For Incoming Students:

Incoming first year and transfer students can opt in to be matched with an advisor through this form.

Established in 1998, the Asian/Pacific Islander/South Asian American Peer Advising Family Network (PAFN) was created to provide transitional support to incoming first year and transfer students who identify as Asian/Pacific Islander/South Asian.

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History

The Peer Advising Family Network was created in 1998 to provide peer mentoring for incoming first year and transfer Asian/Pacific Islander/South Asian American (APISAA) students. It is a student-run mentoring program, sponsored by Multicultural Student Services, and advised by a member of the MSS professional staff.

Purpose

PAFN is intended to be a pan-ethnic, multicultural program that values the diversity of our student body. Our mission is to:

1. Ease the transition for incoming Asian and Asian American students and create a sense of community.
2. Provide support and facilitate academic, social, and emotional growth for incoming students.
3. Serve as a resource and support in developing one’s personal identity beyond their individual backgrounds.

PAFN has been called a “bridging” organization by both members and the general UVA community. Most of the time, we are APISAA students’ first introduction to the cultural environment of UVA. Mentors will share their personal experiences on Grounds, and introduce their mentee to cultural organizations that fit their interests. PAFN focuses on fostering a community and forming connections between members. PAFN’s events help members make friends and socialize while also providing academic and professional development opportunities!

Oftentimes, you’ll recognize people you’ve met in PAFN when you attend other  organizations’ events, ranging from social events, to cultural festivals, to academic/career fairs!

Advising

To meet our mission goals, we set up a distinctive and unique family system, where upperclass students serve as advisors for incoming students. Alongside being matched with an individual advisor, the incoming students are placed into a large “family” of other advisors and advisees to create a tight-knit community, with two advisors serving as family heads. Each year, our family theme changes. This year, it is Studio Ghibli.

Our advisors are current 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students who identify as a part of the APISAA community. While the term “Advisor” sounds formal, they are not in any way associated with academic professors or staff under MSS. Advisors are meant to be a mentor and friend to their advisees - Advisors are NOT a replacement for official UVA staff dedicated to assisting students with academic or mental health related issues. Our Advisors are meant to serve as support in transitioning into UVA and be a recognizable face as you walk through Grounds. They provide advice about university life ranging from academics to friendships to anything else! Your relationship is what you make of it. Even if you don’t end up being the best of friends with your advisor, it’s always better to recognize one face than none! When you feel like you’ve eased into UVA, your advisor has done their job.

Advising over the Summer

During the summer, incoming advisees may be eager to be matched! However, we do not release matches until the August of the incoming school year. If advisees have questions during the summer, they can reach out to a summer advisor.

To get in contact with a summer advisor, please view this powerpoint to see who fits your academic or social needs.  All you need to do is reach out to them via email or social media to start talking! Contacting a Summer Advisor does NOT make them your official advisor, unless it is requested after speaking with the individual. If you’re confused about how orientation works, what classes you need to take, suggestions on what to bring to Grounds, or you just want a friend who has the same hobbies as you, you can reach out and start a conversation! 

Frequently Asked Questions

To learn more about PAFN, please check out this unofficial FAQ document created by the 24-2025 PAFN Executive Board.

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