Program Values
- Learning is for everyone (LIFE)!
- Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities CAN engage in and DO benefit from higher education learning.
- College is a path to self-determination, independence and competitive employment for all students.
- An inclusive college environment benefits the campus and broader community by raising expectations of all learners, improving teaching methods to include Universal Design for Learning, and providing educated and skilled workers to meet the needs of community businesses.
Program Goals
- CREATE a fully inclusive campus community at MSU with high expectations of success for all learners.
- FACILITATE ENGAGEMENT in campus events to encourage social connections and create community belonging.
- PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES to develop independence and self-determination through choices, decision-making, problem solving, and goal setting.
- OFFER ON-CAMPUS HOUSING to enhance the college experience and gain independent living skills.
- PREPARE STUDENTS for meaningful competitive employment upon graduation.
Student Outcomes
- Become lifelong learners.
- Develop self-determination to achieve individual life goals.
- Gain knowledge by auditing classes of interest.
- Expand social networks and develop authentic peer relationships by engaging in campus events.
- Explore careers and gain job skills by engaging in career development enrichment throughout the program.
- Earn the MSU LIFE Scholars Certificate and obtain a competitive, meaningful job upon graduation!
Students audit 1-4 MSU or Gallatin College classes each semester to gain knowledge in their areas of interest or future career path.
LIFE Scholars staff advise students in selecting courses and connect them with appropriate supports, empowering them to actively and meaningfully engage with course content.
Certificate Requirement: Successfully audit a minimum of 20 credits of classes.
Students HAVE FUN and GET INVOLVED on campus with their fellow scholars and peers. LIFE Scholars staff facilitate and support both individual and group participation in campus life.
Students choose what activities and events to attend based on their interests, such as attending a game, having lunch in the SUB, going to the rodeo, dancing at the Hapner Formal, joining a club, or hanging out with their friends.
Certificate Requirement: Attend and document a minimum of 72 social campus events (12 each semester).
Students engage in career development each year to identify a career path and build the skills and experience needed for employment.
Year 1: Students complete interest inventories and job shadowing experiences.
Year 2: Students lead service projects and work part-time on campus.
Year 3: Students participate in fall and spring internships using the Project SEARCH internship model to gain marketable and transferable skills in their chosen career path.
LIFE Scholars graduate prepared to obtain meaningful, community employment.
Certificate Requirement: Complete both fall and spring internships and attend a daily Employability Skills class.
MSU's Commitment
As a land grant university, MSU is committed to widening access to higher education and ensuring equality of opportunity for all; committed to inclusion, social justice, equity, and diversity by creating and sustaining an environment that welcomes, respects and nurtures all students, staff, faculty and community; and believes that a more diverse and inclusive institution will contribute to the highest level of excellence that ultimately benefits all members of the university community in becoming outstanding citizens and leaders in local and global communities.
