Connections Student Mentoring Program
Mission
The Connections Student Mentoring Program connects UNF students from underrepresented social identity groups to supportive faculty and staff who help them acclimate socially and welcome them into the Osprey family. The program aims to assist students in the process of making positive choices in their daily lives by providing guidance, support, motivation and advisement towards the fulfillment of their goals.
View a special message from the Connections Program Coordinator:
Danyelle Stokes
Intercultural Center Specialist
danyelle.stokes@unf.edu
she/her/hers
Program RequirementsÂ
- Enrolled as a UNF student (mentee) OR holds a faculty or staff position (mentor)
- Available for at least one-year commitment (Fall, Spring & Summer semesters)
- Very little time commitment
- Monthly mentor/mentee check-ins
- One program staff meeting per month
Why Should Ospreys Join Connections?
- Unlimited academic, professional and personal resources
- Sense of belonging
- Community building
- Guidance and accountability
- Fun events and workshops
- A place for you in the NEST
Application & Pairing Processes
Step 1: Submit your mentor or mentee application.
Step 2: Complete the Connections assessment questionnaire.
Step 3: Attend a Connections Assessment / Orientation Meeting.
Step 4: Be assigned a mentor or mentee.
Step 5: Attend a Connections Introductory Meeting with your assigned mentor/mentee and program staff.
Mentor & Mentee Meeting Opportunities
- Attend Market Day Wednesdays in Osprey Plaza
- Eat lunch in the Café, Food Court or Boathouse
- Conquer an Eco Adventure obstacle course (students are free)
- Attend an Office of Diversity and Inclusion Event
Additional UNF Resources
- UNF Scholarships
- First-Year Advising
- Career Services
- Counseling Center
- Dean of Students
- Military and Veterans Resource Center
- Student Academic Success Services (SASS)
- Student Accessibility Services
- LGBTQ Center
- Victim Advocacy Program
Mentor & Mentee Applications
To apply as either a mentor or mentee, click the following links and fill out the relevant application:
Paper applications are also available at the following location:
Contact Information
Intercultural Center
John A. Delaney Student Union East (Building 58E), Suite 3006
For further information, please contact Danyelle Stokes at (904) 620-4218 or connections@unf.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How often are mentoring pairs supposed to meet?
Each pair is required to meet at least once a month, but each mentoring relationship is different. If you choose to meet multiple times a month, that is completely up to you! -
If my mentor/mentee invites me to breakfast/lunch/dinner/coffee, who pays?
Generally, if your mentor/mentee invites you to breakfast/lunch/dinner/coffee, they incur the costs. You are encouraged to have honest dialogue with your mentor/mentee, so this would be a conversation worth having prior to the outing, if clarification is needed. -
Am I obligated to accept an invitation from my mentor/mentee if they invite me to an off-campus engagement?
No, you are not obligated to accept any on-campus or off-campus engagement invitations you are uncomfortable attending. In the beginning of your mentoring relationship, the program staff suggests conducting in-person interactions on-campus until both individuals are comfortable attending off- campus engagements together. -
Should I address mentoring relationship concerns with the Connections Program staff?
Yes, the program staff is available to address any concerns you may have with your mentoring relationship during your Connections program participation. We strive to ensure that the student mentees’ needs are met and connectivity between the mentoring pairs is a major component.