UMW’s ‘Soft Landings’ Smooths College Transition for Neurodivergent Students

Nicole Martin couldn’t wait to begin her college experience at the University of Mary Washington. Yet, as an incoming first-year student, she felt overwhelmed by the thought of a packed schedule of activities, unfamiliar faces and new situations.

“Thankfully, I learned about ‘Soft Landings,’ which provided support that I didn’t even know I needed,” Martin said of UMW’s new pre-arrival program that helps students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) acclimate to Mary Washington. “It’s made a huge difference in how I’m adjusting to college life.”

Martin is one of 11 students enrolled this fall in the first cohort of “Soft Landings,” which provides activities and campus tours, as well as personal introductions to key staff members, to help ease the transition to UMW before other students arrive on campus. The program also helps neurodivergent students hone critical skills for college success, such as learning how to solve problems and adapt to new situations, practicing self-care, preparing for academic courses, socializing and learning to self-advocate.

“UMW has a sizeable population of students with ASD, in part because of our emphasis on small class sizes and individualized attention,” said Assistant Dean of Students Chris “CJ” Porter, who oversees the program. More than 100 current students have disclosed an ASD diagnosis, with 85 seeking accommodations, said Director of Disability Resources Alex Ecklund. Read more.