Bisons Excelling and Succeeding Together (BEST)
Bisons Excelling and Succeeding Together (BEST)
Bisons Excelling and Succeeding Together (BEST) is a program for degree-seeking students with disabilities who need additional supports to succeed in college and achieve their career goals. BEST uses individualized intervention to increase students’ academic, social, organizational, and independent living skills. Email us at bestprogram [at] lipscomb.edu (bestprogram[at]lipscomb[dot]edu) with any questions.
Academic support focuses on helping students develop the skills necessary to manage college coursework. Support may include:
- Weekly check-ins with BEST staff
- Communication with Professors
- Campus Academic Resources
- Peer Mentor Homework Sessions
- Weekly Study Hall
Social engagement is a key part of thriving at college. BEST social support is largely provided through peer mentors who are vetted, hired, and trained by BEST staff. BEST will also host specific social events such as:
- Bi-Weekly peer mentor-led dinners
- Karaoke nights
- Sporting event meet ups
- Meet the Peers event
Organizational skills are essential for success in college. BEST staff work with students to create strategies that support academic success Examples of organizational supports:
- Creating weekly schedules
- Managing deadlines and assignments
- Breaking down assignments or larger tasks
- Organizing course materials
- Managing email and online course platforms
- Prioritizing assignments and activities
College provides an important opportunity for students to develop independence. BEST staff can help students develop strategies to support their independent living. Examples of independent living supports:
- Establishing daily routines
- Creating visual reminders for the residence hall
- Managing sleep and self-care
- Navigating roommate conflict
- Navigating campus services
- Scheduling appointments
- Coordinating transportation to and from campus
Please note that BEST staff does not distribute medication to students.
Given that the BEST Program is for degree-seeking students, students interested in joining the BEST Program must first be accepted to Lipscomb University. You may apply for the BEST program while your application is being considered for Lipscomb admission. However, admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the BEST program.
Please provide the following information when applying to the BEST Program:
- BEST Program Application
- Copies of official disability documentation, i.e., Psychoeducational testing and IEP/504/Accommodation Plan
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Written Responses to two statements provided on the application
After you complete the full application, BEST staff will review the information and contact you to schedule an in-person interview.
Summer Experience allows incoming BEST students to spend a week on campus before classes begin in the fall. During this time, students have the opportunity to stay on campus, participate in mock classes, learn about different resources on Lipscomb’s campus, and get to know others who are in the BEST Program. Generally, this is held the first week of June and is included in the BEST program fee.
BEST asks the family to provide Psychoeducational testing and a copy of the student's most recent IEP/504 Plan/Accommodation Plan.
Yes, your student can transfer from another school and still apply to be a part of the BEST Program.
The BEST Program is an additional $5,000 per semester which will be applied to the student account.
Tennessee residents may open a case with Vocational Rehabilitation to receive funding towards the BEST Program fee. For more information about Vocational Rehabilitation, click here.
The BEST program does not provide accommodations. Students will have an intake meeting with a staff member from the ACCESS Office to discuss their accommodations.
BEST students can live in residence halls, have a roommate, or apply for housing accommodations just like any other college student.
Students can decide how long they want to stay in the BEST Program. Students can stay for the entirety of their college experience or they can choose if they just want to be in it for the first few years as they transition into college.
Yes, all accepted students are expected to participate in the BEST Summer Experience.
No, BEST staff do not administer medications. All college students should be independent with medications.
Typically, the BEST Program accepts 8-12 students per year.
We begin our application process a year in advance. However, we maintain a list of prospective parents and are happy to add you to the list for updates. Email us at bestprogram [at] Lipscomb.edu.
Social Supports
Social engagement is a key part of thriving at college. BEST social support is largely provided through peer mentors who are vetted, hired, and trained by BEST staff. BEST will also host specific social events such as: