“Being a part of the Freshman Mentor Program is like being a part of a family. By being
part of such an amazing program, one is able to truly bond with others, find similar-
minded peers, experience new opportunities, and find a sense of strength during turbulent
times. This program is simply amazing, and whether you are a mentor or mentee, you are
able to truly benefit and find joy.”
- AY24 mentor
Funds raised for the Freshman Mentor Program during the 2025 Comets Giving Days will provide life-changing travel opportunities for student participants to build their peer mentoring and leadership skills.
In January 2025, a team of Freshman Mentor Program students were able to attend the annual NASPA Strategies Peer Education Conference in Boston, MS, “to be inspired, share ideas, and build exceptional peer education programs promoting strategies in health, safety, and student leadership.”
“Being surrounded by passionate professionals and students who are committed to making a difference in higher education was inspiring. The location and environment was full of energy, and I appreciated the opportunity to represent UTD and learn alongside my TMP and FMP peers. It was not only a chance to grow personally and professionally, but also a reminder of the importance of community and support systems in academic spaces.”
– UT Dallas transfer student conference attendee
The Freshman Mentor Program (FMP) strives to cultivate an environment of student leadership through mentoring that assists freshmen with the transition to college life and fosters a strong sense of belonging through academic engagement, social involvement, and community service.
College presents many challenges, both academically and socially. The Freshman Mentor Program was created to connect incoming students with current UT Dallas students. Mentees who choose to join the Freshman Mentor Program are paired with a student mentor to help ease the transition to UT Dallas, specifically during their first two semesters at the University. Peer mentors at UT Dallas work to support new students in the following three areas: leadership development, academic support and social engagement. In addition to providing personalized support for each mentee, the Freshman Mentor Program hosts service, academic and social events throughout the year to help participants engage with campus and the program more deeply.
Throughout the life of The Freshman Mentor Program, mentees report that their experience strengthened their sense of belonging as a new UT Dallas student. And mentors consistently report that their mentoring opportunity contributed to their sense of legacy at UT Dallas. Mentees and mentors alike historically experience stronger GPA and persistence outcomes than their non-participating peers. These annual trends are markers of the significant impact a program like the Freshman Mentor Program can have in the life of an undergraduate student.
