Lynch Disability Resource & Cultural Center

Loras College’s ARCH Program is a four-year program designed to help students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) thrive emotionally, academically, and socially. Students admitted into the ARCH Program will work directly with an academic counselor and will hone skills ranging from self-advocacy and organization to stress management and socialization in addition to earning their bachelor’s degree.

Students enrolled in the program attend an individual weekly meeting with an academic counselor to help them stay on track academically. First-year students in the program work with their academic counselor to create an individualized college success plan and attend a Transition to College class in the fall semester and Characteristics of ASD course in the spring semester.

Specialized 1-credit Career Building and Strategies classes are offered during students’ sophomore, junior, and senior years. Job shadowing, career fairs, internships, one-on-one résumé and cover letter counseling are incorporated within the career strategies component.

A mentorship component, structured social activities, the option of a single room, and access to the LDRCC sensory room are included in the program. The LDRCC also offers students to participate in a five-day Bridge Program in August before classes begin. The Bridge Program experience helps students acclimate to campus and allows them to move into campus housing before first-year orientation.

PROGRAM FEATURES

• Five-day summer Bridge Program (optional, additional cost)
• One-on-one weekly meeting (one hour) with a LDRCC academic counselor
• Individual counseling sessions (optional)
• Single room occupancy (optional, additional cost)
• Access to sensory room
• Social events
• Academic courses for four years
  • First-year
    • First semester: 2 credit hour Transition to College class
    • Second semester: 3 credit hour Characteristics of ASD class
  • Second through fourth years (optional courses available but not required)
    • 1 credit hour each semester, except for the final semester of senior year
    • 3 credit hour Life After Loras May term class (offered every other year)
  • Weekly open tutoring sessions
  • Accommodations as supported by documentation of disability

Grants and Scholarships

A fee is charged for the ARCH program. Contact the Loras College Office of Financial Planning for the current fee, scholarship opportunities, and grant options. Students interested in a LDRCC program must first apply to Loras College. After being accepted, students are then eligible to apply to the ARCH program.