FIU Embrace EDUCATION FAQ

The admission criteria depends on the program you choose. Currently, FIU Embrace EDUCATION offers two program options for degree-seeking students and non-degree seeking students.

Degree-seeking students

Applicants entering our degree-seeking program for students with ASD must be accepted  to FIU. FIU admission requirements can be accessed via the following link: https://admissions.fiu.edu/admission-standards/index.html

The qualifications for entry into the FIU Embrace EDUCATION degree-seeking program include:

• A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
• A completed FIU Embrace EDUCATION Application packet with all required documentation included
• Proof of acceptance to or enrollment in an FIU undergraduate degree program
• Applicant must have the ability to function independently for a sustained period of time and require minimal supervision
• Applicant must be able to appropriately administer their own prescribed medication, without requiring prompting to do so
• Applicant must have the potential to be successful in competitive employment
• Applicant must have the legal authority make his/her own decisions that would allow him/her to fully participate in the program

Non-degree seeking students

The Applicant must express the desire and motivation to complete a postsecondary comprehensive transition program and the qualifications for entry into the FIU Embrace EDUCATION program include:

• A documented intellectual and/or developmental disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder
• A completed FIU Embrace EDUCATION application with all required documentation included
• Proof that the applicant has exited high school (high school diploma/special diploma)
• Applicant must have the legal authority to make his/her own decisions that would allow him/her to fully participate in the program
• Applicant must be between the ages of 18 to 25 on admission to the program
• Applicant must complete psychological and adaptive testing through FIU Embrace
• Applicant must not have any history of arrest or severe behavioral, sexual, or emotional problems
• Applicant should have at least a third grade reading level or demonstrate practical reading skills at the time of the interview
• Applicant must demonstrate the ability to function independently for a sustained period of time and require minimal supervision
• Applicant must be able to appropriately administer their own prescribed medication, without requiring prompting to do so
• Applicant must have the potential to be successful in competitive employment

Applicants who receive either a regular or special high school diploma are eligible for our non-degree seeking program.

Applicants entering our degree-seeking program must have met all the requirements necessary for acceptance to FIU. FIU admission requirements can be accessed via the following link: https://admissions.fiu.edu/admission-standards/index.html

Applicants to FIU Embrace Education (both non-degree and degree-seeking options) must have the legal authority to independently make decisions that would allow him/her to fully participate in the program. Therefore, those applicants with a plenary guardianship and/or other guardianship arrangements in place which makes the applicant unable to make decisions regarding their education, social interactions, employment, and travel are not eligible for the program.

No, FIU Embrace EDUCATION has two program options serving adults between the ages of 18 to 28 years with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities:

• Non-degree seeking program for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or autism
• Degree-seeking program for students with autism

Yes, applicants with physical disabilities are eligible for enrollment in the program, provided they satisfy all other admission criteria and are able to navigate the campus safely and independently.

The FIU Embrace Education program fee is as follows:

Non-degree seeking program

$16,750 per academic year with a semesterly breakdown as follows:

• Fall semester - $7,052.62
• Spring semester - $7,052.62
• Summer A semester - $2,644.75

Degree seeking program

$7,150 per academic year with a semesterly breakdown as follows:

• Fall semester - $3,010.56
• Spring semester - $3,010.56
• Summer A semester - $1,128.88

In addition, students are responsible for tuition, fees, books, and supplies associated with the FIU classes for which they are enrolled.

The program has been approved by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and all applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for VR services and request funds to cover the cost of the tuition, fees, books, and supplies. Penalty fees associated with late course registration and late fee payments are not covered by VR and will be the responsibility of the student and family.

Students are also eligible for scholarships and additional funding. All applicants will be directed to the scholarships and funds available to them upon application to the program.

FIU Embrace EDUCATION does not provide transportation. Transportation to and from campus, internships, or social engagements is the responsibility of the student. Students are expected to manage their transportation through Special Transportation Service (STS), Miami-Dade Transit System, Uber, or any other preferred mode of transportation.

