When was the Neurodiversity Initiative formed and why?
The Neurodiversity task force was started in Fall of 2023. Which then prompted the Neurodiversity Initiative to officially form in January 2024, the College of Engineering wanted to address and support the challenges of the Neurodiverse population. COE’s goal is to eradicate the negative stigma of the neurodivergent experience, in both academic and professional settings.
Challenges the Neurodivergent population face
The neurodiverse population continues to grow on campus with estimates ranging from 20-40% of our population[i]. Neurodivergent individuals have a higher college dropout rate; lower employee retention rates after graduation; and there is a lack of awareness on how to support neurodivergent students. Furthermore, accessing services can be hindered by lack of costly diagnostic assessments, or by students not being aware that they are neurodivergent.
What does the Neurodiversity Initiative want to accomplish?
- Create a collaborative environment where everyone can succeed, taking into account pedagogy, Campus/Belonging initiatives, and professional development.
- Providing a resource for students without a diagnosis of a neurodiverse condition
- Enhance student belonging before and during their academic career
- Mentoring and coaching for the strengthening of self-advocacy skills
- Develop acceptance of student’s intersectionality
- Partner with employers for valuable experiential learning opportunities