Raven Scholars Program

Yes. While students may apply to Raven Scholars before being admitted to U of I, they cannot officially participate in the program until they have been accepted. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, so early submission is recommended. We encourage students to work directly with the Admissions Office on their application to U of I.

A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or a related condition is not required to participate in Raven Scholars.

Students enrolled at U of I may request an ASD or ADHD screening through the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), which can provide referrals for further evaluation.

However, for classroom or housing accommodations, students will need to submit documentation to the Center for Disability Access and Resources (CDAR), typically including an official diagnosis and recommendations from a licensed clinician.

Absolutely! Newly diagnosed students are welcome to apply.

Students seeking accommodations in college must apply through CDAR and provide updated documentation, typically beyond an IEP or 504 plan, preferably from within the last three years. Not all high school accommodations transfer to the college level, so we recommend contacting CDAR at 208-885-6307 for guidance.

Students will receive an email confirmation once their application is received. For fall semester applicants, we will reach out via email and phone between March and April to confirm their intent to attend U of I and participate in the program. At that time, we will confirm their acceptance status or notify them of an active waitlist.

Students placed on the waitlist will be informed of their status and next steps. We primarily communicate through U of I student emails (@vandals.uidaho.edu), so we highly recommend checking it daily or at least twice a week, if on the waitlist.

Yes! We offer both virtual (Zoom) and in-person tours during our operating season (early August to mid-May). We may also be available at UIdaho Bound and other recruitment events. Email ravenscholars@uidaho.edu for more information. If we are unavailable, CDAR staff can assist with program-related questions.

Each student completes an intake process to identify their strengths and goals, resulting in an individualized action plan. This plan determines their Tier placement, meeting frequency and areas of support and is reviewed each semester for Tier 1 and Tier 2 students.

• Tier 1 (T1): One to two meetings per week
• Tier 2 (T2): Two to four meetings per month

Meetings cover academics, self-care, accommodations and social well-being. Staff may provide referrals to campus resources or schedule follow-ups as needed.

Students enrolled in INTR 101 will develop time management, organization and self-advocacy skills. This two-credit course, graded on an A-F scale, is available in both fall and spring semesters. T1 students on academic probation or with an Accountability Agreement must take INTR 101 both semesters.

Raven Scholars also have access to our Ravens Activity Space, where they can study, play games, eat lunch or connect with peers and mentors.

We encourage participation in monthly events, workshops and discussion groups as well as campus and residence hall events. 

Raven Scholars is a proactive support program. Regular meetings with staff help identify and address potential challenges before they escalate.

Staff monitor academic indicators such as early progress grades, midterms and attendance and intervene when necessary. We also assist students in resolving administrative holds from departments such as Advising, Housing, Student Accounts and the Dean of Students.

If issues arise, students may be prompted to check their email, review coursework in Canvas or seek faculty support. Following through on referrals and recommendations is crucial, especially for those facing academic probation.

While program staff may advocate for flexibility in certain cases, we cannot request fundamental changes to course requirements. Raven Scholars must meet the same academic standards as their peers.

Students seeking formal accommodations should contact CDAR, as services must be requested and renewed each semester. 

Participation in Raven Scholars is completely voluntary. If a student does not respond to multiple outreach attempts, we will assume they are no longer interested and dismiss them from program services.

We strongly prefer that students apply independently, rather than through a parent or guardian, as we support their autonomy as college students. 

Raven Scholars has a three-strike no-show policy and a Policy and Participation Agreement. While we strive to communicate and problem-solve, students may be dismissed from the program at the program manager’s discretion.

If we have concerns about a student’s well-being, we may submit a VandalCARE referral to the Dean of Students Office.

An Accountability Agreement is an online form designed to help students reflect on challenges, behaviors and circumstances affecting their success. It encourages self-awareness, goal-setting and responsibility.

Refusal to complete an Accountability Agreement when required may result in dismissal from the program. 

• Returning from academic disqualification or probation
• Reapplying for program support after dismissal
• Disrespectful behavior toward staff, students or faculty
• Frequent no-shows for scheduled meetings
• Conduct or legal issues
• Significant mental health, social or self-care concerns 

No, Raven Scholars is a free, donation-based program. Contributions help us enhance student experiences, fund events and provide essential program materials.

Donations support student events, workshops, sensory tools, training materials, program promotion and professional development for staff and interns.

No, but there are many scholarships available through U of I’s scholarships. Students may also explore external scholarships, such as:

• The Organization for Autism Research Scholarship
• The Courageous Kids Scholarship (Idaho freshmen students with disabilities)
• The Reveley Scholarship (for U of I students who have ADD/ADHD)
• The George Warren Scholarship (for U of I students with physical/systemic disabilities)
• Making a Difference Autism Scholarship
• The Avonte Oquendo Autism Scholarship
• ASD Ascend Autism Scholarship
• The Nitro Scholarship

Peer mentors hold scheduled hours in the Raven Student Lounge 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Their hours vary (typically three to nine hours per week, depending on their course load) and will be posted.

