1. College of Education & Human Development
  2. Academics
  3. UL LIFE

UL LIFE

UL LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) is a certificate program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at UL Lafayette.

UL LIFE is a highly individualized, post-secondary comprehensive transition program (CTP) recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. By combining four pillars — academic growth, career development, community involvement, and independent living — in a college environment, UL LIFE students gain the skills and experiences to become contributing members of their communities.

Program Options

  • Basic Program (2 years): Functional academics, independent living, career development, social and leisure skills, and health and wellness in a public university setting, with the goal of producing self-sufficient young adults.
  • Advanced Program (4 years): By invitation after a successful first year in the Basic Program, for students who can navigate campus independently, sustain employment, and socially integrate. Builds greater independence in career development, community involvement, and academic growth.

Students who complete either program earn a Certificate of Accomplishment from the College of Education & Human Development and are recognized at the college's commencement ceremony alongside degree candidates.

The Four Pillars

LIFE students are full-time university students who audit 12–15 hours (four to five classes) each semester. Every student takes UNIV 100 with other first-year students, audits at least one university course each semester in an area tied to their career goals, and takes two LIFE courses taught by UL LIFE staff.

  • Basic Program courses (Years 1–2): Functional Academic Writing, Career Readiness, Personal Finance, Independent Living, Reading for a Purpose, Successful Employment, Time & Schedule Management, Communication Skills
  • Advanced Program courses (Years 3–4): Money Management, Career Writing, Using Media for a Purpose, Social Skills Development, Self-Advocacy, Appropriate Job Etiquette, Vocational Readiness

Students also attend LIFE sessions on wellness, including weekly organization and planning, an exercise class, relationship education, and a disability advocacy speech group for first- and second-year students.

Students build skills through on- and off-campus volunteer work, then begin an on-campus internship in their second year. Internship placements match each student's interests, courses, and work experience, and LIFE internship mentors help with accommodations, communication, and scheduling. Basic Program students work toward 4–6 hours per week; Advanced Program students work toward 8–15 hours per week as mentor support fades.

Students take part in both campus and Lafayette community life and attend a required number of events.

The UL LIFE Skills Lab — with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and workstations — lets students practice the independent living skills taught in LIFE courses.

UL LIFE Details

LIFE students can live on campus alongside their college peers, rooming with fellow LIFE students in suite-style rooms in Baker Hall at the same cost as all UL Lafayette students. All residential students purchase a meal plan.

  • Students from outside the local area are required to live on campus their first year; local students may move on campus at the start of any school year.
  • All residential students must complete an overnight orientation the summer before their first year on campus.
  • Advanced Program students who show mastery of independent living in the residence halls may be invited to live in on-campus apartments at The Heritage.
  • UL LIFE staff, LIFE Residential Mentors, and Housing Residential Assistants are on call for residential student emergencies.

Residential students follow both the UL LIFE Residential Handbook and the Office of Housing and Residential Life Handbook.

UL LIFE students pay the same tuition and fees as all UL Lafayette students, based on the hours they audit each semester (at least 12). As a Comprehensive Transition Program, UL LIFE is eligible for limited federal financial assistance, including Pell Grants — learn more at Federal Student Aid.

Students may also apply for outside scholarships from the Down Syndrome Association of Acadiana, Ruby's Rainbow, Upside Downs, and Think College.

Applicants must:

  • Be between 18 and 26 at admission (25 or younger when applying)
  • Have completed a high school program with a diploma or certificate, or be completing one this academic year
  • Read at a minimum first-grade level
  • Have a diagnosed intellectual disability that interferes with academic performance
  • Have the emotional and independent stability to take part in all aspects of UL LIFE
  • Be able to sit through 90-minute classes and be comfortable around large groups
  • Accept responsibility for their actions and show respect for themselves and others
  • Have no history of disruptive or aggressive behavior (UL LIFE does not have the staff to manage behavioral issues)
  • Independently manage their own medication, special diet, medical needs, and basic hygiene
  • Be self-motivated and follow attendance and participation policies
  • Use technology, such as a cell phone or laptop, with little to no support

Admission decisions are based on a review of records and an interview.

  1. Attend a Preview Day. UL LIFE typically hosts a summer virtual info session and two in-person Preview Days each fall. Preview Day is strongly encouraged, and UL LIFE does not offer tours outside these dates.
  2. Submit your application. Complete the 2027–2028 UL LIFE Program Application and Applicant Recommendation Form. All materials are due December 4, 2026.
  3. Interview. Applicants who meet requirements are invited to interview. An interview is required for admission but does not guarantee it.

Fall 2026 Preview Day: November 21, 2026 — register for Preview Day

Contact & Support

Questions? Email lifeprogram@louisiana.edu.

Want to help? Give to the UL LIFE Program.