Program Expectations

Fall Orientation | Release of Information |Health Insurance Graduation Requirements
Academic Coursework | Career Internships |Career Focus Area
Student Activities and Enrichment | ePortfolio | Dismissal 

Students in the REACH Program must follow the expectations and policies outlined in the The University of Iowa Student Services Handbook, University Housing Guidebook, and REACH Program Handbook.  REACH students will generally have the same consequences and follow The University of Iowa's disciplinary process.

Fall Orientation

For enrolled students and their families, Family Orientation is a required component of the REACH Program.  Students and their families arrive on campus for move-in to settle into Stanley Hall.  REACH Staff members will be on hand to assist as needed with parking, finding the elevators, locating the students' rooms, introducing other REACH students and families, and the many details included in the first day of orientation. 

Students and families will then take part in orientation programming for two days as students settle into campus life.  Orientation events, including informational sessions & workshops, campus activities, and a panel discussion, are designed to help parents and students learn more about the University of Iowa and the REACH Program.

Release of Information

In our efforts to provide a strong support system for participants, each REACH student and parent/guardian will be asked to sign a Consent to Release of Information form during fall Orientation.   To view a copy, click here: Consent to Release of Information Form.

For more information, please review the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Health Insurance Requirement

The REACH Program will follow the established University policy and procedures. 

Beginning with summer 2008, all new first-year students will be required to have health insurance coverage valid in the state of Iowa for the entire time they are a student (enrolled for 5 or more semester hours) at The University of Iowa. If they do not have health coverage that meets University requirements, they will be automatically enrolled in the University of Iowa’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Coverage begins the first of the month in which the student is registered and classes begin.

The University’s minimum coverage requirements for students who have coverage under an employer’s group health insurance plan or under an individual plan are:

1) Providers: Coverage must allow services provided by hospitals and physicians in the state of Iowa.

2) Policy Limits: The health plan/policy must provide coverage for hospitalization including coverage for room and board, physician visits and surgeon services, x-ray and lab, and miscellaneous services.

3) Inpatient Deductible: The inpatient deductible under an individual policy shall not exceed $500 per admission and a 20% co-payment/co-insurance requirement. A higher deductible is acceptable if coverage is under a group plan.

3) Outpatient Coverage: The health plan/policy shall provide coverage for medically necessary care including both physician services for treatment of emergencies, illness, accident or injury, and x-ray and lab services.

Any student who is not covered by health insurance according to the University policy will be automatically enrolled in the student health insurance program through the University and be billed accordingly.

**NOTE: All REACH students will be required to provide proof of approved insurance.

The SHIP details are available on the University Benefits website.

Graduation Requirements

The REACH Program is a two-year comprehensive program that allows students to earn a certificate of completion with an optional career focus area.  The program prepares the student for independent living, pursuing a career, and maintaining employment.  The student receives grades and a summary of their progress and accomplishments. 

To earn a REACH certificate, the student must meet the following requirements: complete required courses, satisfy internship requirements, and participate regularly in community and residential activities.  It is expected that the student will commit to and complete the program in two years.  

Academic Coursework

The educational offerings have a distinctively Liberal Arts orientation similar to The University of Iowa undergraduate curriculum that provides a holistic life perspective.  All students must participate in, complete assignments for, and earn a passing grade in REACH classes that were developed by REACH Program instructors.

Academic Support: REACH uses a specially designed grading scale emphasizing class attendance, participation and completion of assignments for REACH Program classes.  The grading scale is outlined on each REACH course syllabus.  In situations where a student is experiencing academic difficulties, instructors will make every effort to resolve those difficulties and provide identified supports, using the Personal Development Plan.

Progress Reports: Progress reports are sent to parents/guardians at the end of each semester. 

Career Internships

After extensive career exploration involving a review of vocations, interviewing individuals in careers, job shadowing and short term job explorations, students complete 2 semesters of internships.  Students must earn a passing grade for each internship by showing good attendance, improved performance and demonstrating an understanding of workplace skills.

Optional: Career Focus Area

For a career focus area to be listed on the REACH Certificate of Completion, students must complete the following requirements:

• The student must meet with their Advisor and Career Development staff to declare a focus area no later than September 15 of Year 2.  Career Development staff have the right to refuse a request (e.g. unrealistic careers, unattainable goals, lack of courses or internships).
  
  
• With the assistance of the Advisor and the Career Development staff, the student develops a “Career Focus Plan” to meet the requirements of:
  
  a. Complete a minimum of 60 internship work hours in the career focus area.
  
                                                  AND
  
  

        b. Complete a 1 credit career seminar course in the career focus or related

            area. (With a grade of B or higher)

OR

        c. Complete a 1 credit independent study project approved by the Career        

            Development staff. (With a grade of B or higher)

OR

        d. Complete a 1 – 3 credit UI or Community College course in focus area topic.

           (With a grade of C or higher)

Student Activities and Enrichment

Numerous activities and learning opportunities will be offered and attendance at most activities is expected of students. Training on skills needed to live and work independently, including healthy lifestyles, personal care and safety, civic responsibilities, safety awareness, time management and self advocacy, will be addressed. 

Getting involved in campus life also allows students to become a proud Hawkeye by participating in activities that provide a liberal arts and integrated collegiate experience such as intramural sports, athletic and cultural events, hall meetings and program opportunities, and student organizations while meeting life long friends and navigating the Iowa campus and Iowa City community.  

Completion of a Student ePortfolio™

Including a Resume and Accomplishments

(www.education.uiowa.edu/eportfolio)

Skills learned while participating in the program will be documented and displayed in an ePortfolio™, a unique online portfolio designed by the College of Education. With assistance from REACH staff and ePortfolio™ leaders, students create their individualized portfolio which may include a resume, examples of academic work, pictures, awards and progress reports.

Dismissal

The Program has specific academic standards outlined for students, carefully developed measures to address performance issues, and specific steps to support students in being successful in the REACH Program.  Academic probation or dismissal from the REACH Program can occur if these academic standards are not met.  Please review the academic standards here.

The REACH Program follows The University of Iowa Code of Student Life, which outlines general and academic conduct regulations, the Standards of Student Behavior in the Residence Hall, and REACH Program policies. Specific policies, procedures, and sanctions are outlined within these Codes and violation of these regulations may result in dismissal from the REACH Program and the University.  Please review these standards here.

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