EIU STEP

• Inquiries and Visits: We welcome inquiries and visits year-round. Some families visit during the student's junior year of high school, while others attend in the fall of their senior year. Being on campus helps students visualize and imagine what college might be like. Asking questions and hearing about university life is invaluable as students and families explore and prepare for post-high school (or post-community college) educational opportunities. 
• Virtual or In-Person: Visits may be done virtually or in person and typically last about an hour. Informational Visits allow families to learn as much as possible about STEP, ask questions in detail, and share insights about their student's needs. It also provides us with an opportunity to share our philosophy and how we provide supports.
• Considering a Campus Tour? Coordinate that with a visit to STEP  
  • Arrange your Campus Tour through the EIU Admissions office
  • Schedule a visit with STEP by calling 217-581-6361 OR emailing step@eiu.edu
• Location: See this campus map with STEP located in Klehm Hall 

• APPLICATION TO STEP for Fall '25 is open now through January 31, 2025
• Fall Start: STEP admits new students in the Fall term of the academic year.
• Apply to EIU and also to STEP: Admission to the University is separate from admission to STEP. Students should apply to EIU through the Admissions office, and then coordinate their visit and apply to STEP through the STEP office.
• Informational Visits: are a required part of our application and admissions process. Please schedule your visit as soon as practical for your family and student. We welcome in-person campus visits and zoom conversations to share information about STEP and to learn about your student. 
• Application Deadlines: Application materials are due to STEP by no later than January 31 
• Application Interview: Upon review of application materials, we may also schedule an informal interview with the student. Family are encouraged and welcome to be present for this conversation, which can be scheduled virtually or in person. 
• Admissions Decisions: Early decisions may be made by December 15. However, review of applications is ongoing til the end of January, with final admission decisions made no later than mid-February. 
• Extended Application/Admissions: In the event we encounter unexpected openings (e.g. a student may demonstrate significant progress in the Spring, and it becomes apparent they will no longer need STEP in the Fall), we may re-open applications in mid-late March, although we cannot guarantee openings. Stay tuned for updates. 

1. Schedule an Informational Visit (step@eiu.edu, 217-581-6361)
2. Provide the following documentation
   1. Documentation/evidence of a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (medical or educational diagnoses are acceptable)
   2. Recent (within the last 3 years) neuropsychological evaluation (typically conducted by a clinical or neuropsychologist and would often include standardized assessments of cognitive processes such as attention, memory, reasoning, learning, verbal and perceptual skills, executive functions, and/or mood or adjustment)
   3. Copy of the most recent IEP or 504 Plan from high school and/or college (Click here to upload IEPs, 504s, and/or evaluations)
   4. Complete the STEP Application
   5. Complete the Parent/Guardian Questionnaire
   6. Complete the Student Questionnaire
3. You may also Email documents to: step@eiu.edu OR Mail to EIU, 600 Lincoln Ave., Charleston, IL 61920, ATTN: STEP Klehm 1311

Admission Decisions

• Due to limited space in the program we are unable to offer a spot to all that apply. Visit and apply early!
• A holistic evaluation of a student's goodness of fit within the STEP program plays a primary role in the decision process.
• We strive to keep students and parents informed of our progress as we review and determine admission opportunities.
• Once decisions have been made students and parents will be notified by email.
• If admitted to STEP students and parents indicate their intent and commitment to enroll and participate in STEP by completing and returning the STEP Agreement form and the STEP Release form