Student Affairs Mentoring Programs
What are mentoring programs like at NAU?
NAU offers mentoring programs catering to a wide variety of students. Each mentoring program provides a guide who offers support and reflection during a time of personal growth and transition. Topics can focus on classroom engagement, campus resources, or community involvement. Mentoring also encourages behaviors that support academic success, self-discovery and personal development. These programs help students gain skills that provide a foundation for success while building supportive relationships with peers and staff.
Who it’s for: Peer Academic Coaching is for students who want to develop and refine study skills and improve academic performance.
About the program: Peer Academic Coaches work with students to develop the study strategies and transitional support necessary to succeed in and beyond the classroom. Through targeted, one-on-one sessions, these coaches help students improve academic performance, connect with resources, and create a plan for success.”
Who it’s for: First-generation college students who meet certain requirements.
About the program: First Scholars aims to dramatically increase the graduation rate of students who will be the first in their families to earn a four-year degree. The program offers an annual scholarship, one-on-one progressive mentoring, and personal development and enrichment through workshops and service learning opportunities over the course of four years.
Who it’s for: Students who identify as part of an underrepresented student population.
About the program: ID Scholars provide a supportive environment and experience for the personal and academic progress of students. The program uses individualized services to facilitate holistic student development through academic, emotional, intellectual, and social growth.
Who it’s for: NAU students studying at our statewide campuses and/or students looking to join NAU through the UNAD (universal admissions) process.
About the program: Jacks State is a peer mentoring program designed to assist students with their transition to NAU wherever they are, helping them feel connected to the NAU community. Peer mentors, who are statewide students themselves, provide individualized support, encouragement, access to resources, and accountability.
Who it’s for: Office of Indigenous Student Success (OISS) Mentors are for first-year, transfer, online students who identify as Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian.
About the program: Office of Indigenous Student Success (OISS) Indige-Peer Mentors (IPMs) are for first-year, transfer, online students who identify as Indigenous including Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and First Nations. OISS IPMs outreach to new incoming Indigenous students to provide strategies for success, learn about campus resources, acclimating to campus life, and making new friends.
Who it’s for: First-year students.
About the program: Peer Jacks assists students in making connections and building community through one-on-one mentoring and on- and off-campus events. The program provides educational and social opportunities that lead to academic success. Participating in the program enhances students’ first year experience, sense of belonging and transition to the university.
Who it’s for: All freshmen students choosing to live on campus.
About the program: Our mission is to provide a residential experience for all incoming freshmen students that connects them to their academic college. We assist students in their transition to the university by connecting them to Residential College Ambassadors (upper division peers) and faculty and provide resources for the exploration of their academic program of study.
Who it’s for: Students who are first-generation, low income or foster students, or those with a documented disability.
About the program: SSS offers mentoring, coaching and connections to first-year and other eligible students. Freshmen receive mentoring from juniors and seniors and join a small support network of peers. The programs adapt to help sophomores, juniors and seniors get the individual mentoring and coaching they need.
Successful Transition and Academic Readiness (STAR) Program
Who it’s for: Arizona residents who identify as First-generation or Pell-eligible.
About the program: STAR is a residential summer bridge program where students live on campus while taking two classes for college credit, build peer connections through social activities, develop stronger academic skills through increased support, and learn how to be a successful college student.
Who it’s for: Students transferring to the Flagstaff Mountain campus.
About the program: Transferring from another school can be challenging, and students often face academic, social, and personal adjustments as they transition. Through mentoring and events, students have the opportunity to get involved, connect with others, access campus resources, and thrive at NAU.
Who it’s for: Students who identify as veterans, transitioning from military life to NAU.
About the program: The “VET” Mentoring Program provides a welcoming and supportive environment at Northern Arizona University. The VSC connects incoming veterans with a peer point of contact for information, support, and help transitioning from the military to the college setting.