Many famous and influential people are speaking out about how mentors changed their lives for the better. Oprah had a mentor, so did Martin Sheen, Elizabeth Dole, Secretary of State Colin Powell, former New York Governor Mario Cuomo, Tony Bennett, Sarah Ferguson, Julia Child, Whoopi Goldberg, Hugh Downs and Diane Sawyer.

Continuing your education can be a rewarding experience, but it can also present unique challenges. You might be concerned about:
*balancing multiple life roles
*coping with a reduced income
*learning to study again
*figuring out the "system"
*feeling different from traditional-age students

Fortunately, you don't have to do it alone! Many people have faced these same issues and found creative ways to resolve them. You can tap this knowledge through the Adult Learner Mentor Program.

Mentors are adult learners, 25 years or older, who have at least two years of campus experience, are academically successful, and who faced many of the same challenges as you when they were new students. They are aware of the need to balance outside responsibilities with academic work and to network with other adult learners.

Mentors donate their time to help ease the transition for incoming adult learners at The University of Akron. They are familiar with campus and community resources, testing procedures, orientation, and registration information. Although they received training for their roles, mentors are not academic advisers or tutors.

Your mentor will be available to you throughout your entire first semester.

Your mentor will contact you before the semester begins, then meet with you prior to or during the first week of classes.

In addition to helping you resolve such big issues as balancing school and home responsibilities, or rediscovering study skills, your mentor can help with details of campus life, such as where to buy books, finding buildings and classrooms, getting accurate information and meeting with other students.

Sometimes the greatest contribution a mentor can make to your success is just helping you feel comfortable in this new endeavor.

There are more than 6,000 undergraduate adult learners at The University of Akron, and each student's experience here is important to us. We encourage you to take advantage of this Mentor Program to ease your transition to University life.

For more information on having a mentor, or if you are a junior or senior, becoming a mentor, contact:
UA Adult Focus
Schrank Hall North, Room 260
Phone: 330-972-5793
E-mail: adultfocus@uakron.edu