First-Generation Mentoring Program Seeking Volunteer Faculty Mentors

Philip Thomas

Vocal major Dekarius Dawson and French horn professor Timothy Thompson, both first in their family to attend college, discuss music and future plans.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Faculty members: 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 and serve 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, September 15. 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/how to meet you with your mentee and some guiding questions for the first conversation.

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

About the Honors College: The University of Arkansas Honors College was established in 2002 and brings together high-achieving undergraduate students and the university's top professors to share transformative learning experiences. Each year the Honors College awards up to 90 freshman fellowships that provide $80,000 over four years, and more than $1 million in undergraduate research and study abroad grants. The Honors College is nationally recognized for the high caliber of students it admits and graduates. Honors students enjoy small, in-depth classes, and programs are offered in all disciplines, tailored to students' academic interests, with interdisciplinary collaborations encouraged. All Honors College graduates have engaged in mentored research.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.