FRESH (Focusing Resources to Enhance Students in Higher Education) is a mentoring program that matches freshmen students with upperclassmen to assist with their acclimation to college life.  The purpose of the program is to personalize the university experience, promote students' self-confidence, help students take advantage of campus resources, while encouraging personal, academic, and professional growth, and increasing cultural awareness.

• Students will become aware of available services at The University of Memphis
• Students will establish and participate in a network among minority students
• Students will improve their study habits, time management skills, and interpersonal skills
• Students will meet upperclassmen that have demonstrated academic success
• Students will become more culturally aware
  
  

Mentee Criteria

•    Must have a High School GPA of 2.9-3.5
•    Must have an ACT score of 16-19
•    Must be currently enrolled full-time
•    Must have a desire to want to succeed
  

Available Services

• Peer Mentoring
• Writing Lab
• Cultural Trips/Activities
• College Success Workshops
• Students will become more culturally aware
  

How Do I Become A Mentee?

Perspective freshmen should complete an application online prior to orientation.  Provided there is still room in the program, students will also have the opportunity to sign up during orientation.  The Program Director and Coordinator will review your application and pair you with a mentor according to your  interests, majors, high school activities and home town.  Mentors will contact mentees during July and August; introduce themselves and welcome you to the University.

How Do I Become  A Mentor

If you meet the requirements listed below and are willing to accept the following mentor responsibilities, simply complete an application, and you will be paired with a mentee and begin making a difference in a new student’s transition from high school to the University.

Mentor Requirements

• 2.5 cumulative GPA
• Current student at the University of Memphis
• Desire to make a difference in someone’s life
  

Mentor Responsibilities

• Attend required training session
• Make weekly contact with mentee via e-mail,   phone call, personal visit, or attend scheduled events
• Provide a report of my experience as a mentor at the end of the Fall Semester
• Attend scheduled mentor and mentee planned functions sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs
• Attend the Minority Awareness Mixer at the beginning of the Fall Semester
• Serve as a resource for mentee
• Be receptive to all forms of correspondence from mentee
• Call to introduce yourself to mentee and congratulate him/her on acceptance to the University of Memphis
• Report any concerns you have about mentee to the advisors
• Schedule mentee’s Transitional Update Meeting during the fall semester (both mentee and mentor must be in attendance)