FIU also provides a shuttle service between the Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC) and Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC), which is free for all students. The shuttle operates from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. from both campuses and departs every 30 minutes.

Non-degree seeking students

The FIU Embrace EDUCATION program for non-degree seeking students is three years in length and students are required to complete all components of the program. The following is an overview of the Program. 

Degree seeking students

Students enrolled in the degree-seeking program will be eligible for supports from FIU Embrace as long as they remain enrolled in their degree program and remain in good standing with FIU Embrace EDUCATION. This is typically for a period of four years. The structure of the program is dependent on the student’s degree track and the college specific requirements.

Students that complete the non-degree seeking program options are awarded a certificate of completion from FIU Embrace. Students also have an opportunity to earn industry-specific certifications or micro-credentials in their area of specialization.

Students enrolled in the degree-seeking option are awarded a degree if they have satisfied all the requirements for the specific degree track.

All FIU Embrace EDUCATION students are registered with FIU’s Disability Resource Center which provides academic accommodations to all FIU students with disabilities throughout their academic career. FIU Embrace students also receive additional supports through assigned peer, academic, social, and faculty mentors. Students also have the support of Community Assistants while living in the dorms and receive continued support from the FIU Embrace program staff while enrolled in the program.

Each academic semester commences with a parent informational session which all parents are required to attend. This session provides parents/guardians with the information needed to successfully progress through the semester in their supportive role to their son/daughter. Mid-

Semester Informational sessions are also facilitated to allow opportunities for updates and feedback. 

At the end of each semester members of the evaluation team schedule individual meetings with parents/guardians to facilitate family debriefing discussions. This affords the family the opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences. Additionally, throughout the students’ academic career, parents will have access to the Program Coordinator and Manager for any questions and concerns. While we encourage parental support, and are available to address parental concerns, the program’s objectives support self-directed decision-making on the part of its students. In light of this, the program’s first point of contact will be with the students.

Students are not assigned nor allowed the ability to bring an aide while enrolled in the program. They are, however, provided with a wealth of programmatic supports that allows them to participate in classes, navigate the campus safely, and engage in all aspects of the program.

During the first week of the semester, a series of supports are implemented to ensure each student has a smooth transition. Students are supported by FIU Embrace program staff as they select and register for classes. They are also assigned an Academic Mentor who assists the students with locating classes and other departments or services on campus such as the health center, library, food vendors, etc. Academic Mentors also assist students with all course assignments throughout the semester, and students are registered with the FIU’s Disability Resource Center (DRC). DRC works with all FIU students to provide the necessary academic accommodations students may need (e.g. extended exam times, visual aids, note takers, etc.) to participate in class. In general, FIU Embrace has an open door policy which fosters an environment of open communication, feedback, and discussion about any matter of importance to the student.

Each student’s schedule varies depending on their courses, seminars, mentorship, or pre-employment activities. After selecting the activities for the semester, students receive an individualized semester-based schedule.

No, all students are not required to live in the dorms. Students who are interested in participating in the residential program must complete and submit an application.

The residential component of the program adheres to the FIU academic calendar, and students must vacate their dorms during scheduled holiday breaks. Additionally, students are required to vacate the dorms during hurricane warnings and other disasters.

FIU Embrace employs Community Assistants (CAs) who live in the University residence hall. They are assigned to work with FIU Embrace students to help build a strong and healthy residential learning community, to support student learning, and to facilitate individual development within the residence hall. FIU Embrace also provides trainings in disability awareness to the Residential Assistants assigned to serve all students residing in the residence hall.

The FIU Embrace EDUCATION Job Coach meets with each student to determine the best fit for a job shadowing/internship placement based on comprehensive and recurring assessments that gauge interest, experience, and skill. The Job Coach will work with the student to make the final decision regarding the job placement.