Marquette Today

Campus News and Events

Please note that campus gatherings are currently limited due to COVID-19. See respective capacities for indoor, outdoor, religious and political events. Submit events for approval at marquette.edu/event-services.

For more coronavirus information and regular updates, visit marquette.edu/coronavirus.

Menu

  • Campus News
    • Top News for Students
    • Top News for Faculty & Staff
    • Magazines at Marquette
    • Campus Alerts
  • Archives
  • Submit news
    • Editorial Guidelines
    • Contacts
  • @MarquetteToday
  • University Calendar
  • Topics
    • Community Engagement
    • Diversity
    • Innovation
    • Master Planning
    • Marquette Momentum
    • Research
    • Strategic Planning
  • April 10, 2021

Marquette to offer specialized resources to students with autism

May 3, 2018

‘On Your Marq’ program to provide support with independent living, organization and friendship skills

Marquette University announced yesterday it would offer students with autism specialized academic help and support with a new program to assist with independent living, organization and friendship skills.

The first eight to 10 students participating in the “On Your Marq” program are expected on campus in fall 2019.

In 2016, it was estimated that one in 45 people have autism spectrum disorders.

“Half of students on the autism spectrum have average to superior IQ but may have social, language and planning or organization challenges,” said Dr. Amy Vaughan Van Hecke, associate professor of psychology. “We want to help these students complete higher education, contribute to society and live fulfilling, independent lives.”

Statistics show that students with autism have an increased time to graduation, higher dropout rates, poor academic progress, increased depression and are bullied at a higher rate. Eighty percent of adults with autism live at home with a parent or guardian and 81 percent are unemployed, Van Hecke said.

The program primarily is supported by a $450,000 gift from John and Kate Miller, an example of how Marquette’s growing culture of philanthropy is making a life-changing difference for students. John is a 1964 graduate from the Helen Way Klingler College of Arts and Sciences.

“This program empowers the educational and campus life experience for autistic students through a variety of resources and expanded understanding among the Marquette community,” the Millers said in a statement. “It positions Marquette as a trailblazer in social responsibility and ensures the university is ready to support the success of all students.”

Marquette Provost Dr. Daniel J. Myers thanked the Millers for the gift that allows an interdisciplinary team to develop the program housed within the university’s Office of Disability Services.

“John and Kate Miller’s generosity will make a Marquette education available to a wider group of talented students,” Myers said. “Marquette is more accessible than ever before and we are better prepared to educate these young scholars in all of our colleges.”

The key coordinators are Van Hecke; Wendy Krueger, clinical associate professor of speech pathology and audiology; Mary Carlson, clinical assistant professor of educational policy and leadership; and Anne Deahl, associate vice provost for academic support programs and retention.

The team will spend the next year developing the program and screening potential participants. Once the students arrive in August 2019, Van Hecke will assess the program and use it as training for graduate and undergraduate students, and to research best practices.

After admission to the program, each “On Your Marq” student will be assigned a point person, a graduate student adviser to support independent living, social skills and academics. Additional peer mentors will help the participants through inclusion in social life and coaching.

Filed Under: For Faculty/Staff, For Students, Home - Featured Story, News

More news

Nominations for Staff Senate begin May 3 

April 9, 2021

Housing fair for on and off-campus apartments is April 14 

April 9, 2021

Where you can get the COVID-19 vaccine near campus

April 9, 2021

Register for ‘Easter: Living the Magis,’ April 30

April 9, 2021

‘Changemakers’ arts and sciences alumni panel is April 15 

April 9, 2021

New ‘Our Roots’ podcast episode out now featuring Kristina Callahan 

April 9, 2021

Registration for April and May GROW classes now open

April 9, 2021

University launches $750 million comprehensive fundraising campaign, ‘Time to Rise: The Marquette Promise to Be The Difference’

April 8, 2021

President Lovell to host in-person office hour, April 14

April 8, 2021

Marquette Theatre to present ‘Antigone,’ April 16-18, April 23-25

April 8, 2021

Campus Ministry programs now accepting applications for fall leadership positions 

April 7, 2021

Women Business Leaders Speaker Series to host Kamilah Williams-Kemp, April 16

April 7, 2021

Admissions seeking tour guides and front desk staff for summer

April 7, 2021

IWL seeking applications for new co-director

April 7, 2021

Beyond MU webinar ‘When Safer-at-Home is Not Actually Safe’ is April 22

April 7, 2021

More news

Quick Links

  • Faculty/Staff News
  • Student News
  • Magazines at Marquette

Featured Stories

Indigenous voices making change on campus

Indigenous voices making change on campus

Andrea García, graduate assistant in the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, speaks with two campus community members who have been instrumental in making Marquette a more inclusive place for Indigenous students.

A culmination of dreams

A culmination of dreams

Attending Marquette as a first-generation student

Boost your happy

Boost your happy

Marquette dentistry professor shares simple, natural ways to boost levels of happiness

Read more featured stories.

Human Resources News

Registration for April and May GROW classes now open

Wellness, mental health and development resources available for faculty and staff

New TED Talk discussion group available to faculty and staff

Research

Virtual Distinguished Scholars Program to recognize faculty for excellence in research, April 13

Inaugural class of ‘Advancing Social Equity Research Grants’ announced 

Faculty and staff grants: January 2021

Awards & Accomplishments

Theology professor chosen as first participant for AJCU fellowship program

Two biological sciences professors named Ecological Society of America fellows

Dr. Noelle Brigden named 2021 Way Klingler Sabbatical Award winner

Marquette UniversityCopyright 2021 by Marquette University
MARQUETTE.EDU // CONTACTS // A TO Z