Q&A with the TigerLIFE Program at the University of Memphis

Q: What skills should prospective students have prior to applying to your program?

A: Students must:

• Demonstrate a third grade reading level (if lower, may be considered for conditional admission)
• Be able to function independently without one-on-one assistance for at least two hours
• Independently maintain personal needs, including managing any required specialized dietary and/or medical needs
• Be able to communicate with others
• Be willing to follow reasonable rules and instructions
• Have sufficient emotional stability to participate in all aspects of TigerLIFE coursework and campus activities
• Demonstrate the desire to attend TigerLIFE and adhere to the TigerLIFE policies regarding attendance and participation in coursework and typical University of Memphis classes

Q: What opportunities do you have for prospective students to visit campus?

A: TigerLIFE hosts information sessions on the UM campus at least twice a year for prospective students, parents, family members, teachers, counselors, other school personnel, or any other interested parties. These information sessions provide an overview of TigerLIFE, expected coursework, financial assistance available, and a campus tour. Attendees have plenty of time to ask questions during these events.

Q: What does the application process look like?

A: There are 2 parts to the application/admissions process: 

• First, applicants must submit their application and additional required documents to determine eligibility.
• Once eligibility is determined, TigerLIFE will schedule an interview with the student.
  

Q: What types of academic and social supports does your program offer?

A: Each TigerLIFE student has a staff advocate who provides individual and group mentorship and accompanies students around campus as needed. The University of Memphis chapter of Best Buddies plans social activities and events for TigerLIFE students. TigerLIFE is beginning to create special interest projects for university students and TigerLIFE students to focus on specialized areas of interest.

Q: How do you ensure your students are actively involved with the greater college community?

A: TigerLIFE students are involved with the greater university community every day as they take classes in regular classroom buildings on campus and eat lunch in the University Center or Tiger Den with other University of Memphis students. TigerLIFE students are involved in campus-based events such as health fairs, career fairs, Earth Day Celebrations, etc. There are special projects TigerLIFE students participate in with university students, such as art projects. Students also can select internship sites that are with campus-based services or businesses, such as the Recreational Center or Campus Food Services. TigerLIFE students may choose to audit a regular university course with the permission of the professor.

Q: How does your program differ from the other Comprehensive Transition Programs in Tennessee?

A: TigerLIFE is one of the largest IHE programs in TN, if not the largest, and has a diverse student population. TigerLIFE focuses on advocacy, independence and employment, so it is more of a vocationally-geared program instead of an academic program. TigerLIFE students are registered University of Memphis students, and TigerLIFE has an alumni club that is recognized by the National Alumni Association.

Q: What types of work experiences or employment opportunities does your program offer (paid and unpaid)?

A: All TigerLIFE students begin internships in their 2^nd semester, and these internships continue through their 3^rd and 4^th semesters. Upon completing the TigerLIFE program, students have had 240 to 300 hours of hands-on work experiences in various industries through their internships. Many students have secured employment at internship sites during their time in TigerLIFE or after they finish the program, and some students have paid internships. Once a student successfully completes TigerLIFE, there is a job placement unit that will work with them to become employed.

Q: What sorts of outcomes have alumni of your program achieved?

A:The TigerLIFE program and alumni have reported the following:

• On average, 72% of students that have completed TigerLIFE find competitive paid employment within 120 days after completing the program.
• 90% of graduates find competitive paid employment within a year of completion.
  

Q: Is there anything else we should know about your program?

A: Students that live in counties surrounding the University of Memphis in Arkansas and Mississippi are also eligible to apply to TigerLIFE.