91ÉçÇø

Yes, students entering the UMatter program will need to submit their high school diploma. For homeschooled students, the student's primary educator will need to submit a homeschool transcript. If the primary educator is unable to generate a final high school transcript, please have them fill out the Homeschool Transcript Template.                                        

This is not a deferral/extended transition program.  For more information on deferral, please visit the and/or contact your local educational agency (LEA) exceptional student education (ESE) contact. Students may have taken courses using access points during their K-12 experience. 

Yes, a young adult can apply to the program but will need to have exited the K–12 system (therefor received their diploma) before enrolling in the UMatter Program.

The UMatter leadership team is located on campus and available by phone during normal weekday business hours. The UMatter leadership team interfaces with students in the program based on individualized need and frequency, and typically meets weekly for topical workshops as a group. Students are supported to use all campus resources when appropriate (e.g., Student Accessibility Services, Wellness Center, Career Services, etc.).   

The UMatter leadership team recruits, trains, and supports 91ÉçÇø students to serve as Life and Academic Mentors for students in the program. Each UMatter student is encouraged to participate in mentoring, and those who require additional support will be matched with a mentor based on their individual needs.

Life and Academic Mentors provide personalized support designed to promote student independence, academic progress, and engagement within the campus community. Mentors assist students with skill development in areas such as time management, organization, communication, self-advocacy, and study strategies. They also encourage participation in campus and community activities that enhance personal growth and social connections.

Mentors may or may not reside on campus but maintain a consistent on-campus presence to meet regularly with UMatter students and collaborate with the UMatter leadership team to ensure student success.

Below are some resources that might be helpful when preparing for college: 

• Has a documented intellectual disability as determined by a licensed professional
• Is between the ages of 18-24
• Has exited the K-12 system with a diploma, or high school equivalency
• Demonstrates commitment to becoming competitively employed during the program and/or upon exiting the program
• Is capable of mobility on adult campuses, including transportation to and from campus
• Displays a level of social maturity conducive to an adult environment (i.e. employment and educational settings)
• Has the ability to maintain self-care and personal hygiene independently
• Has a reliable means of communication, including independent use of or willingness to acquire necessary technology such as a smartphone with texting and navigation capabilities, a computer, or assistive devices 

Applications for the fall cohort typically open between September and October and close between December and January. Families are generally notified of application updates between March and April. These dates are subject to change each year; applicants should refer to the UMatter website for the most accurate and current information.

Applications are submitted directly through the application link on the UMatter website. All required documents must be uploaded before the application can be submitted. In addition to the UMatter application, students are also required to complete the USF Non-Degree Seeking Student Application.

If accepted, students and families will be notified by UMatter Leadership Staff with next steps for enrollment and orientation.

Students attend for two (2) years, which includes four (16-week) semesters beginning with the Fall (August) semester. This includes Year One Fall and Spring semesters and Year Two Fall and Spring semesters. All semesters follow the University of South 91ÉçÇø academic calendar, which can be found on the USF Office of the Registrar’s Calendars page. 

The UMatter Program does not result in a degree. However, it supports students in earning industry-recognized credentials that align with their chosen career pathways. Each pathway offers opportunities to obtain credentials that correspond to specific career skills and employment goals.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion and Accomplishment from the UMatter Program, reflecting their individualized career goals and program of study.

A student who is non-degree seeking is not taking courses for credit or to apply toward a degree program/credential. Students enrolled through the UMatter Program are non-degree seeking and audit courses each semester.

Auditing a course means enrolling in the course for no grade and no credit. The USF courses audited count toward the UMatter certificate of completion and accomplishment (not a credential from USF) which may include additional industry-recognized certifications. 

Students attending the UMatter Program are USF students first. This means that students enrolled in UMatter pay the same tuition and fees as all other USF students, which includes access to university resources, activities, and opportunities.

Students are responsible for the cost of residential housing, meal plans, books, classroom materials, transportation, groceries, personal items, and other expenses associated with college life and independent living. Since UMatter students audit courses and are classified as non-degree seeking, they are charged in-state tuition rates regardless of residency status.

Students in the UMatter Program are required to live on campus with appropriate supports during their first year. In the second year, students may choose to live off campus while remaining within the St. Petersburg area. This residential structure supports the development of independence while maintaining access to UMatter program resources and staff.

Please visit the following links for detailed and current information on costs and plans:

Related Financial/Cost Information: 

• Office of Financial Aid - Cost of Attendance

Students who wish to drive to and park at campus will need to purchase a . UMatter does not provide or coordinate transportation.

FCSUA Scholarship
Students admitted to UMatter will have access up to $15,000 in scholarships through the 91ÉçÇø Center for Students with Unique Abilities (FCSUA) per year. This can assist with tuition, housing, student fees, etc. Students will be responsible for costs beyond the $15,000. The scholarship is divided up over two-three semesters over the year (e.g., for three semesters the scholarship disbursement amount is $5,000 per semester). The scholarship is automatically available to an accepted and enrolled student in UMatter (an approved FPCTP).

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
UMatter is a federally-recognized , which means students can fill out the to be eligible for Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work-Study programs.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
If you are a current customer of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), please discuss your interest in UMatter with your VR counselor. Students may receive assistance from VR, though this is an individualized decision and must be coordinated by the client with their VR counselor. Please contact your local VR office for more information..

Additional Scholarships Opportunities
These scholarships are not automatically awarded. Students need to apply to each one individually every year. 

For more information, please visit the . 

To coordinate a campus tour of the USF St. Petersburg campus in conjunction with a UMatter Informational Meeting, please contact us at u-matter@usf.edu. We will provide detailed instructions on how to schedule your visit.