Attend an ACE Intake Sessions - Returning Fall 2022!

If you are a STUDENT who would like to ENROLL in ACE:

1. Within the first three weeks of the quarter, attend an intake seminar (via Zoom) with ACE professional staff.
2. Complete an ACE Enrollment Application before the seminar. 
3. If necessary, discuss the ACE agreement with ACE professional staff. Students who complete their ACE agreement earn satisfactory quarter GPAs, improve their overall academic standing, and are more aware of campus resources and how to use them.
4. ACE professional staff will match student with a peer mentor to meet on a weekly basis and recommend a series of workshops.
5. Financial Aid is advised of all completed ACE agreements (as necessary).

If you are Staff/Faculty who would like to refer a student to ACE:

1. Fill out the ACE Referral Form using this link which can also be found in the Quick Links tab above. 
2. Once you complete this, a referral form will generate that can be send directly to the referred student or to yourself to forward to the student for appropriate follow up.  You can also print the generated form to provide to the student directly.
3. Students will then need to follow steps one and two above to enroll in the ACE program within the first three weeks of each quarter. ACE professional staff will match student with a peer mentor and recommend a series of workshops.
4. Referrers will be advised of all completed ACE agreements by students referred.

2^nd Nature is a program that aids 2^nd year students during their phase of “focused exploration” sometime during the end of their first year or prematurely in their second year.  This program addresses three issues: how you view yourselves (identity development), manage your relationships (sense of belonging), and your academic experiences/decisions (major and career exploration).  By joining 2^nd Nature we will help you focus on these areas through identity reflection, exploration of major and career, time management/goal setting, and self-reflection, while also connecting them with a peer mentor!

The goals of the 2^nd Nature program are to:

• Q: What does ACE stand for?
  A: Assistance, Coaching, and Encouragement – a program aimed at helping YOU the student succeed.
• Q: Why was I referred by Financial Aid?
  A: Students who have not satisfied the SAP requirements have the opportunity to appeal the cancellation of their financial aid. Use the appeal process to report extenuating circumstances which prevented you from maintaining satisfactory academic progress; grade changes; and/or part-time enrollment as approved by an academic advisor. More information
• Q: How do I enroll in ACE?
  A: You can enroll in the ACE program by attending an ACE intake session and fill out the ACE Enrollment Application. Once this is complete an ACE staff member will match you with a peer mentor.  A peer mentor will contact you to schedule an appointment – remember to keep your appointment.
• Q: The e-mail says I have to make an appointment within the first 3 weeks but it’s already week 5. What do I do?
• A: Set up an appointment to talk with an ACE counselor as soon as you can to determine options and next steps.
• Q: Can I still enroll in ACE even if I wasn’t referred/am not on Academic Probation?
  A: Students are welcomed to ‘self-refer’ to the ACE program in attempts to proactively enhance their academic progress. They will need to take the same steps as those who are referred from particular departmental offices.
• Q: How do I get a Peer Mentor?
  A: Refer to “How to enroll in ACE” or “How does ACE work? What do we talk about in the meeting(s)?”
• Q: How does ACE work? What do we talk about in the meeting(s)?
  A: During your initial consultation, an ACE professional staff counselor will assess the causes of your academic difficulties and explain how ACE can help. An ACE Peer Mentor with a background in your field of study will be assigned to monitor your progress on a regular basis. Together, you will work out a program of ACE activities tailored to meet your needs. You finalize your commitment to these activities by signing an ACE contract.
• Q: I’ve already enrolled in ACE. What happens if I don’t complete my contract?
  A: Once you have made an ACE agreement, it is expected for you to work with the Peer Mentor for the quarter on the program agreed upon in your initial consultation. Failure to uphold the terms of your ACE agreement could jeopardize your progress in your major as well as delay the release of your future financial aid (depending on who referred you). We find that students who complete the terms of their ACE contract by following up on program requirements are able to earn satisfactory quarter GPAs and improve their overall academic standing at the University. ACE participants also report that they have made valuable contacts at the ARC and that they have become more aware of campus support services and how to use them.
• Q: How will the person who referred me know that I completed my contract?
  A: ACE participants are encouraged to share their participation with the person who referred them. FERPA regulations prevent us from disclosing this information without consent from the student. Talk with your ACE counselor for details on how to give appropriate consent to referrers.
• Q: Where exactly is Skye Hall?
  A: Skye Hall is located directly across from University Lecture Hall (UNLH) 1000.

ACE Program Peer Mentor Positions

The Academic Resource Center is looking for highly qualified students who are interested in assisting the needs of first year, transfer, and re-entry students in making a successful transition into the university setting.  Peer Mentors provide one-on-one academic support to continuing students having academic difficulties, helping them develop academic skills and effective study habits. 

Peer Mentors are:

• Responsible, reliable, and punctual
• Sensitive to student needs and be able to work with a diverse student populations
• Use active listening and problem-solving skills in mentoring other undergraduate students
• Assess and monitor student academic abilities by one-on-one mentoring
• Facilitate Informational Workshops
• Acquaint students with resources available on campus
• Establish and maintain rapport with students

It is highly recommended interested applicants participate in the ARC Interpersonal Relationship Seminar which occurs once a year - usually in the Winter Quarter (currently postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions).

Student Employment Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis. Applications can be submitted via bit.ly/ARC_PeerMentor

Please see our student employment page for additional information, including how to submit an application. 

NOTE: Completed Peer Mentor employment applications should be submitted via bit.ly/ARC_PeerMentor.