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Introduction to the Rock Life Program

The Rock Life Program is a Post-Secondary Education Program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder. This program is offered by Slippery Rock University and is designed to provide a comprehensive and inclusive college experience.

Program Overview

The Rock Life Program is a non-degree seeking program that allows students to take classes without working towards a full degree. To qualify, students must have earned or accepted a high school diploma and meet all other admission criteria, including having a mild intellectual and/or developmental disability as defined by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

The Four Pillars of the Rock Life Program

The program is based on four foundational areas:

1. Academic Enrichment: Students attend and audit traditional academic classes, participating in an inclusive college experience. They can enroll in classes for auditing, and if they wish to enroll for credit, they must meet all university admission criteria and transition out of the Rock Life program to become a fully degree-seeking student.
2. Career Exploration: Students engage in campus work to expand their college experience. Program coordinators and college coaches assist each student in applying and exploring campus jobs in their area of interest. Students are encouraged to work a minimum of two semesters while in the Rock Life program, typically beginning in year two of their experience.
3. Health and Wellness: The program focuses on lifelong health and wellness for the students. Students participate in Unified Fitness, intramural sports, and recreational activities, with a requirement to participate in a minimum of one physical activity option each semester.
4. Social Engagement: Rock Life students participate in fully inclusive social programs on the University's campus. They are required to get involved with a minimum of one club or organization on campus and participate in multiple social events each semester.

Mission Statement

The Rock Life program is a recognized comprehensive transition and postsecondary program (CTP) that provides a 4-year, non-degree, certificate-based experience for students with intellectual disabilities. The program creates an on-campus environment of individual autonomy, providing intentional person-centered programming in the four foundational areas, allowing students to experience a robust and inclusive college experience.

Additional Information

• Housing/Commuting Options: Rock Life students can live in Watson Hall in the Rock Life Living Learning Community (LLC) or commute to campus. Commuters receive the same amount of support as on-campus students.
• Rock Life Fees: The program fees are subject to change and include a Rock Life program fee, SRU tuition/fees, room, and board. The estimated costs are as follows:
  • Estimated Tuition: $322.00 per credit (1932.00 for 6 credits)
  • Estimated Fees: $691.38 for 6 credits
  • Rock Life Fee: $3,850 per semester for on-campus students and $2,000 per semester for commuter students
  • Room: $4073.00 for 4 single suites, per semester
  • Dining Plan: $1696.00 per semester
  • Totals: $12,242.38 per semester

Application Process

The application for the Rock Life program is available, and the due date for applications is January 15, 2026. Interview dates are scheduled for January-February 2026, and notification of acceptance will be sent out in mid-March 2026.