Mentors sought for first-gen mentorship program

June 9, 2020

University Relations

Faculty and staff who were the first in their family to earn a bachelor's degree are invited to become mentors to first-generation undergraduate students in the First-Gen Forward Mentorship Program, a collaboration between Student Support Services and the Nanook Diversity and Action Center.

Aug. 18, 2020, is the deadlines for the fall semester cohort, but mentor applications are accepted throughout the year.

The First-Gen Forward Mentorship Program will connect first-gen students with first-gen faculty or staff who can help students navigate college. Through sharing experiences and knowledge, mentors and mentees are encouraged to build lasting relationships. SSS and NDAC will offer a series of formal mentorship opportunities and mentors and mentees are encouraged to meet up outside of these activities as well. Mentors can expect a total time commitment of two to four hours per month.

Visit the First-Gen AK webpage for more information and to apply to become a mentor.

UAF has been recognized by NASPA and the Center for First-generation Student Success as a First-Gen Forward institution. UAF received the First-Gen Forward designation in recognition of the institution’s demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes for first-generation college students — students who are the first in their family to earn a bachelor’s degree. UAF is the only university in Alaska to achieve this honor and joins an elite group of just 157 universities nationwide to earn the First-Gen Forward designation.

For more information, email Ronnie Houchin at rshouchin@alaska.edu.