SHIELD: Support for Students with ADHD or ADHD-like Experiences
SHIELD (Students Honoring Individual Experiences and Learning Differences) is a two-year, structured program designed to provide graduated support for neurodiverse students with ADHD, ADHD-like experiences, and/or executive functioning skills challenges.
New students joining Niner Nation in the Summer or Fall 2025 have the opportunity to join a two-year cohort that combines seminar-style courses, applied research groups, and peer coaching.
What does the two-year experience look like?
In year 1, SHIELD students participate in a Forty Niner Intensive Transition (FIT) cohort and take a 1 credit class together. The cohort then takes a 2-credit hour seminar in the Fall semester that focuses on how executive function impacts academics and wellness. In the Spring semester, the cohort comes together again in small groups to design and execute a collaborative research project.
In year 2, SHIELD students are matched with a Peer Coach they’ll meet with throughout the year who will provide individualized information and accountability supporting academic and personal goals set by each student.
After the second year, students can choose to continue in coaching or branch off on their own to invest time in other opportunities – like becoming a peer coach themselves.
What do you look for in a SHIELD student?
Interested students must commit to participating in SHIELD for two years. In the first year, students must be available to take a three-course sequence for a total of six credit hours between the mini fall term and spring. In the second year, students are expected to meet regularly with their assigned peer coach throughout the fall and spring.
In addition, students who have these qualities are likely to be successful in SHIELD:
- Academically prepared for Charlotte
- Is an engaged learner
- Is interested in applying the science of learning to their lived experience
- Able to set and wake up to alarms independently
- Able to apply self-regulation strategies in a variety of settings
- Able to accept and apply feedback with support
- Able to receive and respond to communication from faculty and staff in a timely manner
- Is committed to following the SHIELD contract
How does SHIELD approach the topic of ADHD?
Dr. Edward Hallowell writes, “ADHD is a term that describes a way of being in the world. It is neither entirely a disorder nor entirely an asset. It is an array of traits specific to a unique kind of mind.” Our program strives to support students’ unique strengths and abilities as an avenue for thriving with distraction.
Executive Functioning skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, organize, focus our attention, remember instructions, and carry out tasks. These skills are an essential part of success in college. Students in SHIELD will learn strategies to build on their strengths to master the skills necessary to succeed in college while connecting to peers and campus resources that will support them throughout their college journey.
Interested?
The next SHIELD cohort will begin in Fall 2025. Complete the SHIELD interest form to be considered for the Fall 25 cohort.
Questions about SHIELD? Contact Frank Benefield, email: wbenefie@charlotte.edu or phone: 704-687-7842.
Services for Continuing Students
Students who are not eligible to apply for SHIELD such as continuing students and students who are not admitted to the program have a number of other support services available through the UCAE and UNC Charlotte.
Peer Coaching
Peer Coaching with trained Success Guides lead students through at least six structured appointments a semester that focus on developing a specific action plan to tackle their semester goals and practicing the strategies that will help them hit those goals.
Peer Coaching gives priority to students
- With ADHD, other learning differences, and similar experiences.
- Readmitted to the university after a break in enrollment.
- on academic probation, continued probation, or reinstated from suspension.
However, the UCAE welcomes any student interested in signing up for Peer Coaching.
Accountability Groups
Accountability Groups provide structured individual work time for students. They meet weekly for 75 minutes throughout the semester and are facilitated by student leaders. The groups are designed to help you learn and practice productive study habits, connect you with peers, and provide dedicated time to work on individual tasks. There is a drop-in group available specific to students with ADHD and ADHD-like experiences that will meet in the Spring 2025 semester on Mondays at 5:30pm in Colvard North 2200.
Academic Skill Workshops
Workshops cover topics that strengthen students’ academic success. These highly interactive workshops are led by staff virtually and in person. All Workshop topics can be covered in an Academic Consultation.
Course Support Services
Tutoring and Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) help students with course content in historically difficult courses.
Academic Accommodations
Disability Services offers a wide range of academic accommodations that are individualized and based on the student’s documented disability.
Finding Focus: An ADHD Workshop Series
Workshops with rotating weekly topics focusing on reviewing effective strategies related to academics, relations, and personal care.
Disability @ Work Meet-Up Series
Quick 30-45 minute small group sessions focused on specific career and industry topics led by Career Coaches and industry professionals.
Disability Focused Career Coaching
Talk with a Career Coach to discuss how your disability identity intersects with your career journey.
CommunAbility: DI-NC Mentoring Program
Creates an inclusive and productive community by expanding economic opportunity and financial literacy for students with disabilities through meaningful relationships with business mentors.
