Cornerstone Program
The mission of the Cornerstone Program is to provide students with autism spectrum disorders the necessary support to assist in their transition to Purchase College.
It is a fee-based program that offers full-time matriculated students resources, strategies, and assistive technologies to enhance their learning experience.
Program Components
Individual Coaching with Program Staff
Each student’s program is tailored to meet their individual learning and social profile. Students will participate in individualized interventions throughout the course of the academic semester. Program Staff may work with students to develop skills in advocating with professors, negotiating the residential experience, utilizing Purchase College resources, engaging with clubs and events, navigating new and challenging situations, and working toward academic and social goals.
Summer Orientation Program
This specialized orientation program takes place prior to fall New Student Orientation and assists students in transitioning to Purchase College.
Peer Mentor Program
Peer mentors are Purchase College undergraduate students who serve as a role model to students enrolled in the Cornerstone Program. Peer mentors help assist in creating a smooth transition for students and encourage them to become active participants in the community by introducing them to clubs and other campus activities.
Social Skills Support Group
A weekly group is offered for students to encourage socialization and assist student to become more comfortable in their interactions with others.
Sponsored Social Events
Program participants are invited to attend organized events sponsored by the Cornerstone Program. Events may include meeting up for meals, game nights, movie nights, and off campus activities.
Career Readiness
Starting in their second year at Purchase, students will have an opportunity to participate in employment-readiness workshops, designed to assess students’ interests and strengths, and build skills such as interviewing and resume writing. Students will participate in volunteer and/or internship positions starting in their third year.
Application Process
An application to the Cornerstone program is considered complete and will only be accepted if the student has submitted the following information by December 1 for entry in the spring semester, or April 1 for entry in the fall semester. Admission to Purchase College does not guarantee admission to the Cornerstone Program.
Applications received after the above dates will be reviewed if space is available in the incoming cohort.
- Submit the Cornerstone Program Application (to be completed by the student), including:
- Current documentation of diagnosis/es, including a copy of the most recent psychoeducational evaluation, if applicable
- Copy of the most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Accommodation Plan, if applicable
- Download the below Recommendation Form and ask two individuals to submit a recommendation on your behalf.
Once completed applications are reviewed by Program Staff, selected students will be invited to participate in an in-person interview.
Fees
- Track I — Includes all program components, two hours per week of individual coaching — $2,450 per semester
- Track II — Includes all program components, one hour per week of individual coaching — $1,225 per semester
*Please note that fees are subject to change for the 2022-2023 academic year*
A student’s selected track will be determined in consultation with the Program Coordinator, based on the individual student’s needs
The Cornerstone Program follows the Fall and Spring Credit Courses Refund Policy.
Questions?
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.