GOAL Program
Academic Department
UNC’s Go On and Learn (GOAL) is an inclusive higher education program at the University of Northern Colorado. GOAL is an opportunity for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attend college.
Apply to become a GOAL student!
GOAL Program at UNC: Inclusive College Opportunities
Welcome to the Go On And Learn (GOAL) program! If you’re a student with an intellectual or developmental disability, here is your chance to attend college, build your independence, and prepare for a meaningful career.
What is GOAL?
GOAL is a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP), approved by the U.S. Department of Education. As a GOAL student, you may be eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and work-study opportunities. Through this program, you will build academic skills, strengthen social connections, and grow your self-determination.
What Can I Expect?
- You will complete a personalized course of study based on your interests and strengths.
- You’ll take a combination of traditional, inclusive UNC courses and specialized GOAL courses that support your learning style.
- You’ll complete 72-80 credit hours with individualized accommodations and modifications to help you succeed.
- You’ll have opportunities to live on campus, engage in campus life, and gain real-world career experience.
- You’ll earn a Credential of Completion from UNC
- You’ll be prepared for competitive, integrated employment at or above minimum wage after graduation.
How Do I Apply?
If you have a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability, you may be eligible to apply. GOAL uses a specialized application process that’s different from UNC’s traditional admissions.
GOAL's 3 pillars
Academics
You will take 8-10 credit hours each semester. This includes one GOAL class and other UNC classes that match your career interests. In your UNC classes, you will complete modified assignments that are made to fit your learning level. These classes will show up on your transcript with a modified grade. You will also take classes from the GOAL Core Curriculum. This includes communication, health and wellness, social sciences, and University 101 to help you build important life and job skills.
Campus Life
You’ll have many chances to join clubs, events, and activities to meet new people and make lasting friendships. Peer Mentors will help you get involved and connect with others. You can live on campus in the dorms, where you’ll gain life skills and live independently with support from Residence Life Mentors.
Career Development
Each semester, you’ll take classes that match your career goals. You’ll explore opportunities through activities like job tours, job shadows, workshops, interviews, and job fairs. GOAL helps you find on-campus jobs, including both paid and unpaid positions.
What is a Comprehensive Transition Program?
A Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) is a college or career school program designed for students with intellectual disabilities who want to continue learning, build life skills, and prepare for employment. These programs are approved by the U.S. Department of Education and may lead to a degree, certificate, or non-degree credential.
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Focus on academic, career, and independent living skills.
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Provide personalized academic advising and a structured curriculum.
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Include meaningful participation in college life alongside students without disabilities.
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Students with intellectual disabilities must spend at least half of their time in one or more of the following:
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Regular credit-bearing classes with nondisabled students.
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Courses audited or taken with nondisabled students.
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Noncredit classes with nondisabled students.
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Internships or work-based learning with nondisabled individuals.
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Learn more about CTPs from Think College! — a national resource on inclusive higher education.
Personalize Your Journey
At GOAL, you won’t follow a one-size-fits-all path. You’ll work closely with the GOAL team to design your own academic and career journey. Together, we’ll create:
- A custom course schedule tailored to your academic level and interests.
- A thriving campus life that helps you make connections and fully experience college.
- A clear plan for meaningful, exciting career opportunities after you complete the program.
Meet our Staff
Christina Ruffatti
Executive Director
Laura Anderson
Associate Director
Paul Granito
Outreach Ambassador
Noah Fuller
Outreach Ambassador
Adaptive technology resources
University Libraries
Disability Resource Center
We work together with the entire campus community to eliminate barriers, increase accessibility, and foster inclusive environments through education, resources, and personalized support.
- DRC@unco.edu
- 970-351-2289
- Michener L-80 Campus Box 139
Individual Daily Visit Options
The Office of Admissions offers a growing range of individual visit options. In addition to Daily Information Sessions and Campus Tours held twice daily, Monday through Friday (with select Saturdays available), we also offer specialized sessions for transfer students, bilingual Spanish sessions and tours, and Be-A-Bear Fridays exclusively for admitted students.
We encourage all students and families to Customize Your Visit to make the most of your time on campus and in Greeley. Customizing your visit may include meeting with a faculty or staff member from a specific college or school, or exploring opportunities such as the UNC Honors Program.
