Auburn University: Auburn’s Tiger Takeoff program showcases leadership, academic offerings to underrepresented high school seniors
Auburn University and the Office of Inclusion and Diversity, or OID, in collaboration with the Division of Enrollment Management, concluded another successful Tiger Takeoff, where underrepresented rising seniors from across the state visited campus to learn more about the university and meet their potential future classmates.
Auburn strives to create a diverse campus community, and while Tiger Takeoff is open to all students, it is especially designed for students from underrepresented backgrounds. This year’s event took place July 14-16 and welcomed students from across the state.
As a land-grant institution, Auburn is committed to investing in Alabama’s students and creating a pipeline of future leaders. Tiger Takeoff, an integral step in that process, shows students how Auburn can assist in their journey and help them reach their personal and professional goals.
This year, rising high school seniors explored Auburn’s academic offerings and campus resources, participated in leadership activities, spent the night in residence halls and networked with faculty, staff and student leaders. Over the extended weekend, students were paired with current Auburn students who served as group leaders to help guide them through their experience.
Tiger Takeoff also clarifies the admissions process as part of the intentional investment to increase awareness of the early deadlines for admissions and scholarships among underrepresented applicants.
“For the upcoming fall semester, students applying to Auburn from the state of Alabama increased by 56% and doubled among students from diverse backgrounds,” said Joffery Gaymon, vice president for Enrollment Management at Auburn. “We are proud to create opportunities to expand access and enroll a robust and diverse freshman class each year to apply to Auburn. Programs like Tiger Takeoff help a wider range of students feel like they truly have a home at Auburn University.”
Students said this experience was rewarding and allowed them to see themselves as possible students at Auburn.
One Tiger Takeoff participant shared, “It was the perfect college visit. Not only did we get to see what being a student at Auburn was like, but everyone we met made sure we knew we were wanted here. Y’all [Auburn] have definitely moved up on my list.”
Family members were invited to learn more about Auburn and enhance their understanding of Auburn’s academic and professional offerings.
“We are always working to deliver on our mission of empowering diversity, increasing access and enriching the learning, living and working environment for all,” said Taffye Benson Clayton, associate provost and vice president for Inclusion and Diversity. “Tiger Takeoff allows prospective students to build meaningful connections with current student leaders within the Cross Cultural Center for Excellence, a sub-unit of the Office of Inclusion and Diversity. Group leaders will stay in communication with students throughout their senior year, providing an opportunity to share all the wonderful resources and support across our institution.”