LiFE Learning inspired by
FedEx
2018-19 ANNUAL REPORT
FedEx Express LiFE IMPLEMENTATION MILESTONES | 2018
FEB. 26 | First meeting at UofM
AUG. 9 | LiFE program launches in Memphis Hub
SEPT. 26 | Indianapolis Hub Launch
OCT. 2 | Oakland Hub Launch
OCT. 17 | Newark Hub Launch
NOV. 8 | Los Angeles Hub Launch
In late February 2018, a small group of representatives from the University of Memphis and FedEx Express first met to discuss the prospect of developing a game-changing educational program attractive to FedEx hub employees. Less than nine months later, an ambitious program was launched and called Learning inspired by FedEx (LiFE) powered by UofM Global, the online arm of the University of Memphis. To enhance participation among Express employees, LiFE included the following solutions: • Fully online access. In order to promote access among employees at multiple FedEx hub locations, the Bachelor of Professional Studies with a concentration in Organizational Leadership through the College of Professional & Liberal was made available online. From inquiry to the fulfillment of degree requirements, all services are available virtually, eliminating barriers associated with time and distance and enhancing scalability. • LiFE coaching staff. A robust system of student advocates, academic advisors, course facilitators and tutors was built to support prospective and continuing LiFE students. •L iFE Prep Academy. The Prep Academy was specifically developed for LiFE students who need to build their academic, personal and professional competencies in order to earn formal admission into UofM Global. • Financial stewardship. To reduce the financial burden of college attendance, a deferred, direct billing system was set up between the University and FedEx. Likewise, the LiFE coaching staff works diligently with each student to explore and manage cost-reduction strategies such as federal, state and institutional financial aid, as well as experiential learning credit (ELC), often available to FedEx employees for internal corporate training. This report highlights additional LiFE program achievements to date.
I attended the UofM in fall of 1993, and I wasn’t really serious about college at the time. I started working at FedEx in 1995, and I then put college on the back burner and put working first. I later transferred to Southwest and completed my associate’s degree in 2007. I wanted to complete my bachelor’s degree but didn’t have the money at the time. Once I found out about the LiFE program and how I didn’t have to pay anything up front it made it easier for me to complete my degree. I really appreciated the support given by Leanne Bennett she made my transition back into college very easy and helped me with any questions or concerns that I had.
-Jeff Newson, BPS ʼ19
LiFE COACHES LiFE Coaching In anticipation of demand for this novel educational attainment opportunity a dedicated LiFE team was assembled to support the 6,143 inquiries and 267 degree program matriculants to date. Coaching Staff Andrea Bishop is the assigned coach for all High School Equivalency (HSE) students. She currently has 247 students on her caseload. In addition to supporting students pursing the HSE, she also established and maintains a relationship with five HSE partners located in each of the eligible cities. Olivia New is assigned to any LiFE student who indicates they have a high school diploma only, or have earned between 1-30 college credits. These students are automatically routed to the Prep Academy. She has 1,570 students on her caseload. Yolanda Mathews handles inquiries from LiFE students who have earned between 30-59 college credits, or have earned their associates degree. There are currently 693 students on her caseload. Angela Robinson interacts with any LiFE student who has earned more than 60 credits or is pursuing their second bachelor’s degree. She has 581 students assigned to her. Leanne Bennett carries a smaller caseload of 312 students made up of those who have earned 90 or more credit hours. In addition to her contributions with this group, she also manages the financial management portion of the LiFE student experience.
Before beginning the Prep Academy, I was slightly hesitant about how well my capabilities would stand and prosper at the collegiate level. My doubts stemmed mostly from me not attending any educational platform for over the past decade. I guess I thought that maybe I just didn’t have what it takes, or that it’s been too long. Nonetheless, that all changed when I submitted my very first Prep Academy writing assignment, and shortly after, received my first A. -David, Completed Prep March ʼ19
PREP ACADEMY STATS/FACILITATORS LiFE Prep Academy The self-paced, three-module LiFE Prep Academy, comprised of content from four existing undergraduate courses, enables students to demonstrate mastery in 77 unique competencies within: •A cademic Success •C areer Planning and Development •P ersonal and Career Success
314
FEDEX EXPRESS EMPLOYEES REMAIN ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN THE PREP ACADEMY ON THEIR WAY TO BECOMING A MEMPHIS TIGER
6 MONTHS
AVERAGE COMPLETION TIME (RANGE: 54-386 DAYS)
The Prep Academy Team Barrett Schwarz, Prep Academy Facilitator
Andrea Bishop, Instructor and Writing Specialist
GRADUATES FROM EACH HUB:
21
MEMPHIS
2
INDIANAPOLIS
2
OAKLAND
3
NEWARK
4
LIFE STUDENTS HAVE FULFILLED THE HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY
64%
OF THOSE WHO COMPLETED THE PREP ACADEMY SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITIONED TO COURSEWORK
