The Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council (IHEAC) has awarded full accreditation to the CrossingPoints Tier 3 Program at The University of Alabama. This recognition marks a significant milestone, making it the first program of its kind to be accredited in both the Southeastern Conference and the state of Alabama.
A National Recognition for Inclusive Higher Education
CrossingPoints Tier 3 becomes only the fourth inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) program in the nation to receive this accreditation. The program is designed to ensure students with intellectual disabilities have access to the same academic and campus experiences as their peers.
IHEAC board president Stephanie Smith Lee praised the program’s mission and results, calling it “a model for inclusive higher education.” She noted that the program’s impact was evident during the site visit, where students, parents, employers, and campus stakeholders shared meaningful stories and outcomes.
Accreditation Built on Outcomes and Innovation
The IHEAC board highlighted several aspects of the program that contributed to its accreditation. Faculty and students work closely together to achieve learning outcomes, and employment results for students in the program exceed national averages. Each student receives individualized support based on their personal goals in academics, social life, career planning, and independent living. The program also stands out for its use of Universal Design for Learning, which promotes inclusion and accessibility in every aspect of the experience.
Dr. Kagendo Mutua, executive director of the CrossingPoints Tier 3 Program, emphasized the collective effort behind this recognition. She said the accreditation reflects the team’s dedication and the strength of the partnerships built through the Capstone. She described the program community as one that not only values differences but also actively protects and celebrates the diverse strengths students bring to campus.
About the CrossingPoints Tier 3 Program
Established in 2019, the Tier 3 initiative grew from the longstanding CrossingPoints program. Officially known as the CrossingPoints Certificate in Occupational Studies, it is a three-year, non-degree program created for students with intellectual disabilities.
Students enrolled in the program live in university housing, take University of Alabama classes for credit, and participate in employment internships. Many work on campus and join student clubs and organizations. Throughout their time in the program, they receive personalized support to help them reach their goals across academic, social, and independent living areas.
With this new accreditation, CrossingPoints Tier 3 sets a national example for what inclusive higher education can look like—combining access, opportunity, and empowerment.
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