Hawk Mentors are a group of highly trained, internationally certified Junior and Senior level students who possess the commitment, skill, and knowledge to offer positive support to first year students regarding the core values of academic success: Engagement, Persistence, Leadership, and Excellence.  

All first year students are assigned a mentor upon entering UMES, who will assist in academic and social support services. Mentors meet first year students where they are to assist in the successful transition to the campus community. This occurs with a number of support systems (1) Peer support during the First Year Experience course, (2) academic skill building seminars/workshops, and (3) group “real-talks”.

PURPOSE AND GOALS 

The role and function of the Hawk Mentor Program is to provide first-year students with a strong supportive network of peers and professional staff to assist in navigating the first year of college through following goals:

• To assist in the cultural transition into the UMES Community
• To assist in the academic and social transition to the university
• To share the experience and understanding of the history, values, goals, practices, and culture of the university
• To act as a continuous source of information and guidance
• To familiarize students with the campus, community services, and resources
• To provide a supportive social network
• To encourage campus involvement and facilitate a sense of belonging.