The Traverse
Post-Secondary Support for Our Students
The Traverse Post-Secondary Transition Program (The Traverse) is a Rundle-developed program that supports our students as they transition into their first year of post-secondary education.
As demonstrated in academic research, students with a learning disability (LD) with or without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be successful in transitioning into post-secondary education learning environments if they have the following skills and attributes: self-determination, learning strategies, familiarity, and use of accommodations.
Rundle Academy focuses on the development of these skills; however, based on the research literature and feedback from our alumni, these skills may require further development in their new learning environment.
Most post-secondary institutions have student accessibility services; however, the support is not individualized for the holistic needs of a first-year student. The Traverse aims to seamlessly bridge the gap between high school and post-secondary studies for our non-traditional students and bring them closer to academic autonomy while maintaining their confidence.
Program Details
A Traverse Coach will be assigned to each student who will work alongside them throughout the entire year to create continuity and a sense of trust through this period of transition. The Traverse Coach and the post-secondary student will meet weekly via Zoom conference call or in-person meetings.
The program is tailored specifically to a student’s individual requirements; however, also adheres to a curriculum to ensure the program objectives are covered.
University Program Planning and Goal Setting
- Support with program requirements
- Term 1 & 2 course registration
- Academic goal setting
- Career objectives
University Orientation
- Connecting with available supports and accessibility services
- Creating social connections and developing a community
- Getting to know professors
- Connecting with other alumni
Strategy Development and Support
- Executive functioning (time management, organization)
- Self-advocacy
- Study strategies
- Note-taking strategies
Academic Support
- Paper editing
- Citation support
Student Well-Being
- Self-care
- Mental health support
- Confidence
- Feeling connected to a post-secondary campus and the community
- Establishing healthy routines
Future Planning
- Resume development
- Summer employment
- Volunteer opportunities
Program Elements
The cost of The Traverse program for all participants includes the following:
- Parent and student planning meeting in the spring
- Basecamp Meetings include:
- Goal setting
- A meeting at the beginning of each term to lay the foundation for the next four months
- 1:1 one-hour coaching sessions approximately 15 meetings per semester
- Focus on the program objectives
- Biweekly updates are provided to parents
- Culminating final report provided in May
Payments
Total cost is $4,600 and includes:
- $100 Application Fee
- $500 Initial Deposit in May
- $2,000 September Payment
- $2,000 February Payment
Funding Opportunities
You may qualify for 100% funding for The Traverse program through a federal/provincial grant for post-secondary students with permanent disabilities.
- Canadian Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities | $4,000
- Canadian Student Grant for Services and Equipment | $2,000 — $20,000
- Reimbursement of 75% of costs for learning assessments
This program knows where you came from, knows your strengths, and weaknesses. It helped make [the experience at university] way better and helped me have greater confidence, be less overwhelmed and stressed-out all the time, and more positive.
The guidance with organizing [my son’s] schedule, support with study strategies, and regular coaching meetings have provided an invaluable start to his university journey.
Have Questions?
We are here to help answer any questions you may have. Please email the Traverse Coordinator at jordan@rundle.ab.ca for more information.