Our Mission:
Rock Life is a Slippery Rock University (SRU) four-year college-based program that provides an inclusive college experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 18-26 as defined by the AAIDD (American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities). Rock Life focuses on four pillars of success:1) academic enrichment, 2) career exploration, 3) health and wellness, and 4) social engagement. Rock Life is committed to providing a robust college experience that prepares students for employment, living independence, self-advocacy, and a balanced adult life.
Rock Life incorporates a combination of person-centered approaches that includes program specific coursework; auditing of selected SRU courses based on student interest; clubs and social organizations; on-campus housing; on-campus vocational opportunities; faculty advising; and peer coach support. Rock Life students who complete the four-year program will receive a certificate of completion issued by SRU.
Rock life is committed to supporting the vision of SRU: “Slippery Rock University will excel as a caring community of lifelong learners connecting with the world.”
*Rock Life students taking coursework for credit must meet all the individual degree requirements.
Additional Information:
Housing/Commuting Options:
On Campus:
Rock Life students are given the option to live in Watson Hall in the Rock Life Living Learning Community (LLC). These LLC’s are designed for students of a similar interest to live on the floor together. Watson Hall has the Rock Life LLC, Education LLC and Honors LLC all living in the same building. LLC's are popular housing options at Slippery Rock and are shown to increase retention rate for the students.
Commuters:
Rock Life students are eligible to commute to campus and receive the same amount of support an on-campus student would receive in terms of college coaching. Commuters are still expected to work on skills in all four of the Rock Life pillars.
Rock Life Fees:
Rock Life fees are being updated and will be announced to families during the application process. Fees are not expected to change drastically, these are the current fees for the program and an estimation on tuition based off number of credits taken. You may view our SRU tuition and fees page here.
Please note, all Rock Life students are charged a Rock Life program fee, SRU tuition/fees, Room and Board. Program fees and tuition costs may vary for each student depending on commuter status and number of credits audited.
Estimated Tuition |
Estimated Fees |
Rock Life Fee |
Room |
Dining Plan |
Totals |
$322.00 per credit (1932.00 for 6 credits) |
$691.38 for 6 credits |
$3,000 per semester for on-campus student and $2,000 per semester for commuter students |
$4073.00 for 4 single suites, per semester |
$1696.00 per semester |
$11,392.38 per semester |
Interested in Applying?
Our application for fall 2023 is now closed and on a waiting list. If you are still interested in touring or would like to setup a meeting via zoom please email rocklife@sru.edu.
The application is listed below and still able to be accessed.
Please note, our application is a PDF and needs to be turned in via USPS mail or emailed to rocklife@sru.edu. Please apply here.
Rock Life Application Dates |
Dates |
Application released |
Fall 2022 (Sept./Oct.) |
Due date for applications |
January 15, 2023 |
Interview dates |
January-February, 2023 |
Date to notify of acceptance |
March 1, 2023 |
Contact Info:
Dr. Natalie E. Burick
724.738.4810
natalie.burick@sru.edu
Zachery Brown
724.738.4739
zachery.brown@sru.edu
For general Rock Life inquiries, please email rocklife@sru.edu