FAQs

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These are answers to some of the questions people ask most often about UNH-4U.

UNH-4U is a 2-year program for students with an intellectual disability. UNH-4U students take classes at the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Durham campus that prepare them for meaningful careers. UNH-4U students participate in campus activities and college-level classes.

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UNH-4U is a program for students with an intellectual disability. UNH-4U is for students who:

  • Are 18-24 years old (students cannot turn 26 before the end of the 2-year program)
  • Have a documented intellectual disability
  • Are eligible for special education and/or related services under IDEA (now or in the past)

To see if you or your student meets the requirements to apply, please use our online tool.

Before UNH-4U students start taking classes, they make a person-centered plan. This plan includes goals for employment, independent living, and college classes. UNH-4U students take classes that will help them meet the goals in their person-centered plans. UNH-4U students work with their inclusion facilitators to pick the courses that are the best fit for them.

UNH-4U students also take two UNH-4U seminar classes:

  • Career and Professional Success
  • Academic Success and Well-being

Each UNH-4U class meets every other week.

UNH-4U students receive supports from:

  • Inclusion Facilitators: UNH-4U staff who provide advising and oversee the program
  • Academic Coaches: UNH students who support UNH-4U students with coursework and assignments
  • Campus Ambassadors: UNH students who support UNH-4U students with campus activities
  • Residential Services Assistant: an RSA (resident services assistant) hired and supervised by UNH-4U who lives in the dorms and supports UNH-4U students

UNH-4U students also work with UNH Student Accessibility Services to get the ADA accommodations they need in class.

UNH-4U staff cannot provide 24/7 supports. Staff also cannot provide supports for medication and self-care (e.g., hygiene, laundry, nutrition, etc.).

If a student needs support with medication or self-care, family-managed employees hired by the student and/or their family may be able to provide these supports.

UNH-4U students can choose to live in a residence hall (dorm) or decide to live off campus.

UNH-4U students have access to all activities the UNH Durham campus has to offer. Some activities UNH-4U students have enjoyed include:

  • Joining different student organizations and club sports teams
  • Rooting for UNH’s Division 1 athletic teams (Go Wildcats!)
  • Joining hallmates in residential life activities like Hall Council
  • Hanging out at a local café
  • Many other fun activities

 UNH-4U students attend campus events with their friends and classmates.

Currently, UNH-4U students and their families use these resources to pay for the program tuition and supports:

  1. New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation – for tuition and academic supports
  2. Area Agency budgets – for campus-based supports
  3. Out of pocket private pay – for students’ meal plan and housing

UNH-4U is unable to accept federal student aid at this time.

UNH-4U students are welcome to apply for jobs on campus. UNH-4U staff will support students to apply for the jobs they are interested in.

UNH-4U is a new program! Our goal is that UNH-4U graduates leave UNH-4U with a job that matches their career goals and interests.

UNH-4U students work towards “badges.” Students can put these badges on their resumes and share them online. The 5 UNH-4U badges are:

  • Academic Exploration
  • Career Exploration and Development
  • Campus and Community Engagement
  • Independent Living
  • UNH-4U LEAD

UNH-4U students also receive a UNH transcript that lists the courses they took.

Complete an application online.

You will need:

  • Online application
  • Essay
  • Letters of recommendation
    • Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
    • Area Agency Provider
    • 1 additional recommendation
  • Documentation of intellectual disability
  • Recent Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
  • Release of information