Presenter: Jamison Murray
Authors: Jamison Murray
Faculty Advisor: Ryan Bailey
Institution: Southern Utah University
Retention is a major indicator of success in student affairs within higher education. Programs and initiatives are developed to help students, especially first-year students, connect with their university and ultimately influence their decision to stay in school and complete their education. A major trend in student affairs is to create opportunities and offices tailored to the students and their individual needs. At Southern Utah University specifically, we have mentors for first-year students, students with diverse backgrounds, and students with disabilities. This study is established to examine if creating multiple areas of mentorship is a benefit or hindrance to first year students. Results from a first-year student body survey indicate the benefits and successes of having peer-mentorship initiatives and programs during the first year of college. Based on results from the survey, suggestions will be made to update practices in the ACES (Assistant Coaches for Excellence and Success) program as well as be the foundation for a best practices manual to be used by future teams of ACES mentors.