For Incoming Students:

During the summer, incoming first-year and transfer students will have the opportunity to opt in to be matched with an advisor.

Established in 1998, the Peer Advising Family Network (PAFN) was created to provide transitional support to incoming first year and transfer students, with a focus on those who identify as Asian, Pacific Islander, or South Asian American.  While rooted in this mission, PAFN is open to all students seeking community, mentorship, and support.

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About

Established in 1998, PAFN is a student-run peer mentoring program sponsored by Multicultural Student Services (MSS). MSS provides oversight and support through dedicated professional staff, who advise student leaders, offer guidance on program development, and ensure alignment with the broader mission of fostering community, mentorship, and student success.

Purpose

• Ease the transition and build community for new students.
• Support academic, social, and emotional growth.
• Serve as a resource for identity development.

PAFN serves as a "bridge" for students, introducing them to UVA's multicultural environment. Mentors share experiences and connect mentees with relevant organizations. Through community-building events, PAFN fosters friendships, social engagement, and academic/professional development.  You’ll often see familiar faces from PAFN at other events, from social gatherings to cultural festivals and career fairs!

Advising

To achieve our mission, we use a unique family system where upperclass students mentor incoming students. Each new student is paired with an individual advisor and placed into a larger “family” of other advisors and advisees led by two family heads. The theme changes annually—this year, it’s Studio Ghibli.

Advisors are 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-year students who serve as mentors and friends, not academic or mental health professionals. They help ease your transition to UVA, offering advice on academics, friendships, and campus life. Even if you’re not best friends with your advisor, having a familiar face on Grounds makes a difference. When you feel at home at UVA, they’ve done their job!

On average, an advisor has 3 advisees. You might share an advisor with others, or you could be their only advisee—either way, you’ll meet new people!

Summer Support

We know incoming advisees are excited to be matched! Matches are released in August, but if you have questions over the summer, you’re welcome to reach out to a summer advisor.  Simply reach out via email or social media to start the conversation! Connecting with a summer advisor does not make them your official advisor unless you request it after speaking with them. Whether you have questions about orientation, class selection, what to bring to Grounds, or just want to chat with someone who shares your hobbies, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Questions?

You can check out our Instagram page (@uvapafn) or email us ([email protected]) to learn more about PAFN.