Illinois Connections Program

The Illinois Connections program enhances the student experience by linking new transfers one-on-one with a peer mentor. Students are paired with someone invested in their success — a person ready to listen, inspire, help navigate challenges, and recognize opportunities. Students will learn what to expect in school, how to approach challenges and gain advice. At the same time, mentors will build their networks and develop skills to become better professionals and leaders.

How it Works 

Students will be matched with a peer mentor based on common interests, background, academics, and/or professional aspirations. To get started, students and mentors register and complete an online survey to paint a holistic picture of their interests and experiences.

What do Mentors and Mentees Discuss?

• How will my major impact my professional options?
• How do I balance the demands of school, responsibilities, and socializing?
• How can I set myself up for academic, social, and career success?
• How do I make connections inside and outside of the transfer student community?

Participant Testimonials 

Why Did You Want to Be a Mentor? 

• “Hello! I'm excited to be a mentor and have the opportunity to support and guide others. As someone who values personal growth and the power of mentorship, I became a mentor to help others navigate their journeys, especially when faced with challenges like being a first-generation student or adapting to new environments. One area I hope to assist my mentee with is building confidence in navigating academic and professional spaces, using my own experiences to help them see their potential and empower them to take on leadership roles and make meaningful contributions." - Kush Nandani
• "I attended a community college in Chicago for my first two years, then transferred to UIUC. I want to be a mentor because I wish I had one while in college. I went through hardships and conflicts on my own. As well as to give general advice for academic and career goals. I understand  how difficult it may be to enter a new environment, whether as a transfer student or freshman, I am here for you. Some of my hobbies include going to the gym, video games, trying new foods, going shopping, going on walks around town, and more. As for my career after college, upon graduation I will be working in banking in Chicago." - Hector Soto
• "Hi everyone! I am currently a Junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign pursuing a major in Finance and a minor in Psychology. I transferred to U of I my sophomore year and one quote that I would like to share that it kept me motivated through the whole process was: "If you only do what you can, you will never be more than what you are". I hope to become a mentor to because when I was in my community college I would love to have someone who could provide more information on how to transfer to U of I. I want to provide knowledge to hopefully make someone's transferring process a little bit less stressful and easier." - Ana Arce

*Please note mentors may be connected with a mentee during the months of June and July. However, a majority of the matching of mentors and mentees will take place August-October!

Should you have any questions about becoming a mentor, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at newstudent@illinois.edu.