Learn More about STEP - Visits and Information
- We welcome inquiries year round and encourage campus visits as early as a year prior to the student anticipating attending college.
- Being on campus helps students visualize and imagine what college might be like. Asking questions and hearing about university life is invaluable as students and families explore and prepare for post-high school educational opportunities.
- Families are required to schedule an Informational Visit. These may be done virtually or in person and typically last about an hour. Informational Visits allow families to learn as much as possible about STEP, ask questions in detail, and share insights about their student's needs.
- Please consider scheduling your visit to STEP in conjunction with your visit to Campus.
- Coordinate your Campus Tour through the EIU Admissions office
- Schedule your STEP Informational Visit by calling or emailing STEP at 217-581-6361, 217-581-5815, OR email us at step@eiu.edu
- See this campus map with STEP located in Klehm Hall if you choose to visit in person.
Application Timelines and Process - APPLICATION TO STEP for Fall '24 is closed. We are actively reviewing completed applications and anticipate admission decisions for STEP by the end of February, 2024.
- Fall Start: STEP admits new students to begin Fall term of the academic year. Students interested in STEP must also concurrently apply to the University, as admission decisions for STEP are separate from University admissions.
- Informational Visits are an essential part of our application and admissions process. Please schedule your visit as soon as practical for your family and student. We welcome campus visits and zoom conversations to share information about STEP and to learn about your student.
- Application Deadline: Please submit application materials to STEP by January 30 for early admissions review and determinations.
- Application Interview: Once we have reviewed a completed application file we will schedule an informal application interview with the student. Family are encouraged and welcome to be present for this conversation, which can be scheduled virtually or in person.
- Admissions Decisions: We strive to have early admission decisions by mid-late February.
- Extended Application/Admissions: We may encounter unexpected openings as late as mid-late March depending on how the Spring term concludes (e.g., some students may no longer need STEP services for the coming Fall). If that is the case we may extend our Application process through mid-late March although we cannot guarantee openings. Stay tuned for updates.
Application Materials and Documentation of Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Students and parents are required to visit (in person or via Zoom) to learn about STEP and to consider whether we are a good fit for your goals and your student's experiences!
- Students applying to STEP must provide the following documents:
- Documented evidence of a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- A recent (within the last 3 years) neuropsychological evaluation (typically conducted by a clinical or neuropsychologist and would often include standardized assessments of cognitive processes such as attention, memory, reasoning, learning, verbal and perceptual skills, executive functions, and/or mood or adjustment)
- A copy of the most recent IEP or 504 Plan from the high school setting, and a list of accommodations utilized in a recent college setting if the student has completed some college.
- Complete and submit the following forms online:
- Email documents to: step@eiu.edu
- OR
- Mail forms and documents to:
- Eastern Illinois University
- 600 Lincoln Avenue
- Charleston, IL 61920
- ATTN: STEP Program, 1311 Klehm Hall
Admission Decisions
- Due to limited space in the program we are unable to offer a spot to all that apply.
- An evaluation of an individual’s goodness of fit within the STEP program plays a primary role in the decision process.
- We strive to keep students and families informed of our progress in reviewing and determining admission opportunities.
- Once decisions have been made, families will be notified by email.
- If admitted to STEP, students and parents indicate their intent and commitment to enroll and participate in STEP by completing and returning the STEP Agreement form and the STEP release of information form.
Please don't hesitate to call 217-581-6361, or 217-581-5815, OR email us at step@eiu.edu if you have any questions regarding this process.
