Project STAR (Student Transition and Retention) is seeking students, faculty and staff to participate in its First to Go mentor program, which begins in October.

The First to Go program promotes diversity, educational opportunity, financial literacy and academic success for first-generation students. By creating a focused sense of academic purpose and trust among students and family members, the program seeks to increase retention and graduation rates of first-generation, first-time-in-college (FTIC) students.

The program will match first-generation students to be matched with a faculty or staff mentor. These mentors will interact with students to address questions and concerns regarding academic, career, financial and personal issues by providing feedback or referring them to appropriate resources. A faculty-staff advisory committee collaborated with Project STAR to plan and launch the program.

The first mixer will be offered twice with the goal of accommodating the schedules of as many students as possible:

• Thursday, Oct. 22, 1-2 p.m., in N1099
• Wednesday, Oct. 28, 1-2 p.m., in N1099

At the mixers, mentors and mentees will get acquainted over a light lunch and plan future opportunities to discuss career and professional development guidance. Faculty, staff and first-generation students are invited to RSVP:

• Faculty and staff should log in to GatorSync, complete the First to Go mentor registration form and RSVP for the event they plan to attend.
• First-generation students should log in to Gator Sync and RSVP for either the Oct. 22 or Oct. 28 First to Go Mixer.

First to Go offers faculty and staff two levels of involvement:

• Level 1 supporters will display a First to Go sticker on their office door or window. First to Go stickers displayed across our campus will remind first-generation students that they are not alone. The stickers will create a welcoming and supportive environment that will allow students to feel confident in continuing their education. Faculty and staff who wish to participate as Level 1 supporters can visit the STAR Program in S403 to receive a First to Go sticker to display.
• Level 2 supporters will volunteer to serve as a mentor for one or two first-generation FTIC students. Mentors will meet with students throughout their first two semesters on campus and attend monthly First to Go Mixers with first-generation students.

Project STAR is led by Katrina Borders, program director. The Title V grant-funded program provides first-year students with opportunities to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to succeed and return to UHD for a second year.