Loras recognizes the dignity of persons with disabilities and challenges them to grow in our supportive environment while developing the skills associated with being active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decision-makers, and responsible contributors.
This is a safe space for collaboration and community while providing programming designed to promote disability as diversity. Various services are available, including our unique Autism Resources for Career in Higher Education Program (ARCH).
Accommodations
Academic accommodations are available at no additional cost to students with documented disabilities.
- Extended-time testing
- Testing in a distraction-reduced environment
- Texts in alternative formats
- Preferential seating
- Assistive technology
Enhanced Program
Additional (fee-based) academic support for students with a primary disability, ADD, or special circumstances.
- Learning Strategies (2 credit course)
- Weekly meetings with an academic counselor
- Drop-in tutoring and/or study tables
- Workshops & social events
- Peer tutors
ARCH Program
Four-year program assisting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder to thrive emotionally, academically, and socially.
- Dedicated transition to college courses during the first year
- Weekly meetings with a certified ASD academic counselor
- Sensory room access
- Single room occupancy (optional)
- Five-day summer bridge program (optional)
- Drop-in tutoring and/or study tables
- Workshops & social events
Let’s Get in Touch
If you have any questions about the levels of service, documentation requirements, or the application process, please reach out to the phone number or email address below so our amazing staff may assist you.
Lynch Disability Resource & Cultural Center
lynch.learningcenter@loras.edu
563.588.7134
Lynn Gallagher, Ed.D., CAS, AES
Director of LDRCC
Academic Counselor
563.588.7921
Lynn.Gallagher@loras.edu
Gail McMahon
Academic Secretary
563.588.7134
Gail.McMahon@loras.edu
Stacey Bales, M.S.
Academic Counselor
563.588.7312
Stacey.Bales@loras.edu
Kathleen (Kathy) Weber
Academic Counselor
563.588.7943
Kathleen.Weber@loras.edu
Enhanced Program
The Enhanced program is a comprehensive program designed to provide additional academic support for a primary learning disability or attention deficit disorder; however, students with other disabilities will also be considered. A fee is charged for the Enhanced program. The Enhanced Program includes a two-credit Learning Strategies class in the first year, a weekly meeting with an LDRCC staff member, and peer tutors, as needed. Students may continue in the Enhanced Program after the first year with a weekly meeting and tutors.
Students interested in the Enhanced program are encouraged to apply early in their senior year and should apply simultaneously to Loras College and our Enhanced program. After the materials are reviewed, appropriate candidates will be invited for an official interview to determine official approval. Students interested in the Enhanced Program must first apply to Loras College. After being accepted, students are then eligible to apply for the Enhanced program.
How to Apply
1.
Students interested in the Enhanced program must apply and be accepted to Loras College.
2.
3.
After being accepted, you are eligible to apply for the Enhanced program.
4.
Priority Deadline: You are strongly encouraged to submit all application materials by December 15, due to limited space in the program.
Applications received after December 15 will only be considered upon space availability.
Enhanced Program Cost: $3,002.50 per semester
Autism Resources for Career & Higher Education Program
Helping Students Thrive Emotionally, Academically, and Socially
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 Loras College-certified autism specialists 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 and attend a small group meeting with a Loras College mental health counselor. First-year students in the program work with their academic counselor to create an individualized college success plan and attend a Transitions to College class in the fall semester and characteristic 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, peer tutors (as needed), 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.
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.
How to Apply
1.
Students interested in the ARCH program must apply and be accepted to Loras College.
2.
3.
After being accepted, students are then eligible to apply to the ARCH program.
4.
Priority Deadline: You are strongly encouraged to submit all application materials by December 15 due to limited space in the program.
Applications received after December 15 will only be considered upon space availability.
ARCH Program Cost: $3,037 per semester