UNT ELEVAR is designed to serve students who meet the following criteria: 

  • UNT SignIs an individual of at least 18 years of age, transfer students are eligible to enter through the age of 28.
  • Has a documented disability diagnosis of intellectual disability
  • Has completed high school with or without a high school diploma, who received services through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), been served by IDEA, or completed an alternate assessment portfolio. Students should no longer receive support from their high school at start of the UNT ELEVAR program
  • Has basic functional skills in reading, writing, and mathematics with or without assistive technology  
  • Has completed high school with or without a high school diploma  
  • Has a personal interest to attend college and is seeking greater independence and employment by enhancing social, communication, vocational, health and wellness, and life skills in an inclusive post-secondary education program as demonstrated through a personal statement and interview 
  • Is willing and able to live communally and independently with other UNT or UNT ELEVAR students in campus housing during the program as demonstrated through the Transition Pathway program or other evidence (e.g., overnight camps, etc.)  
  • Can function independently (e.g., navigate campus on their own or with appropriate support) and participate in semester-long workshops and seminars that last between 90 minutes and 2 hours  
  • Displays skills to manage stress and adapt to change or the ability to learn such coping skills with minimal disruption to others. Exhibits responsible and socially adaptive behavior with minimal supervision and appropriate support. 
  • Has sufficient emotional and independent ability to participate in all aspects of the UNT ELEVAR program and the University of North Texas
  • Demonstrates the ability to accept personal responsibility for actions and maintains respect for self and others and understands and follows all UNT safety and health requirements
  • Has limited or no history of disruptive or aggressive behavior.  
  • Independently self-administers and manages medication, specialized dietary and/or medical needs.
  • Serve as their own full legal guardian. Individuals with ID who have a supported decision-making agreement are also encouraged to apply and decisions will be made on an individual basis.
  • Demonstrate the potential to successfully achieve personal and program goals within the context of the UNT ELEVAR program and setting.  

2025-2026 Applications are closed

ELEVAR Admissions Tentative Timeline

Application Review- December 2024

Zoom Interviews- January 2025

In-Person Interviews- February 2025

Acceptance Letters- March 2025

 

 The online application will request the following information:

  • Personal Information​
  • Educational Information 
  • Employment History​
  • Skills Inventory
  • Most recent Individualized Education Plan (IEP)​
  • Most recent Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) ​
    • If these documents are unavailable, please provide the most recent psychological evaluation
  • Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE; if available)​
  • High School Transcript (official/unofficial)​
  • Submit two email adresses of professional recommenders (examples include: Educators, Employment supervisors, and Volunteer Supervisors​) 
  • A $25.00 non-refundable application fee
  • A video (no more than 3 minutes long) via the online application answering the following:
        •  What are your strengths?  
        • Why do you want to attend UNT?  
        • What do you want to do after completing the UNT ELEVAR Program?
        • What are your independent living goals?
        • What are your career goals? 
        • What hobbies or interests do you have?
        • What is your area of interest to study at UNT? 
        • Any other information you want to share with us

Example video below

 

​Application walk-through in English 

Application walk-through in Spanish