Join PAFN

For Incoming Students:

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

2024-2025 Executive Board Applications Are Open

You can apply for a position on PAFN's executive board here. Applications close on February 16th at 11:59 PM.

If you have any questions, please email Nehali Patel, MSS Program Coordinator, at [email protected].

Peer Mentoring Goals

  • Provide support and introduce new students to resources and services to help them adjust academically and socially to UVA.
  • Guide students through their acclimation to UVA and their personal identity and cultural journey
  • Provide personal and professional enrichment opportunities for students
  • Build sense of community, connection, and belonging.

Mentor Qualifications

  • Rising 2nd, 3rd, 4th year
  • Good academic and judicial standing with the University
  • Good interpersonal, communication and listening skills
  • Ability to empathize and provide academic and personal support to an incoming student
  • Desire and interest in helping new students adjust and feel welcomed to the University
  • Commitment to investing the time necessary to be an effective mentor

Mentor Commitment & Expectations

  • Attend and actively participate in spring and fall training activities. 
  • Attend (monthly) in-service / mentor development sessions coordinated by Multicultural Student Services ***Subject to change***.
  • Meet one-on-one with assigned mentees to discuss academic and social adjustment at the university, concerns, and successes as well as provide updates and beneficial information.  Assist mentees with planning academic and personal goals. Specifically, mentors will:
    • Meet with mentee(s) twice per month in September and October AND email check-in each week through mid-October; Meet with mentee(s) once per month November - May
    • Attend (monthly) academic success programs with your mentee(s) – coordinated by Multicultural Student Services – approximately three (3) per semester. 
  • Attend the requisite number of socials and programs that are coordinated by the mentoring exec team. Attendance at group events is also required; the executive board for your program will communicate specific expectations regarding group events.
  • Complete monthly contact forms to provide updates to the mentoring exec team regarding your assigned mentee group’s progress.
  • Disseminate all pertinent information and announcements from Multicultural Student Services.  Assist in the advertising and dissemination of information for various programs sponsored by Multicultural Student Services.
  • Participate in an end-of-year assessment

Specific Mentor Expectations & Time Commitment

PAFN

There are 3 types of events:

Mandatory events, Small events, and Meet-ups

  • Mandatory events (Welcome Back, Scavenger Hunt, Thanksgiving) are required
  • 2 meet-ups in Sept & Oct, and 1 meet-up in Nov, Dec (6 meet-ups total)
  • 1 small event is mandatory per semester
  • Bring your advisees to at least 1 Academic Success Seminar (hosted by MSS) each month (totaling 3-4 seminars each semester)

Makeups for events:

  • 1 small event + additional ‘meet-up’ with advisees OR 2 small events can make up a mandatory event
  • Apple picking is not mandatory, but can replace a mandatory event
  • Make-ups are due at the end of the month

*If you consistently keep missing events and not meeting requirements, you will have to meet with Exec members*

Attendance at group events is also required; the executive board for your program will communicate specific expectations regarding group events