Q&A with Union Edge Program

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

A: All prospective students must be able to sit in a 90-minute class without issue, take care of all personal hygiene matters, be responsible for behaviors, be respectful of Christian beliefs, and read on a 3rd grade level.

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

A: Prospective students may set up tours at any time through the admissions office. The Union EDGE Program participates in two Days at the U events, one in November and one in February.

Q: What does the application process look like?

A: EDGE begins accepting applications on October 1 each fall. Our application may be found at www.uu.edu/EDGE.  This application, along with the admissions’ fee, must be received no later than February 15th in order to be considered for the following fall.  Each student is interviewed as a part of the process and may be asked to return for a Day at the U event.

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

A: Each EDGE student has 5 assigned mentors to help them learn to navigate campus and acclimate to college life. EDGE offers tutoring as needed to our students taking audited classes.

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

A: There are specific events where EDGE mentors are asked to include students to be a part of on a regular basis. Students are welcomed to participate in any event on our campus that traditional students are a part of.

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

A: We are unapologetically a Christian education experience.  Our world view is threaded throughout our campus and residence life.

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

A: Year one students have unpaid internships on campus; year two students have paid internships off campus.

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

A: We have EDGE graduates living independently and working regularly.  We have a 91% employment rate.

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

A: EDGE is a primarily residential experience. Students who live on campus are expected to abide by all Union University rules and policies just as typical students are.  Students are not monitored 24/7.  They have the same responsibilities and ownership of behavior as all other Union University student.