Advocating for the needs and success of individuals with disabilities is critical to advancing student success and equity at MSU. Thanks to the collaborative work of three different partners — MSU’s Services, Training and Research for Independence and Desired Employment, or STRIDE; MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, or RCPD, a unit of University Health and Wellbeing; and Michigan Rehabilitation Services, or MRS — MSU has a new program that offers students with disabilities the opportunity to engage in industry-related jobs. It’s called Building Opportunities for Spartan Success, or BOSS. 

BOSS is a two-part program that involves 10 weeks of employment and 15 weeks of weekly classes. The first part offers students work experience in jobs aligned with their career goals, and the second part supplies them with the tools to develop professional skills while on the job. 

Tanya Adams, RCPD’s vocational rehabilitation counselor and program originator, explains that “BOSS is more than just an accommodation. This program is about recognizing and respecting disability identities in the workplace.

“A common challenge among students is the tough transition when entering the workforce without experience in a job related to their field. This program ensures opportunities for students that participate to learn about themselves, their field of interest and preparation for future goals.”

Photo courtesy of MSU BOSS Program student

To get involved, students learn about the program from an RCPD specialist or word of mouth. From there, the RCPD specialist opens an MRS case and discusses areas of interest with the student. After finding out what a student is interested in and what they want to do within their major, the student is referred to the MSU STRIDE Center. To participate in the BOSS program, students have to enroll in vocational services with Adams, who then refers them for participation in the program.

STRIDE develops campus placements related to the career they want to pursue. As of this semester, six students are currently enrolled in the program. BOSS places students all over campus, and these students currently work at the Eli Broad College of Business, College of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Infrastructure Planning and Facilities and James Madison College.

The STRIDE services manager and BOSS program manager, Aliza Lambert, notes that MSU units have been receptive to the program. 

“After the 10-week program, some supervisors even decide to directly hire the students as employees without the support of the BOSS program.”

Once placed in a job, students also engage in a weekly class where staff members bring up relevant topics related to work experiences. Some topics cover resume writing, interview skills, time management and various soft skills. The classes also serve as a space for students to ask questions and receive peer-to-peer advice on personal work experiences. 

Photos courtesy of MSU BOSS Program student

Isabel Guerra, the BOSS program coordinator and graduate research assistant at STRIDE, notes that “Not every college student can say that they have had a job specific for their major. Once a student finds a job placement that fits their interests, the program helps students build their skills and boost their confidence in obtaining a job.”

The BOSS program is flexible and can accommodate student needs to fit their interests. BOSS staff members and collaborators hope to expand their network and continue to build relationships across campus. The program also hopes to increase its numbers and become widely accessible to students. Although the program is still relatively new, only in its second year, it's proven to be a successful connection for preparing students to seek out their desired careers with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.