Programs & Services

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Academic Immersion

The Academic Immersion Program is designed to assist students with the transition to college, with a particular emphasis on the academic adjustments a student must continually make between high school and his or her first two years in college. The Academic Immersion program has two components. The first is a four-week summer program during which selected students complete two core course - one visual and performing arts (AH 13) and a natural science (BI 76), earning six credits during the summer.

The second aspect of the program focuses on student success and retention. Students that participate in the summer component of Academic Immersion continue to be involved with the two sponsoring offices through a variety of academic and social programming. During the school year, Academic Immersion is open to any student that is either referred to the program or expresses a personal interest in joining. Through one-on-one meetings with program staff and workshops, students are able to continually develop their knowledge and skills base during their first two years of college.

For more information please contact Yolehema Felican in the Office of Student Diversity and Multicultural Programs.

Cura Personalis Mentoring Program

The purpose of the Cura Personalis Mentoring Program is designed to provide incoming first-year students from underrepresented populations an opportunity to become acclimated and succeed at the University. Students receive mentoring and learn about personal and academic resources via two mentors: a faculty/staff mentor and a peer mentor.

Students who participate in early intervention programs are found to have a greater knowledge of university resources. This helps to increase their satisfaction with the university, expand their academic and personal networks, and to increase retention rates. Mentoring enhances confidence, encouragement, psychosocial support, and provides an opportunity for diverse perspectives and experiences.

Benefits Mentoring Offers

For the Mentee

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For the Mentee

Raise expectations and future goals Having a mentor means you have personal access to someone with greater knowledge and experience to turn to. A mentor will help you explore a vision for your future and uncover your purpose. With support students may grow to their maximum potential and reach goals that would initially have seemed out of reach.

Develop greater confidence Mentoring builds confidence. As a entree, you’ll develop your self-confidence. You’ll know your own value and be able to articulate it in order to serve as an advocate both for yourself and ultimately for others.  

Learn skills to overcome obstacles and challenges As a entree, your mentor will help you develop grit. Grit is the passion and perseverance to pursue long term goals, especially in the face of obstacles and challenges. You’ll learn valuable skills to succeed in the struggle to overcome adversity and be stronger for it!

Be a part of a vibrant, supportive community – As a entree, you’ll be a part of a community of emerging leaders who know the value of support and collaboration. You’ll be inspired and encouraged by students, faculty, and staff who’ve been right where you are and have succeeded.

For the Mentor

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For the Mentor

Expand your skills - You'll learn skills that will make you a better manager and leader while improving your judgement and decision-making abilities. As a Peer Mentor, you'll encounter different situations that call for compassion, resourcefulness, and good listening skills.

Meet new people - It's not just new students building friendships, you'll meet other mentors through various events, workshops, and activities.

Improve your career profile - People who are seen as mentors are granted higher credibility and are seen as higher performers.

You'll make a difference - Real growth and development doesn't just come from information, it's from relationships. Positive relationships have the ability and power to unleash untapped potential. When you can share with your entree that "this is possible, and this is possible for YOU," you can open up entirely new paths in their life.

Overview

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Overview

The Cura Personalis Mentoring Program is designed to provide first-year students an opportunity to become acclimated to life at college and build a foundation for success during their years at Fairfield University. These students are paired with a faculty/staff mentor and a peer mentor.

Through regular one-on-one and group meetings, students receive valuable information and useful knowledge regarding the many available campus resources.

Some of these resources include:

Career Center, Campus Ministry, Student Engagement, and Residence Life. Several topics including time management, wellness, spirituality, leadership, character and personal growth, and development are covered during the year.

Programs and Services

Safe Space Program

The Fairfield Safe Space Program creates a network of campus-based allies to support and confirm the dignity and self worth of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer students and allies. Fairfield University is committed to providing safe spaces where individuals can engage in discussion, education, advocacy, and awareness about LGBTQ issues. These spaces are free from discrimination, ignorance, bigotry, and harassment, and provide a safe and accepting environment for all.

For a list of workshop dates, please contact the Office of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at (203) 254-4000 ext. 2806 or send an e-mail.

Ally Network

The Ally Network serves as a campus-wide resource to students who are in need of support. Upon completion of the training workshop, allies receive a Safe Space placard distinguishing them as part of the network. This placard is a symbol that the person will be understanding, supportive, and trustworthy if a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer student needs help, advice, or just someone with whom they can talk.

The person displaying the symbol is also a person who can give anyone accurate information about sexual orientation issues.

Veteran Support

The University strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for enrolled armed service veterans. The Office of Student Diversity Programs is able to direct student veterans to available resources on campus and assist veterans in connecting with the broader University community. 

For additional information, please contact Will Johnson or e-mail studentdiversity@fairfield.edu.

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