Dec. 10, 2007

T.I.G.E.R! Talk is one of four components of our character education program entitled, Be a T.I.G.E.R! and supplements the newspaper, assembly programs and personal appearances, as well as our annual field day in the spring.

T.I.G.E.R! Talk was developed as an on line mentoring program in partnership with Clemson's Eugene Moore School of Education. It works like this:

1. Using the Digital Express System, Clemson will be provided with an extra port for our on line discussions.

2. Prompts have been developed by former swimmer, Jessica Scott, who was also an elementary education major. These prompts are designed to teach the character education program and guide the athletes as mentors.

3. Athletes volunteer through our Solid Orange Squad and are paired with 4th and 5th grade elementary students.

4. A teacher or computer assistant is assigned to read the student's responses and will verify before sending to the student athlete. Clemson also has assigned people who verify the athletes' responses. Conversations take place one time per week throughout the semester.

5. Initially, a presentation is given to the elementary students to review the overall program. At that time, athletes' bios are given to the students to get them acquainted with who they will be talking to.

6. At the end of the program in the spring, athletes go to the school to visit their assigned student. They also give them a personal invitation to attend our field day. Athletes are encouraged to make more than one personal appearance if possible.