goals are to learn the specific needs of each student, to begin preparing individuals for the academic rigors of higher education, and to build a sense of trust and community within the group.

The summer program allows Pathways students to smoothly transition into higher education as they build their confidence for college, become comfortable within the college setting, and are introduced to a community. 

About PATHWAYS

Pathways is a caring and nurturing community within the College that strives to encourage the academic and social growth of students with disabilities. In addition to providing educational resources – study groups, skills workshops – our primary mission is to assist students on a one-to-one basis in a structured and supportive environment. We believe that every student, despite a disability, should receive equal access to a fulfilling education. Pathways animates this belief by inspiring students to maximize their strengths, become independent learners, and develop confidence in their own abilities.

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