Essential Skills for College

by Missy Jones, Ph.D.  Northern Kentucky University
 

The following list of essential skills is written for the student who wants to learn academic content while in college, while also honing other skills to enhance her or his life.   As you consider a college experience for a student, review this list to assess whether your young adult is ready or a match for college.

• Articulates the personal dream of going to college.
• Understands the importance of academics and homework, and states a desire to prioritize these while in college.
• Has the confidence and courage to at least try new things.
• Expresses a desire to be independent and self reliant, taking responsibility for assignments.
• Has fairly good manners. Understands basic pragmatics, knowing what behaviors are appropriate when, where, and with whom.
• Is able to be somewhat flexible, understanding that not everything always goes as planned.
• Is comfortable working respectfully and collaboratively with others in large groups, small groups, and during partner work.
• Demonstrates a willingness to participate in all aspects of the classes.
• Shows tolerance of differences among people (language, culture, race, religion, ability, gender…) There are dispositions that also relate to family members as well.
• Has committed to help the student succeed.
• Understands the importance of regularly scheduled times for completing homework and checking blackboard and email, assisting the student with following an agreed upon schedule.
• Prioritizes schoolwork over other things.  (Sometimes college students have to miss family events, have to tell friends no, have to ask off work, or forgo sleep in order to get assignments completed.  This is all part of the college experience and learning how to take responsibility).
• Recognizes the need for the student to be making decisions about her or his life.  Ask yourself, whose dream is it?

Technology

College campuses have become more reliant on technology.  Used to deliver instruction, share resources, communicate, organize class work and syllabi, keep track of transcripts and manage class schedules, and for advising, having basic technological skills has become a necessity for all college students and is a priority for all incoming freshmen.  

The following is a list of essential technological skills for college students of today.  These are great skills to begin introducing as part of a transition plan in an IEP.  If a student comes to college without these skills, this should be one of the first areas of focus for development.

• Use of and regular access of a computer with updated programs.
• Use of and regular access to the Internet.
  • Social networking on the Internet.
  • Conducting research on the Internet.
• Sending and receiving email
• Creating documents using word processing
• Creating PowerPoint presentations  (This is a great alternative to a written report)
• Independent and responsible use of a cell phone (for safety)
• Use of course management systems such as Blackboard or WebCT

Note: This list changes as technology changes, so keeping up with current trends and practices in technology would be important for educators and family members supporting young adults who want to attend college.

Study skills involve both in-class and out of class activities that help the student gain access to the college curriculum.  The more independence a student has in this area, the stronger the student will be in the college classroom.

As with technology, this list of skills can be addressed by IEP and transition teams in preparation for a student eventually attending college.

Demonstrates regular attendance and attending on time, following a schedule correctly and independently.

Note-taking skills, highlighting key points.

Self-Advocacy

Probably one of the most important skills a student should try to develop prior to attending college are those related to self-advocacy.  An individual demonstrates self-advocacy skills when she or he is aware of her or his needs, and can ask for specific help when needed.  Helping the person with an intellectual disability understand the disability as well as personal traits that are considered strengths and needs should be a priority for all IEP and transition teams.

After a student is accepted to a college, whether that be as a degree seeking or non-degree seeking student, the student should register for accommodations from the campus disability services office.  Your student will need to bring with her or him a copy of the latest multi-factored evaluation (MFE), also often referred to as the evaluation team report (ETR).  A copy of the student’s most recent IEP is also helpful.  During the initial meeting, your student will be asked to describe the accommodations she or he feels are needed to provide her or him access to the curriculum.  It is important that each student understand what it is that she or he will need to succeed in college and be able to tell others about those needs.

The following list are those skills related to self-advocacy that students seems to benefit from having when attending college.

Independence

There is always a time of transition when being introduced to something new, and learning how to navigate a college campus is one of those things that all freshmen college students learn their first year of college.  You can assist your college-bound student become familiar with the campus by providing support and helping the student access resources during the semester before the student actually attends, and during the first year.  The list that follows can be used by anyone who will be supporting the student, helping the student to adjust to the college environment.

Using these lists as a guide, it is the hope that students and their families, along with the help of supportive educators, will be able to realize their dream of attending college.  Whether it is a 2-year community college, or a 4-year university, students with intellectual disabilities can have positive experiences, learning and growing alongside peers without disabilities, but it takes all of us to work together to make that dream a reality.

• Organization of notebooks, assignments, etc.
• Use of a calendar or agenda for keeping track of schedules, due dates, etc.
• Test preparation
  • Memorization
  • Identifying key points
  • Creating note cards for studying
• Basic reading skills (or knowledge, access, and use of alternatives such as audio books).
• Basic writing skills (being able to answer questions in writing or with the use of technology).
• Keeping track of time and time management.
  • Understanding what one needs in order to succeed.
  • Demonstrating some initial problem solving ability, recognizing the need for help and seeking support from others.
  • Having the confidence and ability to speak up and ask for help.
  • Asking questions and sharing opinions independently.
  • Accessing resources that have already been introduced.
  • Using and setting up transportation, not just during regularly scheduled class times, but also for attending campus events outside of class.
  • Use of personal money and managing finances for purchasing books, supplies, lunches, and accessing campus leisure activities such as video arcades.
  • Finding one’s way around the campus, locating classes and resources and practicing routes prior to each semester.  (Note:  It is just as important to know where all the cool hang-outs are as well as classes). 
  • Being aware of and accessing resources
    • Disability Services
    • Central Advising
    • Campus Recreation
    • Campus Library