An Overview of CCS - Resources/Workshop Presentation
This information is taken from the Welcome to Career and Community Studies presentation shared during the February 2025 workshop. To view or download the PDF version, click here!
Welcome to Career and Community Studies
Here you will find an overview of our key academic courses, work experience opportunities and independent living skills that students develop throughout their two- or four-year journey.
Academics — Cynthia Kenyon
Career and Community Studies (CCS) academic courses focus on the principles of developing professional skills, self-advocacy and self-determination, applying technology, and self-advocacy and disability awareness.
Freshman Year
- Fall Semester
- 1 KSU class
- 5 CCS classes
- Spring Semester
- 1 KSU class
- 6 CCS classes
Sophomore Year
- Fall Semester
- 1 KSU class
- Work Experience
- 4 CCS classes
- Spring Semester
- 1 KSU class
- Work Experience
- 4 CCS classes
Junior and Senior Year
- Focus is on:
- KSU classes in the area of your job interest
- Practicum and internship in the area of your job interest
- CCS classes focusing on work and independent living
Students do no take tests and quizzes. They learn by doing projects! Late work is accepted for half credit up to 7 days after the due date. After week 10, late work is no longer accepted. Students will create organizational strategies throughout their time in the program. They will use self-monitoring strategies (Effort Tickets) and syllabus contracts will include Student Accessibility Services (SAS) accommodations and CCS modifications.
Staff Support
The staff in CCS use a 3-step fade:
- Fade 1: Right next to the student
- Fade 2: Back of the environment
- Fade 3: 15 minute-1 hour check-in every week
Work Experience — Jennifer Miller
Students take CCS career courses to help them narrow career possibilities and learn how to work in different types of environments to help them find a realistic career path. They also work in jobs on- and off-campus to fulfill requirements for the practicum and internships they will take, and that should prepare them for an entry-level, competitively paid job after graduation.
Employment Academic Courses
Freshman Year
- Introduction to Job Exploration (Assessments)
Sophomore Year
- Job Exploration 1 & 2 (Job Path)
Junior Year
- Employment Readiness 1 & 2 (Employment Materials)
Senior Year
- Employment Certifications (Industry Recognized)
- Person-Centered Planning (Portfolio)
Job Path Activities
Fall Semester
- Self-Awareness (SPINs)
- Choice-Making (Pros & Cons)
Spring Semester
- Decision-Making
- Goal-Setting
- Self-Advocacy
Work Experience Courses
4 Year Program
- Sophomore – 9 hours/week
- Junior – 12 hours/week
- Senior – 15+ hours/week
2 Year Program
- First Year – 9 hours/week
- Final Year – 9 hours/week
Work experiences include areas such as early childhood education, library science, sports & recreation, art & graphic design, customer service & retail, hospitality & culinary services, and more!
Independent Living — Danielle Manring
While living on campus, students will learn through Independent Living Courses. Self-Advocacy skills courses include:
- Social Skills
- Human Relationships
- Injury Prevention
- Health Living
- Managing Money I & II
- Independent Living Skills I & II
Course Activities
Food Productions
- Cook recipes alongside hospitality and event management students
- Practice hygiene and kitchen safety
Rec Center
- Create a workout routine and follow a fitness log
- Learn the importance of filling your free time wisely
Dorm Support — Tshebukani Ncube
Support will be provided for CCS students in the evenings and weekends to work on skills such as:
- Independent Living
- Identifying independent living goals, tracking goal progress
- Dorm maintenance, personal hygiene and laundry
- Social Skills
- Participating in events on campus
- Joining and attending clubs/organizations
- Identifying and using student resources on campus
- Time management and scheduling
- Planner, calendar, setting alarms
- Conflict management and communication skills
Freshman Student Orientation Week & Beyond
Students will receive their student ID, learn about using Flashline and (an application used by Kent State for all learning), and learn how to navigate campus using KSU Mobile and GPS.
- Campus Tour
- Locate classrooms for each learner's course
- Locate resources on campus such as:
Weekly activities for freshmen change every week! Meetings are held on Mondays. For sophomores, juniors and seniors, participation in events and activities is by choice. Their goals are to formulate steps that focus on achieving a goal and have check-ins 3 times a semester with staff.