[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Menu Bar” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F7F7F5″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” sticky_position=”top” motion_trigger_start=”top” saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” background__sticky_enabled=”on|sticky” background_color__sticky=”#F3F3F1″ background_enable_color__sticky=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”2560px” custom_padding=”1.25vw||1.25vw||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”139″ menu_style=”centered” active_link_color=”#313436″ dropdown_menu_bg_color=”#cba052″ dropdown_menu_line_color=”#d7d2cb” dropdown_menu_text_color=”#313436″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#313436″ mobile_menu_bg_color=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_text_color=”#2f2f2f” menu_icon_color=”#25282a” mobile_menu_bg_color_tablet=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_bg_color_phone=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_bg_color_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_font=”Oswald|500||on|||||” menu_text_color=”#313436″ menu_font_size=”1.3em” background_enable_color=”off” background_layout=”dark” menu_font_size_tablet=”2vw” menu_font_size_phone=”3vw” menu_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” mobile_menu_bg_color__sticky_enabled=”on|sticky” menu_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” menu_text_color__hover=”#711421″][\/et_pb_menu][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Article Title Section” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_color=”#EAE9E5″ background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”bottom_left” background_vertical_offset=”-73%” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”19px||0px||false|false” bottom_divider_height=”40px” bottom_divider_flip=”vertical” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” background_enable_image_tablet=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”100%” max_width=”1253px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”9px|2vw||2vw|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0.25vw|1vw|1vw|1vw|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|7vw||7vw|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Oswald|500||on|||||” text_text_color=”#862633″ text_font_size=”1.1em” link_font=”||||on|||#2f2f2f|” link_text_color=”#2f2f2f” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” custom_margin=”||11px|||” custom_padding=”0px||5px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#d7d2cb” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
College<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”62px” header_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#862633″ header_2_font_size=”50px” header_2_line_height=”1.1em” header_3_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_3_text_color=”#862633″ header_3_font_size=”40px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_4_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_4_text_color=”#25282A” header_4_font_size=”30px” header_4_line_height=”1.2em” header_5_font=”|800|||||||” header_5_text_color=”#862633″ header_5_font_size=”24px” header_5_line_height=”1.1em” header_6_font=”|700|||||||” header_6_text_color=”#25282A” header_6_font_size=”22px” header_font_size_tablet=”50px” header_font_size_phone=”38px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_2_font_size_phone=”33px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_3_font_size_phone=”” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_4_font_size_tablet=”28px” header_4_font_size_phone=”” header_4_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_5_font_size_tablet=”” header_5_font_size_phone=”” header_5_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”align-items: flex-end;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2021\/12\/red-crosshatch-bar.png” alt=”red crosshatch bar” title_text=”red-crosshatch-bar” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”right” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” z_index=”150″ custom_margin=”|-19px|-13px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/08\/ENHANCE-2.jpg” alt=”Students at an ENHANCE event in 2024.” title_text=”ENHANCE 2″ show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Copy1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”63px||50px||false|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n By Ariana Rivera \u201918 <\/span> |\u00a0 Fall 2024<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Navigating college can be challenging for any student, but having the proper support can make all the difference for those with learning and attention differences. According to autism disorders researchers from Drexel University and SRI International, national data indicates that nearly 35 percent of students with autism attend a two- or four-year college, with fewer than 39 percent of those completing their degrees. Ramapo College\u2019s ENHANCE program is designed to provide comprehensive support for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and has made Ramapo one of the best small colleges in the nation for students on the autism spectrum according to AppliedBehaviorAnalysisPrograms.com. ENHANCE aims to bridge academic gaps and cultivate an environment where all students can thrive.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_number_counter title=”of Students with ASD attend College” number=”35″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#25282A” number_font=”Oswald||||||||” number_text_color=”#862633″ background_color=”#F3F3F1″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2023\/01\/element-bottom-right-warm-gray-crosshatchAsset-12.png” background_size=”custom” background_image_width=”36%” background_position=”bottom_right” custom_padding=”2vw|2vw|2vw|2vw|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_number_counter][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The ENHANCE program is a therapeutic support program that takes a holistic approach and focuses on social, emotional and organizational growth to assist autistic students in adapting and flourishing in college. Launched in 2018, the program tailors its support to each student’s needs. Right from the start, the ENHANCE program assists each student with their transition to college. Before a student in the program starts at Ramapo College, they participate in an ENHANCE orientation. This includes presentations, introductions to various campus offices and classroom tours. The orientation is designed to help the student become more familiar and comfortable with the college’s campus and resources.