UMatter Program

Program Application

Thank you for your interest in applying for the UMatter Program! Learn more about our admissions requirements below. For more information, please contact u-matter@usf.edu

fall 2026 umatter program application

We are excited to announce that Part 1 of the Fall 2026 UMatter Program Application is now open! 

Please note that the UMatter application follows a three-part process. Advancement to Parts 2 and 3 is by invitation only and contingent upon the review and selection process.

Who should apply?

Students with intellectual disabilities (must be at least 18 years old) who have a personal desire to gain skills related to academics, career development and employment, campus and community engagement, self-determination, and independent living at the USF St. Petersburg campus. Students in UMatter express a strong desire to continue their education in a postsecondary setting, explore careers and engage in work-based learning opportunities, and live independently.

Application Process overview

Part 1: All interested applicants must begin by completing Part 1 of the UMatter application. This initial submission is required for consideration.

All applicants will receive notification after their Part 1 submission is reviewed.

Part 2: After reviewing Part 1 submissions, the UMatter team will invite selected applicants to proceed to Part 2. This stage involves additional materials and evaluation.

Part 3: Applicants who receive provisional approval after Part 2 will be asked to complete Part 3. This final step determines full acceptance into the UMatter Program.

Important dates 

To receive updates on the Fall 2026 application and deadlines, please fill out the .

Additional dates and deadlines for Parts 2 and 3 will be shared with selected applicants.

Part 1 Admissions criteria

  • 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 

Part 1 documentation checklist

  • Disability Verification Form
  • Most recent IEP
  • Recent comprehensive and individualized evaluation which includes:
    • Psychological evaluation, including IQ testing
    • Adaptive behavioral scores
    • Social-emotional functioning

To meet the requirement, submitted evaluations must be dated within the last five years.

  • Guardianship Paperwork (if appliable)

Part 2 & 3 DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST 

As previously noted, after reviewing Part 1 submissions, the UMatter team will notify applicants of their status. Selected applicants will be invited to continue to Part 2, which requires submission of additional documentation. Those advancing to Part 3 will be asked to provide further materials as part of the final stage of the application process.

Applicants invited to continue should be prepared to submit the following materials, including but not limited to:

Part 2:

  • Personal Statement with photograph or headshot or video/recording from student
  • Behavioral records (If student has no record, send a letter from the high school or most recent postsecondary setting stating there is no record)

Part 3:

  • Official high school transcript
    • Homeschool 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

Need more information? 

For more information about the UMatter Program, please contact us at u-matter@usf.edu.