My experience in the LiFE program was really incredible. I thought it was going to be really hard to manage work, family and school, but the program made it where you can work at your own pace. You can work at home, and it was a really easy experience for me. I went to school back in the 80s and 90s and never finished. I became set in my career and had two children in college and was really never going to finish if it weren’t for LiFE. If a guy like me in my 50s at the end of his career can get his degree, anyone can do it. In addition, my training at FedEx allowed me to earn an academic year’s worth of ELC credits. My mom passed away in 2013 and I promised her a long time ago that I would finish my degree. I always felt that void that I never completed it. When the LiFE program came about it was a no-brainer for me to get involved. After I graduated, I stopped by the cemetery and placed a laminated copy of my degree on her grave and told her ‘I did it.’ -Joe Kelly, Operations Manager-Memphis Hub, BPS ‘19
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CREDIT The University of Memphis takes great pride in awarding students experiential learning credit (ELC) for college-level learning occurring outside the classroom. LiFE student ELC awards, primarily drawn from their FedEx training transcript, include:
94
LIFE STUDENTS AWARDED ELC
824
TOTAL CREDITS AWARDED
10
AVERAGE CREDIT HOURS AWARDED (3+ CLASSES)
The following FedEx training courses have been awarded lower division course credit (often used for electives): Government Regulations, Logistics, Ramp Operations, Ground Operations, Workplace Safety and Hazardous Materials Handling. The following FedEx training courses have been awarded upper division course credit (often used towards major requirements for the degree): Leadership, Quality Driven Management, Logistics Management, Operations Management, Corporate Security, Employee Development, Operational Behavior, Global Trade, Hazardous Material Management and Environmental Health & Safety. A sample ELC award and corresponding credit: Leadership & Supervision Logistics Operations Workplace Safety Ground Security Corporate Security Hazardous Materials Handling Global Shipping Regulations Human Resources and Employee Relations Total
3 3 3 3 6 3 6 3 30
Since going back to school, I feel like I am filling a void in my life. I have been so focused on my kids, ensuring they are afforded opportunities, that I have neglected some of my goals. The LiFE Program has made this a possibility and with me being so close to graduating, I will be kicking my school into overdrive this year. I have a few friends in corporate who are literally wanting to know my progress so I can apply for jobs. Many of the jobs require at least a bachelors. These opportunities seemed out of reach before I began the program. I am so excited that once I graduate with a bachelors that I will be focused on starting my masters. -Timothy “TJ� Grannan, Memphis
LiFE CREDITS LiFE Credit Accumulation As a result, 267 LiFE students have earned 2,430 credits eligible to be applied toward a degree program. Additionally: • 28 Express employees completed the Prep Academy, earned expedited admission into the University of Memphis and 336 credits towards their degree. • 94 students were awarded 824 experiential learning credits. • 10 LiFE students have graduated.
Danesha Winfrey is the academic advisor for juniors and seniors pursuing their degree in Organizational Leadership.
I don’t think I would have completed my degree if it weren’t for the LiFE program because I couldn’t necessarily pay for it myself, and due to the demand of going to school full time and working odd hours. Earning my degree was so important to me because I was the first in my family to go directly to college after high school.
-Asjanae Kimble, BPS ‘19
FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP In addition to the generous tuition allowance provided by FedEx, other sources contributed to lowering the cost of matriculation. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is required for all LiFE students prior to admission, which allowed many students to be eligible for federal and state aid. Students who met the requirements for Experiential Learning Credit (ELC) benefited from the lower cost per credit hours. • 86 matriculated LiFE students have qualified for $174,354.25 of financial assistance • ELC savings to FedEx Express: $290,000 Results • The average cost to FedEx per credit hour for a matriculated LiFE student: $255 •T he average expenditure per LiFE student: $2,330
LiFE PROMOTION Efforts to actively promote LiFE within the Hubs include: •B randing efforts in each hub, including but not limited to: • Floor decals in entrances
•T able and floor decals in break rooms
• Pop-up banners
• Hanging banners
•G iveaway items including shirts, sunglasses and cups •R epresentative in Memphis New Hire Orientation •H ub visits with LiFE coaches and FedEx leadership •P articipation in Family Days in Indianapolis and Memphis and Spring Fling in Memphis •M ousepads and branding in designated computer labs •P rinted literature •P ush cards for recruiters
LiFE IN THE NEWS Top Headlines Free tuition program going gangbusters at FedEx hub The Daily Memphian – Sept. 20, 2018 UofM and FedEx expand tuition-free degree to Indy workers Memphis Business Journal – Sept. 26, 2018 The beginning of LiFE: Why FedEx and the U of M started an innovative education program Memphis Business Journal – Oct. 23, 2018 From Dream to LiFE: How the University of Memphis Forged a Learning Partnership with FedEx The EvoLLLution – Jan. 14, 2019 FedEx leveraging UofM program to recruit employees Memphis Business Journal – Sept. 9, 2019 Second LiFE UofM Magazine, Spring 2019 Technology as the Missing Link: The Industry-University Partnership EdTech Digest, Oct. 17, 2019 Boosting Retention at FedEx Inside Higher Ed, Nov. 21, 2019 Giving employees a new lease on LiFE: A Chief Learning Officer Case Study by D2L Desire2Learn, Fall 2019 A Nationally Recognized Program •O n Dec. 3, 2019, the LiFE Prep Academy was selected to receive the “Best in Track” award at the Online Learning Consortium Innovate 2020 conference. •O n Feb. 26, 2019, LiFE was recognized by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III. The program was awarded the Grand Award in the category of Diversity Program. •O n June 13, 2019, LiFE was named a top 10 finalist for the global CASE Platinum Award in the Diversity Program category.