Student Services
FSL offers a course one hour per week during both the fall and spring semesters for all four years of intended participation in the program. Attendance is mandatory for every participant. Each freshman cohort will begin by learning about academic responsibility and personal organization preferences. Over time, the curriculum will shift to cover topics such as interpersonal communication, mastering executive functioning skills and professional development. As participants move to their fourth year in the program, the focus of the course is strictly on career readiness and their final job shadow assignment.
Participants will meet with their FSL Case Manager weekly to assess courses and program expectations. Students have a supportive environment to resolve issues, set goals, or highlight their accomplishments.
Participants of FSL are paired with a fellow APSU student for their freshman and sophomore years. These individuals are available to assist in acclimation to the university and encouraging active participation in college life, but they also work with each participant to improve social anxiety, communication skills and explore new hobbies and interests.
Faculty or staff mentors are assigned once participants reach junior and senior status at APSU. These mentors are directly connected to each students' majors, enabling them to assist with advisement, career readiness, and transition to the workforce.
FSL participants receive individual tutoring through the campus tutoring centers. Tutoring is also available in group settings, but FSL students will have access to individualized sessions that contribute to the development of organizational skills and good study habits while minimizing social anxiety.
All participants will be required to complete three monitored study hours each week. These hours can be supplemented or replaced by the student's scheduled tutoring hours. A sensory friendly study room overseen by a peer coach is available to all FSL students.
The Peer Coaches are responsible for managing the FSL study room located on the ground floor of the library. Peer Coaches ensure that each participant appropriately logs the beginning and end of their study hours and that they are available to provide assistance with any study skills-related questions on a regular basis. Peer coaches also afford participants the opportunity to engage in one-on-one meetings that encourage reflection and progress while exercising the social and communication skills they have learned from the FSL curriculum. Our goal is to provide a supportive space for students to complete their work autonomously in a sensory-friendly environment. Peer Coaches are provided training and resources by the Program Coordinator on confidentiality, study skills, and social skills prior to the beginning of each semester.
Students speaking at the Advocates for Autism panel
Student Resources
Advocates For Autism (AFA) is a student led organization that aims to create acceptance beyond what is often referred to as “awareness” and to educate the campus about autism and the experiences of individuals with autism. They provide an inclusive environment for students who have an official autism diagnosis but also welcome those who identify closely with the characteristics and may not have a diagnosis on paper. Beyond that, they welcome students who would like to learn more about people with autism and those who serve as allies. Advocates For Autism hosts social and educational events to expand beyond the stereotypical view of what it means to be autistic.