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UCA outlines Project Ascend low‑sensory living learning community; early participation is small but plans to scale
Summary
Dr. Debbie Daley and Jeremy Gillum described Project Ascend, a living‑learning community at the University of Central Arkansas focused on low‑sensory, opt‑in programming for neurodiverse students; early events drew 3–7 participants and leaders plan targeted outreach and retention metrics.
Dr. Debbie Daley, interim dean of the College of Education at the University of Central Arkansas, described Project Ascend, a living‑learning community launched in fall 2025 to support neurodiverse students through low‑sensory spaces and voluntary, community‑building activities.
"We allow students to receive information and support without any formal disclosure," Daley said, describing the program’s opt‑in interest form and its emphasis on privacy and voluntary participation. She said the initiative is housed in Hughes Hall with a small block of designated rooms intended to offer quieter housing options.
Daley listed early, low‑pressure activities — terracotta pot painting in September and a similar October session — and reported attendance numbers: four students at the August lunch event, seven in September and three returning participants in October. She said the program is in its infancy and leaders will integrate Ascend into admissions and tour programming to raise awareness.
On evaluation, Daley said the program will track quantitative measures such as participation and retention (whether students remain enrolled at UCA) and use participation data to guide continuous improvement. Jeremy Gillum said admissions and orientation teams will embed information about Ascend into campus tours and junior‑class recruitment events to increase visibility.
Legislators suggested partnering with local workforce centers, human development centers and co‑ops to avoid duplication and expand outreach. Daley said she welcomes ideas as the program scales from monthly events to more frequent programming if participation grows.
UCA staff said early recruitment will rely on targeted flyers, email communications to those who opt in and integration with existing transition courses. The presenters asked for help from legislators and state partners to connect families and employers to program resources.