<\/p>\n Once enrolled, each student meets with their ENHANCE counselor weekly and engages with their peer mentors twice a week. This individualized approach provides crucial support where the student needs it most. Additionally, there are three weekly group meetings, ranging from social events that can assist a student in making friends, navigating campus and becoming more involved to academic workshops, which can help with time management, study strategies and executive functioning. Off-campus social events enrich the student experience and foster meaningful connections throughout the year, such as a Dave and Buster\u2019s night hosted by the ENHANCE program. Suzanne Calgi, the program\u2019s assistant director, mentioned one of her favorite memories was a karaoke night in which Calgi remembers \u201cbeing wowed\u201d by the students’ hidden talents. By continually refining support services and adapting to new challenges, the ENHANCE program ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed.<\/p>\n Peer mentors are highly involved in the ENHANCE program, and by participating as mentors, many graduate and undergraduate students fulfill their fieldwork hours, which is required for social work, psychology and sociology majors. Lauren Barca \u201923 was a peer mentor who did just that. When reflecting on her experience, Barca stated, \u201cEach student has their views about what it means to have autism, what they are comfortable with and what they\u2019ve experienced.\u201d Within the program, it’s often said that \u201conce you\u2019ve met one person with autism, you\u2019ve met one person with autism.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Gallery” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F3F3F1″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2023\/02\/element-top-left-warm-gray-crosshatchAsset-12.png” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” max_width=”1024px” custom_padding=”2vw|2vw|2vw|2vw|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/08\/ENHANCE-peer-mentors.jpg” alt=”Ramapo College’s ENHANCE program peer mentors” title_text=”ENHANCE-peer-mentors” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”50px” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” text_text_color=”#545658″ text_font_size=”14px” max_width=”824px” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n ENHANCE peer mentors are trained to assist students in making a positive transition to college life, self-advocacy and efforts towards independence.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This motto rings true for peer mentors and emphasizes the need for the ENHANCE program’s individualized approach. \u201cWhen meeting with their peer mentors, students can choose to do whatever they\u2019d like, ranging from playing a game at J. Lee’s, studying in the library or just taking a walk and talking,\u201d said Barca. Each student can connect in a way that benefits them, reflecting the program’s flexible support structure.<\/p>\n Kyle Desuza \u201926, a student in the ENHANCE program, noted, \u201cOne way ENHANCE helps [me to] organize my assignments is to mark them in highlighted priority colors so when I look in my planner, I check the color and see which ones I can handle immediately.\u201d Additionally, through ENHANCE he can connect with students similar to him and learn more about autism. \u201cAutism comes in many forms, and everyone handles it differently,” Desuza said. “ENHANCE is a great blessing.\u201d<\/p>\n The ENHANCE program sets a standard of excellence in higher education accessibility, as supported by Ramapo\u2019s distinction as 24th in the country and first in New Jersey on Great Value College\u2019s Best Disability Friendly Schools for its \u201ctop-notch disability services that allow their students to succeed.\u201d The ENHANCE program celebrates and supports differences and empowers every student to reach their full potential. To learn more about ENHANCE, visit ramapo.edu\/enhance.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Back To Homepage Fall 2024″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”45deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#f3f3f1 0%|#fcfffd 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”#f3f3f1″ background_color_gradient_end=”#fcfffd” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” top_divider_color=”#ffffff” top_divider_height=”86px” top_divider_arrangement=”above_content” top_divider_style_tablet=”” top_divider_style_phone=”” top_divider_style_last_edited=”on|phone” top_divider_height_tablet=”52px” top_divider_height_phone=”25px” top_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” border_color_all=”#2f2f2f” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#f3f3f1″ global_module=”5612″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”center_left” z_index=”349″ max_width=”1024px” custom_padding=”15px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#862633″ text_font_size=”24px” link_text_color=”#25282a” transform_scale_linked__hover=”off” transform_translate_linked__hover=”off” custom_margin=”6px|||||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”21px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” transform_styles__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_scale__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_translate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_rotate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_skew__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_origin__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_translate__hover=”-5px|0px” custom_css_after__hover_enabled=”on|hover” link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” link_text_color__hover=”#c41e1e”]<\/p>\nUnlocking Potential<\/h2>\n
Ramapo College’s ENHANCE Program<\/strong><\/h1>\n