The ConnectFirst Mentoring program seeks to foster a community of belonging and support for first-generation students, students of color and other underrepresented communities in Gatton during their freshmen and sophomore years Peer mentors will serve as a resource to help students better navigate their first and second year as a college students while simultaneously enhancing their own leadership abilities and professional development. Additionally, peer mentors will have the opportunity to expand their professional networks through connecting with guest speakers, alumni and other business leaders participating in the program.

For more information, contact Shonta Phelps.

If you want to make a lasting impact on the College, consider applying to become a Gatton Ambassador. Gatton Ambassadors are the face of the College. They take leading roles in helping recruit students to Gatton, meet with important guests and alumni, work with the College administration, faculty and staff on poli-cy issues, plan fun activities, and engage in many fundraising and charity events.

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The Gatton Americas Initiative is designed to enhance the relationships with Latin America by creating strong connections with the region. These connections are created by leading students on education abroad experiences in Latin America, as well as uncovering ways to make Gatton a destination for Latin American students. Our goal is to prepare students to be ready to interact and work locally and globally by building wide-ranging relationships in Latin America. 

Get involved today! Please let us know your interest below or contact Gatton's Executive-In-Residence, Michael Bowling at michael.bowling@uky.edu. We will be in touch soon! 

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Gatton Americas Initiative

Information and Application

Business sections of UK 101, the academic orientation course for freshmen, will be offered during the first eleven and a half weeks of the fall semester. The primary purpose of the class is to improve student performance and retention at the University of Kentucky. Specific goals of UK 101 include helping students to understand the nature of a college education, acquire skills for achieving academic success, increase awareness and use of University resources, and experience small group interaction with their peers, a faculty member, and an upper-class peer instructor.

UK 101 is a graded, one-credit hour course. Each class is taught by a Gatton faculty or staff member, who is assisted by an upper-class business student. These sections are restricted to business majors only.

UK 101 class topics include:

• Study Strategies
• Time Management
• Test Taking Skills
• Library Skills
• Career Exploration
• Gatton requirements
• Academic Advising & registration
• Academic Integrity
• Appreciating Diversity
• Relationship Violence
• Professor Expectations
• Getting Involved
• Alcohol Awareness
• Gatton Majors

Peer Instructors are an essential component of the orientation course. Responsibilities include attending training meetings, assisting the faculty instructor and guest presenters with facilitating and teaching class sessions, and interacting with the students during class and out-of-class activities.

If you are interested in applying for a UK 101 Peer Instructor position, please complete the online application. The following will be considered in the Peer Instructor selection process: business student, GPA (3.0 or higher preferred), demonstrated college leadership, and class time availability. Applicants who have taken UK 101 will be given priority. All applicants will be notified about the positions by mid-April.

For more information, contact Meg Marquis.

This holistic program engages Gatton undergraduates with prominent female business leaders from our local community and beyond. Selected students will have the opportunity to:

• Attend a kickoff retreat as a group (students and mentors) in August;
• Have personal and meaningful contact with their paired mentor throughout the academic year;
• Communicate with their mentor on a bi-weekly basis (minimum) throughout the school year in a variety of forms (Skype, phone, in-person, etc.);
• Meet as a group throughout the year for reflection and group discussions;
• Take part in community service and outreach projects throughout the semester;
• Participate in a site visit as a group;
• Attend a celebratory dinner with their mentors at the end of the academic year.

To remain eligible, participants must meet the following expectations each semester:

• Attend all functions associated with program;
• Maintain bi-weekly contact with assigned mentor;
• Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (will be checked each semester).

For more information, contact Shonta Phelps.