First-Generation Mentoring Programs Is Seeking Volunteer Faculty Mentors

Russell Cothren

In a photo taken prior to the pandemic, vocal major Dekarius Dawson and French horn professor Timothy Thompson, both first in their family to attend college, discuss music and future plans

Faculty: Were you the first in your family to attend a four-year university? Now you can help current first-generation students navigate college life! Almost 25 percent of the undergraduate population at the U of A identifies as first-generation, and many of these students could benefit from the mentorship of someone who has not only lived the struggle, but learned to thrive in an academic environment.

The Honors College is again sponsoring a First-Generation Mentoring Program for all freshman and sophomore students, both honors and non-honors. The program is currently seeking caring faculty from all colleges to join Chancellor Joe Steinmetz in serving as new mentors to first-generation students.

In this program, the mentor does not replace the role of the academic adviser. Instead, through at least two meetings a semester, the mentor can help students learn more about a variety of topics, including:

• Navigating the university in general
• Becoming more involved on campus
• Planning a career path
• Exploring study abroad opportunities
• Becoming an honors student, if interested
• Finding an honors research mentor
• Balancing family/school/work
• Learning more about community engagement

Because of the nature of this type of mentoring, it is possible that a faculty member, if willing, will be paired with a student outside of their discipline or college.

Signing up is easy. Just complete the First-Generation Faculty Mentor Form no later than Friday, Sept. 25. This form can also be accessed at the First-Generation Mentoring Program web page. Faculty and students will be informed of their matches by email. 

The Honors College will provide recommendations on when and how to meet you with your mentee and some guiding questions for the first conversation.

For more information contact Xochitl Delgado Solorzano (xdelgad@uark.edu), director of the Honors College Path Program.