Integrative Community Studies

Self-Determination. Life Planning. Career Development.

Integrative Community Studies (ICS), also known as Beyond Academics, is a program for students with intellectual disabilities who are interested in furthering their education. Integrative Community Studies is a four-year certificate program – awarded by UNCG’s Office of the Provost –  that emphasizes self-determination, life planning, and career development. Enrolled students develop a personalized college support plan to optimize their curricular and co-curricular experiences  while enrolled in the program of study.

Applications for for the 2025-2026 School Year are Now Open!

UNC Greensboro’s Integrative Community Studies Certificate program is for students with intellectual disabilities who are interested in furthering their education past secondary education (high school).

Comprehensive transition and postsecondary education programs like ours empower students as they transition into emerging adulthood. The Integrative Community Studies certificate is a four-year certificate program – awarded by UNCG’s Office of the Provost –  that emphasizes self-determination, life planning, and career development.

With access to an array of campus and community resources, each student develops a college support plan to optimize their curricular and co-curricular experiences while at UNCG. Resources include individualized support, available during the week and weekends, focusing on co-currricular activities, including campus involvement, and personal skill development.

By the Numbers

Students with intellectual disability can go to college!

Mission and Vision

The Integrative Community Studies (ICS) Certificate program fosters the development of engaged citizens by centralizing the student experience in:

  • Inclusion & integration
  • Curricular & co-curricular learning
  • Diversity & equity
  • Natural resources
  • Student created tools & strategies
  • Professional development

Our vision is that ICS Graduates leave UNCG prepared to engage with and adapt to the ever changing world around them.

Upon successful completion of the ICS program of study, graduates will communicate and actively engage in their plans in the following areas:

  • Financial
  • Career
  • Interdependent living
  • Resources/Support
  • Leisure
  • Civic Engagement/Advocacy
  • Relationships

**Updated and approved by Director Lisa Pluff, July 15, 2021 **

The department of ICS is committed to fulfilling the larger mission and vision of UNCG, found here.

News

October 17, 2023

Think HIgher. Think College.

The “Think Higher. Think College.” campaign is designed to…

October 17, 2023

Accreditation

In the US, institutions of higher education and programs withi…