Integrative Community Studies

Autonomy & Agency. Life Planning. Career Development.

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 autonomy and agency, 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.

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UNC Greensboro’s ICS 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 ICS 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!

Over 300 US colleges and universities offer programs for students with intellectual disability. Students with intellectual disability are achieving their college goals when provided with access and high expectations. College provides the opportunity for students to explore new things, become more independent, and prepare for a bright future.

315

programs across 49 States

thinkhighered.net

8,000

students with intellectual disability are attending college or University each year

thinkhighered.net

22,899

inclusive courses taken between 2010 and 2020 from students at

TPSIDs

59%

find competitive integrated employment 1 year after leaving college

COMPETITIVE INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT

Mission and Vision

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

Curricular & co-curricular learning
Natural resources
Personal and Professional development
Student created tools & strategies
Community integration

Our vision is that ICS graduates leave UNCG prepared to engage with, adapt to, and seize opportunities in 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, June 17, 2025 **

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

News

May 2, 2025

Important Dates

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Donate to ICS

ICS is grateful to the generosity of our donors. To donate specifically to us, follow the steps outlined below.

Go to the UNCG “giving page”
Fill out the form and under “Designations” click “choose a different designation”
You can type in the search of that pop-up: “Integrative Community Studies/Beyond Academics Scholarship”
- This will specifically allow it to be used only for scholarships
You can also click “other” and type in “Integrative Community Studies (ICS) or Beyond Academics Program”
- This will allow the funds to be used however the program needs

UNCG Giving Page

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