Students can drop in to chat with a peer mentor or schedule time to focus on specific tasks. Peer mentors also attend social events and often lead fun, open projects during their shifts. 

Not necessarily, but some are! Many peer mentors are Raven Scholars alumni, and we encourage students in Tier 3 to apply for the position as well.

While some peer mentors identify as neurodivergent, most are neurotypical students pursuing majors in education, psychology, pre-health or other fields — though students from any major may apply. 

The Raven Scholars internship is a resume-building opportunity that offers course credit through PSYC 498 (three upper-division credits, up to six total). Many peer mentors return for multiple semesters.

They gain hands-on experience working with diverse learners, develop motivational interviewing skills and can earn a Peer Educator Certification through the College Learning and Reading Association. Many past interns have said this experience shaped their careers in fields that support neurodivergent individuals. 

No, peer mentors are not assigned to student housing. They are available only during scheduled hours or program events.

No. Peer mentors are junior or senior interns (3.0+ GPA) who assist with:

• Time management
• Study skills
• Social skills
• Navigating campus resources

They can help students organize assignments or clarify expectations but are not tutors. 

No, Raven Scholars does not assign buddies. However, the program provides:

• Social opportunities with other Raven Scholars and Peer Mentors
• A Discord server for students to connect
• Spaces for students to meet and build relationships

It is up to students to follow through on social connections. 

No. Peer mentors hold a professional internship role and are only available during assigned hours or program events. For ethical reasons, they cannot share personal contact information.

Additionally, peer mentors are not responsible for:

• Escorting students on- or off-campus
• Supervising students
• Redirecting student behavior

These services fall outside the scope of the program. 

Raven Scholars is designed for students on a traditional four- or five-year degree track. However, non-degree seeking students may participate for up to two semesters to explore if college is a good fit.

Important Notes:

• Degree-seeking students receive priority in enrollment. Non-degree seeking students are more likely to be waitlisted if the program is full.
• To continue with program support beyond two semesters, students must enroll in a degree program.
• If pursuing a degree is not the long-term goal, we recommend exploring alternative programs, such as the ROAR program at Washington State University. 

Yes, but INTR 101 is designed to help students succeed in their other courses (e.g., planning, time management).

It is strongly recommended that students enroll in at least one additional course alongside INTR 101 to gain the full benefit of the program. 

Raven Scholars is primarily for full-time, degree-seeking students. However:

• Students with a CDAR-approved accommodation for part-time enrollment may participate as Tier 1 or Tier 2 students.
• If the program is full, full-time students are given priority over part-time students without a CDAR accommodation. 

After-hours support

• Availability: Raven Scholars is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Not Available: Weekends, holidays, university closures or by appointment during breaks (fall, winter, spring).

Summer term services

• Raven Scholars staff are available during the summer term on an as-needed basis. This must be organized prior to the end of the Spring semester.

Fully online/distant support

• Raven Scholars is designed as an in-person program.
• We prioritize in-person services but may consider fully online or distant students depending on our staffing, current caseload and student needs.

Transportation

• Raven Scholars does not provide transportation.
• Students can use the free SMART Transport Bus or Vandal Access Van (for mobility assistance) through CDAR.
• The Vandal Break Bus offers transportation to nearby cities and airports during breaks.

Counseling and Mental Health Services

• Not provided by Raven Scholars.
• U of  I students have free access to mental health services through the Counseling and Mental Health Center (including a 24/7 crisis hotline: 208-885-6716).

Tutoring

• Raven Scholars does not directly provide tutoring.
• Students can access free tutoring through the Writing Center, Academic Coaching, Tutoring and Academic Support.

Classroom/housing accommodations

• Raven Scholars can advocate for accommodations with CDAR, but we do not make final decisions on accommodations.
• Students are responsible for requesting and renewing accommodations each semester.
• Students must schedule exams with CDAR (seven days in advance, 21 days for finals).

Residential support

• Raven Scholars staff can help students identify resources within Housing but do not manage housing situations.
• Students are expected to have independent living skills to live on campus.

Time monitoring and prompting

• Raven Scholars does not provide wake-up calls or time monitoring.
• Students are expected to manage their own schedules (e.g., attending classes and meetings on time). 

Meal planning services

• Raven Scholars does not manage food services.
• We can help communicate dietary needs with CDAR and Housing if necessary.

Medication monitoring or distribution

• Raven Scholars staff do not handle or distribute medications.
• We may remind students to take medications or help them request refills, but students must manage their own routines.

Personal attendants

• Raven Scholars does not provide personal attendant services.
• Students needing this level of care should explore external options.

Legal or conduct services

• Raven Scholars is not a legal service and does not protect students from consequences for violating laws, rules or the U of I Code of Conduct.
• We can help students understand situations and advocate on their behalf.

Imposing services

• Participation in the Raven Scholars program is voluntary.
• Repeated missed appointments or violations of the Policy and Participation Agreement may result in dismissal from the program (three strikes/no-show policy).