About Us

What is the TigerLIFE program?

TigerLIFE (Learning Independence, Fostering Employment & Education)

The University of Memphis TigerLIFE Postsecondary Education Program is a 4-semester program culminating in a completion award in Career and Community Studies. Participation in the Tiger LIFE program provides students with an option to continue their education beyond high school to increase employment opportunities. At the heart of TigerLIFE is a person-centered planning model that uses the Systems Approach to Placement. The Postsecondary Education program provides individualized Programs of Study in the areas of academic, social, vocational, and independence for students ages 18-29 with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). TigerLIFE is a federally recognized Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP).

The TigerLIFE program is administered by the University of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID), whose purpose is to assist people with physical and developmental disabilities in finding meaningful Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) and serves as a community rehabilitation provider (CRP) for the mid-south region. Collaborating with Vocational Rehabilitation agencies in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

TigerLIFE program Mission Statement:

The mission of the TigerLIFE program is to use a systematic approach to assess each student’s academic, career, technical, independent living, and social skills in order to help the client create the best plan that matches their aspired goals for transition into employment and living a more meaningful life, from a Person-Centered Perspective.

TigerLIFE program Vision Statement:

As a result of participating in the TigerLIFE program, a student with intellectual and developmental disabilities will attain his/her maximum level of independence, will become more employable, and will increase his/her self-efficacy.

TigerLIFE Program Goals:

Built on guidelines drawn from the Think College national initiative, the goals of TigerLIFE are to support students in their quest for independence through:

Academic / Intellectual Development
Traditional College Experiences
Independent Living Skills
On-campus Internship and Community-based Externship Opportunities
Sustainable Employment

Click to view the TigerLIFE Student Behavioral Guidelines

TigerLIFE Abstract

TIGERLIFE COURSE Content:

TL Skills: Social Learning/Employability
TL Workforce Campus & Community Orientation
TL Functional Literacy for Independence
TL Independent Living for Community/Advocacy
TL Social Intern Intervention & Prevention Skills Training
TL Social Skills for Employability
TL Health Social Skills/Advocacy
TL Workforce Training I
TL Emp/Work-based Learning Intern
TL Ind. Emp. Skills & Advocacy
On-campus Internships and/or community-based Externships (click here to read more about these)
Audit Classes (general University classes where the instructor must give permission for any student to audit)

Click to view the TigerLIFE Courses and Descriptions

TigerLIFE Unit Leaders

Director: Dr. Chrisann Schiro-Geist
Administrator of Career and Transition Programs: Co-Director: Patrick Krolik
Coordinator of Career and Transition Programs: Brandon Porter
Internship Co-ordinator: Jerrica Lindsey