Explore your options below, register early, and create the personalized UNC visit experience that’s right for you.
We offer Admissions Information Sessions & Campus Tours twice daily (9:00 AM & 2:00 PM) and on select Saturdays (10 AM) throughout the calendar year. Daily information sessions & tours include a brief 30-minute University Overview & Admissions Presentation after which guests will head out on a 90-minute student-led tour of our beautiful campus. Attendees can expect to see a combination of academic halls, student life spaces, and residence/dining locations.
Explore custom visit options before you register and get a more in-depth look at academic programs while you connect with faculty and staff from across the UNC community.
We offer special afternoon sessions designed specifically for transfer students. Attendees will experience a 30-minute Admissions Presentation tailored to the transfer student journey (students who have enrolled in college after completing high school) followed by a 90-minute walking tour. The tour will highlight academic spaces, student life areas, and key resources. An optional stop at a residence hall will also be available.
Transfer-specific information sessions are currently offered on most Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
UNC offers bilingual experiences to help you and your family feel at home. Take a Spanish Campus Tour that includes an Admissions Presentation and guided walk through campus. Attend the free ¡Adelante! UNC event in Spanish or English to learn about admissions, explore financial aid, enjoy brunch, and get volleyball tickets. Or meet bilingual staff and students at a Cafecito event for personal support from Admissions, the César Chávez Cultural Center, and the First Generation Near Peer Program.
Be-A-Bear Fridays are designed to provide admitted students a true taste of life as a UNC Bear! During this half-day visit, students will connect with an admission counselor to learn about their next steps, tour campus (including residence halls), enjoy a free lunch, experience a mock class led by a UNC faculty member, and leave with a special admitted student gift.
Registration is limited to approx. 15 students per session. Parents and guests are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Explore UNC’s campus from the comfort of your home or anywhere you happen to be. Take a guided virtual tour, powered by AI, to explore academic buildings, student life spaces, and residence halls, and get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes UNC’s community unique.
Customize Your Campus Visit
Make the most of your campus visit and tour experience by customizing your schedule upon registration. Schedule a time to connect with faculty or staff from across academic colleges and units. Explore your interests and get a closer look at campus life. We are excited to offer a growing number of customizable academic experiences. Current options include:
Choose the College of Natural and Health Sciences experience to attend and NHS Overview Session or meet with a faculty member from the program you’re most interested in (note: nursing students are strongly encouraged to schedule a visit with the school of Nursing.
NHS Overview Sessions are now available Monday thru Friday! Faculty and advising center visits are available only on Mondays and Fridays.
School of Nursing: Attendees will have the opportunity to tour our classrooms, labs, and simulation suites and meet with a professor or program coordinator regarding the BSN nursing program.
- Fall 2025 (August-December 12): Offered on Wednesdays
School of Art & Design
Choose this experience with the School of Art and Design to tour our studios and art-making facilities, meet the Director and get an inside look at our award-winning programs. Visit on a Monday or Thursday to see creativity in action and imagine yourself as part of our community. These tours are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Pick a Date & Start Your Journey
Performing and Visual Arts for Non-Majors
Discover the Performing and Visual Arts as a non-major and see how you can join our vibrant Arts Community. Tour Frasier Hall, explore our professional recording studio and learn about our award-winning programs. These tours are offered on Tuesdays.
Performing Arts Audition Process
Prepare for your School of Music or Theatre Arts and Dance auditions and gain confidence in the process. Learn about in-person and virtual audition options, then tour Frasier Hall to see where your talents could take you. These tours are offered on Thursdays.
Experience the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences by meeting with faculty, learning about our programs, and discovering what makes our community special. Join us on Mondays to take part in this opportunity.
Meet with an advisor at the Monfort College of Business to explore our business degree programs, student support services and professional experiences that help launch successful careers. Plan your visit for Mondays or Thursdays to experience it firsthand.
Meet with a representative from the UNC Honors Program and learn more about our unique University Honors Program, First Year Honors Experience, and Honors Capstone.
- Fall 2025 (August-December 12): Offered on Fridays