Social Achievement in Learning (SAIL) Program

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The Social Achievement in Learning (SAIL) program is designed for academically capable students with neurodiverse profiles who benefit from individualized support to reach their full potential in a college environment. SAIL-appropriate students thrive when provided with social coaching, transitional assistance, self-advocacy support, and sensory-friendly housing. Our students often have diagnoses of ASD, non-verbal learning disorder, social-pragmatic language disorder, and/or co-occurring diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, and executive functioning challenges, or self-report a demonstrated need for social supports.

The SAIL team includes a Speech Language Pathologist and a Wellness Coordinator, along with Community Directors with specialized training in ASD and students’ social, behavioral and organizational needs.

SAIL is for full-time, undergraduate students who have already been accepted to Curry College and benefit from assistance:

• Understanding social cues
• Understanding the point of view of others
• Using and understanding nonverbal communication
• Initiating communication
• Understanding abstract language
• Sensory processing
• Planning, sequence, and completing academic work
• Socializing with peers

SAIL is NOT meant for students who require behavior interventions and/or are unable to perform daily living skills independently.

Apply to the SAIL Program

(PLEASE NOTE: Interested students need to complete an interview along with submitting the SAIL application. SAIL students are also eligible to apply for the traditional PAL model.)

SAIL Program Services

Social Assistance:

• Tailored group seminars (non-credit bearing) focused on participation and engagement in co-curricular activities, goal setting, self-advocacy, social metacognition, developing peer relationships, and strategies directed toward problem solving
• Non-credit bearing SAIL advising sessions are one-on-one and small groups depending on the individual needs of the student
• Identification of lower sensory dining options
• Small group, co-curricular events for students with sensory differences and sensitivities
• Support accessing Curry-wide events to increase access and engagement in the college experience

Transitional Support:

• Adapted physical environments to reduce stress
• Executive function support
• Early academic advising
• Peer mentoring
• Early move-in to residence hall
• Support to overcome challenges to meaningful participation in college life
• Career development support
• Assistance securing an internship
• Specialized small group SAIL orientation sessions

Alternative Housing:

• Substance-free living pod in Bell Hall (Curry's newest residence hall) with a limited number of single room options available (additional fee for single rooms)
• Low sensory environment in quiet residential space
• Community Directors with specialized training in ASD and students’ social, behavioral and organizational needs
• Support with developing structure of independent living activities, including laundry, meal prep, and self-care

Wellness Support:

• Programming and educational outreach to students on issues related to alcohol and other drugs, interpersonal relationships, and health & well-being around personal safety, autonomy and consent
• Consultation with students regarding health and wellness needs and/or challenges
• Collaboration with other departments on priority focused issues that significantly impact student wellness and success
• Assistance in coordinating access to mental health support for students in need through the College’s Counseling services

SAIL Application Process

To apply to the SAIL program, please follow the following steps:

• Complete the SAIL Application Form
• Submit any supporting documentation (optional)
• You will be contacted to complete a 30 minute interview (in-person or virtually)

SAIL Program Cost

SAIL is a fee-based program. Program cost for the 2024-2025 academic year is $9,000 ($4,500 per semester).