Living the Dream University FAQ
Welcome to the Living the Dream University FAQ page. Here, you will find answers to common questions about our nonprofit institution providing postsecondary education, vocational training, and independent living skills for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
About the University
Q: What is Living the Dream University?
A: Living the Dream University (LDU) is a nonprofit private university in Tennessee dedicated to providing higher education and life-skills training for adults with special needs. Our goal is to create a supportive, inclusive environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and professionally.
Q: Who founded Living the Dream University?
A: LDU was founded by Blake Newsom, a worldwide author, scholar, and advocate for individuals with diverse abilities. The Board of Directors is made up of professionals including PhD candidates, social workers, medical professionals, BCBAs, and peer recovery specialists.
Q: Where is LDU located?
A: LDU is based in Tennessee. Our future campus will include dormitories, classrooms, recreational facilities, and community spaces designed to support students’ academic and personal growth.
Q: Will students live on campus?
A: Yes. The future campus will include dormitories, classrooms, gym, theater, shop class, basketball courts, and shuttles , all designed in a rustic-industrial, modern style.
Admissions & Programs
Q: Who can apply to LDU?
A: Adults with special needs or unique learning differences who wish to pursue higher education, vocational training, and independent living skills are encouraged to apply.
Q: What kinds of programs are offered?
A: LDU offers academic courses, life-skills training, job readiness programs, arts, athletics, and community engagement opportunities. Courses are designed with multiple learning levels so each student has a pathway tailored to their abilities and goals.
Campus Life
Q: Will students live on campus?
A: Yes. The LDU campus will feature dormitories, a theater, shop classes, gym, basketball courts, and shuttle services — all within a rustic-industrial, modern design.
Q: How does LDU support students outside of academics?
A: Students benefit from residential living programs, peer mentoring, counseling, and recreational activities. We emphasize social inclusion, independence, and overall well-being.
Costs & Financial Aid
Q: How much does it cost to attend LDU?
A: Tuition and housing costs vary depending on program and support services. Scholarships, fundraising, and state programs (such as Tennessee Promise) help reduce costs for families.
Q: Does LDU accept Tennessee Promise students?
A: Yes, we host Tennessee Promise students for internships, volunteer opportunities, and mentoring roles that benefit both LDU students and the broader community.
Why We Use A .org Website
Q: What are the eligibility requirements for a .edu domain?
A: To register or renew a .edu domain (for applications approved on or after October 29, 2001), an institution must:
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Be a U.S.-based postsecondary institution (located, licensed, chartered, or incorporated in the United States or its territories).
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Hold full institutional accreditation from an accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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Be a freestanding institution accredited as a whole (not just individual programs, departments, or branch campuses).
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Hold complete and final accreditation; preliminary, candidacy, or provisional accreditation does not qualify.
If any of these criteria are not met, the institution is not eligible for a .edu domain.
Q: Why doesn’t LTDU wait until accreditation to launch its website and email?
Using a .org domain allows LTDU to operate transparently and legally while:
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Building academic programs
- Developing faculty and governance structures
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Working toward full institutional accreditation
A .org domain is commonly used by nonprofit educational institutions in development, advocacy organizations, and mission-driven entities.
Careers at LDU
Q: What kind of staff does LDU hire?
A: We hire instructors, residential living staff, behavioral health specialists, admissions counselors, fundraising professionals, and more. Many positions require only a bachelor’s degree and a passion for supporting diverse learners.
Q: Is LDU an equal opportunity employer?
A: Yes. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and provide disclosures regarding veteran status and disabilities to ensure inclusivity in our hiring process.
Job Applicants & Staff FAQs
Q: What kinds of jobs are available at LDU?
A: Positions include instructors, residential life staff, behavioral health specialists, admissions counselors, fundraising professionals, HR associates, and more. Specialty instructors (such as art, photography, and music) are also hired.
Q: What are the qualifications?
A: Many teaching positions require only a master’s degree and a passion for inclusive education. Leadership and clinical positions may require advanced degrees.
Q: What is the average salary?
A: All positions start at $65,000 annually. Salaries for each role vary based on position and experience.
Q: Is LDU an equal opportunity employer?
A: Yes. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds. We provide veteran and disability disclosures to ensure inclusivity and compliance with employment laws.
Q: Does staff receive training?
A: Absolutely. Ongoing professional development ensures staff members are well-prepared to support students academically, socially, and behaviorally.
Donors & Community Partners FAQs
Q: How can I support Living the Dream University?
A: You can support through financial donations, sponsoring student scholarships, contributing resources, or volunteering your time.
Q: Is my donation tax-deductible?
A: Yes. As a nonprofit organization, all donations to LDU are tax-deductible.
Q: How do local businesses get involved?
A: Businesses can partner with LDU by providing internships, job placements, or program sponsorships that directly benefit students.
Q: Can donors visit the campus?
A: Yes. Donors and community partners are welcome to tour our facilities and see the impact of their contributions.
Support & Involvement
Q: How can families stay involved?
A: Families are encouraged to participate in events, join advisory groups, and engage in regular progress meetings with faculty and staff.
Q: How can I donate or support LDU?
A: Donations of funds, resources, and volunteer time are greatly appreciated. Visit our website’s “Support Us” section to learn more.
Why We Use A .org Website
Q: Why does Living the Dream University (LTDU) use a .org website instead of a .edu?
A: Living the Dream University currently uses a .org domain because .edu domain names are restricted by federal policy and are only available to institutions that meet very specific eligibility requirements set by EDUCAUSE under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce. At this stage of our institutional development, LTDU does not yet meet all of those requirements.
Q: Why do some institutions have .edu domains even if they don’t seem accredited?
A: Some institutions retain "grandfathered" .edu domains because they registered them before October 29, 2001, when eligibility rules were less restrictive. These institutions are allowed to keep their .edu domains as long as they renew them and follow domain policies.
Because of this grandfathering policy, the presence of a .edu domain does not automatically indicate current eligibility under today’s standards.