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Quick Links Parents Students Educators Alumni Visit Campus Request Information Apply Give Portals Canvas Email MyBeacon Parent Portal Online Bill Pay Faculty/Staff E-Flame Faculty/Staff MyBeacon Directory Library Neurodiversity in Higher Ed Certificate College Readiness Programs Neurodiversity in Higher Ed Certificate Professional Certificate in Neurodiversity and Higher Education Beacon College’s Professional Certificate in Neurodiversity and Higher Education provides faculty, staff, and administrators with both a theoretical foundation and practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent students in the college environment. Drawing on Beacon’s national leadership in educating students who learn differently, this program equips higher education professionals with tools to create more inclusive classrooms, advising practices, and campus systems. Through this certificate program, participants will gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity in higher education, the impact of executive functioning and mental health on student outcomes, and concrete strategies for course design, assessment, advising, and career preparation. Content is grounded in more than 35 years of Beacon’s specialized expertise and informed by leading practices from across the country. Successful completion of the program leads to a Professional Certificate in Neurodiversity and Higher Education from Beacon College, a nationally recognized leader in education for students who learn differently. This certificate program is self-paced and delivered fully online, allowing higher education professionals to enroll at any time and complete modules on their own schedule. For Spring 2026 enrollment, participants must register and complete all eight modules between March 1 – May 29, 2026. Register Now Learning Objectives and Curriculum The course is delivered asynchronously through the Canvas LMS. It consists of eight content units, applied assignments, case studies, and a capstone project. Each unit includes two 30-minute pre-recorded lectures, readings, and downloadable resources to support implementation. Participants will also engage in a capstone redesign project, adapting one course, module, or activity from their own teaching or professional context to be more inclusive for neurodivergent students. Instructors include expert Beacon College faculty and nationally recognized leaders in neurodiversity and higher education. Increase Your Awareness Deepen your understanding of neurodiversity in higher education and its impact on student learning, persistence, and overall success. Apply Inclusive Teaching Practices Gain strategies to design courses and assessments using Universal Design for Learning principles that reduce barriers and increase accessibility. Support Executive Functioning Learn how executive functioning challenges affect college students and identify classroom practices that strengthen organization, time management, and self-regulation. Foster Student Belonging Develop tools to build inclusive classroom communities that reduce isolation and encourage engagement among neurodivergent students. Integrate Campus Resources Connect your teaching with advising, tutoring, career services, and wellness initiatives to create a holistic support network for students. Enhance Student Outcomes Adapt your own courses, modules, or teaching practices through a personalized capstone project to directly improve student retention and performance. Program Costs The all-inclusive cost of this self-led 8-module program is $499. This fee can be paid at registration with a credit card or can be invoiced to your organization. Who Should Participate This certificate is designed for college faculty, advisors, student affairs professionals, and administrators who want to strengthen their ability to support neurodivergent students in the classroom and across campus. Modules & Topics Unit 1: Understanding Secondary Schools for Neurodiverse Students This unit examines the landscape of secondary education, including IEP/504 frameworks, adolescent development, and the college admissions process. Participants will explore how transition planning and curriculum models shape the readiness of neurodiverse students. Unit 2: Academic Advising Focused on supporting students with SLDs, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges, this unit explores strategies for effective advising and course selection. Participants will review successful advising models, such as Beacon’s Center for Student Success and the University of Arizona’s SALT Center. Unit 3: Social and Community Integration This unit addresses social isolation, residential engagement, and creating inclusive campus communities. Case studies, including Beacon’s Triadic Model and Curry College’s SAIL Program, highlight approaches to fostering belonging and connection. Unit 4: Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education Participants will learn how to incorporate Universal Design for Learning principles into course design and instruction. This unit highlights inclusive teaching strategies with exemplars such as Dean College’s Arch Program and Beacon’s First-Year Experience model. Unit 5: Trends in Mental Health This unit examines the intersection of neurodiversity and mental health, including crisis management and campus-wide wellness initiatives. Case studies such as Drexel University’s Autism Support Program and Beacon’s Wellness Program illustrate clinical and holistic approaches. Unit 6: Family Systems Participants will explore the role of families in student success, including parent partnerships, fostering independence, and developmental scaffolding. Examples from the University of Denver and Beacon’s Center for College Readiness provide models of effective collaboration. Unit 7: Campus Resources and Executive Functioning This unit highlights learning support centers, tutoring, accommodations, and structured executive functioning coaching. Participants will study models like Mitchell College’s coaching framework and Beacon’s Writing Center. Unit 8: Outgoing Transitions & Career Services Focused on preparing neurodiverse students for employment, this unit covers internship support, job readiness, and career transition programming. Examples include SAP’s Autism at Work initiative, Landmark’s career bridge programming, and Beacon’s Summer Internship Program. Capstone Project: Program Review and Adaptation In the capstone, participants will analyze an area of their own institution and propose strategies to enhance support for neurodiverse students. This culminating project integrates course concepts into actionable institutional improvements. Meet Your Instructors Dr. Oksana Hagerty Dean of the Robey Center for Student Success 352-638-9780 ohagerty@beaconcollege.edu Dr. Kevin Reilly Vice President of Academic Affairs 352-638-9777 kreilly@beaconcollege.edu Dr. Dana Manzo Vice President of Student Affairs 352-638-9751 dmanzo@beaconcollege.edu Melissa Bradley Director of Center for Career Preparation 352-787-1658 mbradley@beaconcollege.edu Apply Today Request Info Plan a Visit Web Design by PHOS Creative Title VI Title IX