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SASS Elevate: Coming Fall 2026

Customized Academic Support | Structured Study | Targeted Skill Enhancement | Family Engagement Elevate: Fee-Based Services to Enhance Support

Elevate, our fee-based program premiering in fall 2026, goes above and beyond standard accommodations to provide additional support for students with documented disabilities. 

From Tier 1 to Tier 3, Elevate grows with you. This all-inclusive program is designed around the academic journey our students experience: from needing more support in their first year of college to developing greater independence as sophomores, juniors, and seniors.   

Elevate Your Academic Experience

Explore the benefits of three tiers that match your class year.

Tier 1 — For first-year and transfer students

Limited to 40 spots for first-year and transfer students.

  • Pre-semester meeting to support a strong start
  • Weekly private meetings with assigned academic counselor: 2 hours/week
  • Weekly meetings with SASS graduate assistant: up to 1 hour/week
  • Skill Sets: Select two
  • Annual parent/guardian update: maximum 1 hour 
  • Priority course registration
  • Special parent activities
  • SASS transition support during Orientation
  • Priority registration for Wellness Extended Support Program (WESP) in Wellness Center
  • Priority Step Ahead registration (25 spots available for Elevate students)
  • Early move-in to residence halls
  • Sensory-friendly clubs and organizations fair
  • Mid-term family check-in by email
  • Access to applicable SASS accommodations
  • Use of SASS Office assistive technology (8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and extended evening hours)
  • Available support from SASS mental health counselor
  • Unlimited appointments in the Writing Center
  • Enhanced individual tutoring in the STEM Center
  • SASS Resources Guide

Interested in opportunities beyond Tier 1? Add on:

Tier 2 — Best for: Sophomores

  • Weekly private meetings with assigned academic counselor: 1 hour/week
  • Weekly meetings with SASS graduate assistant: up to 1 hour/week
  • Skill Sets: Select one 
  • Annual parent/guardian update: maximum 30 minutes 
  • Priority course registration 
  • Special parent activities 
  • Access to applicable SASS accommodations 
  • Sensory-friendly clubs and organizations fair 
  • Use of SASS Office assistive technology (8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and extended evening hours) 
  • Available support from SASS mental health counselor 
  • Unlimited appointments in the Writing Center 
  • Enhanced individual tutoring in the STEM Center 
  • SASS Resources Guide  

Interested in opportunities beyond Tier 2? Add on:  

Tier 3 — Best for: Juniors, Seniors

  • Weekly private meetings with assigned academic counselor: 1 hour/week
  • Weekly meetings with SASS graduate assistant: up to 1 hour/week
  • Skill Sets: add on for an additional fee 
  • Annual parent/guardian update: maximum 30 minutes 
  • Priority course registration 
  • Special parent activities 
  • Access to applicable SASS accommodations 
  • Use of SASS Office assistive technology (8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and extended evening hours) 
  • Available support from SASS mental health counselor 
  • Unlimited appointments in the Writing Center 
  • Enhanced individual tutoring in the STEM Center  
  • SASS Resources Guide  

Interested in opportunities beyond Tier 3? Add on:  

Graduate assistant working with student.

Level Up Your Skills Elevate Skill Sets

Elevate Skill Sets help you level up your skills and thrive in three key areas for success in school and in life.

  • Elevate Connections: Social and Communication Skills
  • Elevate Studies: Enhanced Academic Support Skills
  • Elevate Habits: Executive Functioning Skills
Learn more about the Elevate Skill Sets

Apply to Elevate: What You Need to Know 

After you have submitted your application to McDaniel and received notification of acceptance, you can begin the process of registering for accommodations at McDaniel and applying to Elevate and other fee-based programs. Elevate provides comprehensive support, so spaces are limited. 

 

Important Dates:

  • Jan. 16: Elevate application opens 
  • March 1: Elevate application due 
  • March 1 - April 15: Interviews scheduled 
  • May 1: Deposit deadline for students enrolling at McDaniel 

 

What do I need to provide on the application? 

A complete Elevate application includes:  

  • Elevate application form (to be completed by the student)
  • Documentation of Disability (current and comprehensive)  
  • Read detailed information about documentation requirements.
  • Professional Support Overview Form   
    • This form must be submitted by a provider currently working directly with the applicant. The Professional Support Overview Form includes a thorough assessment of the student’s academic, behavioral, and social performance. Appropriate providers may include a special educator, learning specialist, executive functioning coach, therapist, medical provider, or another professional who routinely interacts with the student.
    • Note: Any letters of recommendation submitted with your application for admission to McDaniel College will not meet this requirement.
  • Written Statement (no more than 250 words, to be completed by the student)  
    • All applicants are asked to respond to the following prompt: “Please describe how you believe Elevate will help you be successful at McDaniel.”  

Once your complete application is received, you will be contacted to schedule your interview with SASS.   

What is Elevate?

Elevate is a fee-based program offering tiered support for students with documented disabilities.

Does Elevate replace basic accommodations?

No, Elevate and other fee-based programs do not affect the accommodations that you are approved to receive from SASS. The program is in addition to your accommodations, providing services like weekly academic counseling and other benefits.

What are the different tiers of Elevate?

Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 offer varying levels of support based on student needs and academic year. 

What is included in Tier 1 of Elevate?

Tier 1 includes weekly meetings with counselors, Skill Sets, and priority registration for WESP and Step Ahead. 

How do I apply for Elevate?

Because there are limited spaces available in Elevate, submit the Elevate application form, documentation of disability, Professional Support Overview Form, and a written statement before the deadline. You will then also complete an intake interview process.

Are transfer students eligible for Tier 1?

Yes, Tier 1 is available to first-year and transfer students. 

What are the deadlines for Elevate applications?

Applications open Jan. 16 and are due March 1. Interviews are scheduled March 1–April 15. 

Do I need to apply for Elevate every semester that I would like services?

You only need to apply to Elevate once. Once you are accepted and participate in one tier, you have priority access to advance to the next tier. 

How do I choose a tier?

Tiers 1, 2, and 3 of Elevate are designed to align with your class year. Tier 1 is the best match for incoming first-year students and transfer students with up to 32 credits, Tier 2 is tailored for sophomores, and Tier 3 is ideal for juniors and seniors. If you are not sure which level of service would be the best fit, you may want to discuss it with SASS staff at your intake appointment.

Is Elevate free?

No, each tier of Elevate requires a fee. Costs are posted before the start of each semester.

Are there scholarships or grants available for Elevate?

There are a limited number of scholarships available for Elevate.

Can transfer students participate in Elevate?

Yes, transfer students can participate in Elevate. Their tier level will be determined based on their credits.

Can students switch tiers during their time at McDaniel?

Elevate is designed for students to move from Tier 1 to Tier 3 as they progress through their college journey. 

Is Elevate available during summer or January Term?

Elevate is limited to the spring and fall semesters. However, SASS offers summer and January Term academic counseling for any registered students for a separate fee. 

Are Elevate services available to students not registered with SASS?

Elevate is exclusive to students registered with SASS. 

What happens if a student doesn’t get accepted into Tier 1?

If a student is not accepted for Tier 1, they will still have access to applicable accommodations and be able to participate and benefit from SASS services. They will also have opportunities to register for Step Ahead, Skills Sets, and SASS Worldwide. They can also re-apply for other Elevate Tiers.

Can I join Elevate mid-semester?

We highly encourage students to apply in advance of a semester, because spaces are limited. Access after a semester has begun may be determined on a case-by-case basis and by availability. 

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Westminster, MD, 21157
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