Volunteer Mentors Needed for New UAF Students!

Submitted by Tim Stickel
Phone: (907) 474-7317
08/15/02

Sometimes attending a university for the first time can be like finding your way through a complex maze. At times to get through that maze, the best source of advice is someone who has been there.

The UAF Connect program will assist new students in their transition to life at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Participants will be offered the opportunity to be matched with an upper-level student, faculty or staff member.* As someone who has been there, these mentors will offer incoming students advice and information on a variety of topics. This person will be a supportive resource, confidant and friend who is personally interested in their student’s well being and will assist them through the complexities of university life.

The goals of the UAF Connect program are:

1. Provide opportunities for a positive and successful first year for participants
2. Increase retention rates of new students
3. Encourage students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for academic success
4. Provide students’ information on campus support services
5. Increase students’ involvement within the university community

UAF Connect will help incoming students:

• Understand the expectations and responsibilities of a student at UAF
• Engage in learning inside and outside the classroom
• Learn and benefit from the experiences of others
• Gain insights that can aid them in making informed choices
• Become aware of campus clubs, activities and opportunities available at the university

Your help is needed for UAF Connect!
Research has shown that the first six weeks are the most important in helping students make a successful transition into college life. For that reason, UAF Connect has been designed to incorporate most student/mentor contacts within the first six weeks of class. If you are willing to serve as a positive source of referral, guidance, and motivation and assist and support students toward achieving academic success, this may be the volunteer opportunity for you!

Volunteer to be a UAF Connect Mentor today!

Please sign up in advance with Tim Stickel at fntps1@uaf.edu.

* UAF Connect is not an academic advising program. Students need to contact their academic advisor for academic planning, degree requirements and course selection.