4:19 p.m., Aug. 28, 2008----A mentor orientation and dinner for LEARN, UD's Latino Enrichment and Resource Network program, will be held from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 2, in the Multipurpose Rooms of the Trabant University Center.

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The event is open to incoming freshmen and transfer students, but those interested must RSVP [luna@udel.edu] to attend.

The LEARN program was launched last year by UD Student Centers in response to Latino students who wanted to have a mentoring program to benefit their community.

LEARN supports new students adjusting to college by pairing incoming students with upperclassmen. The program and its mentors help new students acclimate to campus, meet other students of similar backgrounds and interests and foster a sense of belonging.

An important link to academic support services and campus resources, LEARN encourages leadership and professional development and promotes a multitude of opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities through awareness of campus events, student organizations, support programs and student life.

Activities include workshops on various topics related to college life, such as time management, academic support services, alcohol awareness, career services and study abroad programs. LEARN participants also are invited to take part in field trips, monthly socials and community outreach activities.

Opportunities such as these are often difficult for new students to discover on their own, but with the support of mentors and the program, participants have a great advantage, Lalena Luna, program coordinator, said.

Any incoming full-time freshman or transfer student is eligible for this program as a mentee if they meet any one of the following criteria:

• Are of Latino heritage; or
• Plan to major or minor in Latin-related studies; or
• Are interested in learning about Latino culture and/or supporting the Latino community on the University campus.

Upperclassmen mentors with a minimum GPA of 2.5 also are being sought, provided they meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Are of Latino heritage; or
• Are majoring or minoring in Latin-related studies; or
• Are interested in learning about Latino culture and/or supporting the Latino community on the University campus;
• Are a member of a Latino student organization or Greek chapter; or
• Participated in a study-abroad program to a Latin American/Spanish country.

Applications for mentees and mentors, as well as additional information on the LEARN program can be found at [www.udel.edu/student-centers/AandP/LEARN/index.html].
Interested candidates also can contact Luna at (302) 831-0091, or send e-mail to her at [lunal@udel.edu].