EIU STEP

• We welcome inquiries year round and encourage campus visits as early as a year prior to the student anticipating attending college.
• 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 educational opportunities.
• Families are required to schedule an Informational Visit. These 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.
• Please consider scheduling your visit to STEP in conjunction with your visit to Campus. 
  • Coordinate your Campus Tour through the EIU Admissions office
  • Schedule a visit with STEP by calling 217-581-6361 OR emailing step@eiu.edu 
• See this campus map with STEP located in Klehm Hall 

• APPLICATION TO STEP for Fall '25 is open now through January 31, 2025. Please inquire and schedule an Informational Visit in conjunction with your Application.  
• Fall Start: STEP admits new students to begin Fall term of the academic year. Students interested in STEP must also concurrently apply to the University, as admission decisions for STEP are separate from University admissions. 
• Informational Visits are an essential part of our application and admissions process. Please schedule your visit as soon as practical for your family and student. We welcome campus visits and zoom conversations to share information about STEP and to learn about your student. 
• Application Deadline: Please submit application materials to STEP by January 31 for early admissions review and determinations. 
• Application Interview: Once we have reviewed a completed application file we may also schedule an informal application 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 mid-November-early December. Review of applications and admission decisions are ongoing til the end of January.  Final determinations are made no later than mid-February. 
• Extended Application/Admissions: We may encounter unexpected openings as late as March, depending on how the Spring term concludes (e.g., some students may no longer need STEP services for the coming Fall). If that is the case we may extend our Application process through 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!
• Admission decisions may be made as early as mid-November but review and determinations are ongoing til January 31. 
• 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