How does working with a mentor benefit me?
First-gen students benefit from the mentoring program by:
- Exploring opportunities on campus and within the community
- Connecting with a group of First-Gen allies
- Engaging in fun social activities
- Joining one-on-one and group mentoring opportunities
Best of all, you'll be part of a Cocky Crew!
A Cocky Crew provides you with support through one-on-one meetings and occasional
small group activities. A Cocky Crew will include one or two mentees (typically freshmen
or sophomores) and one mentor.
Submit the student sign-up form by August 25
Who are the mentors?
Mentors are individuals at the University of South Carolina who are passionate about supporting first-gen students. Most mentors were at one time first-gen students themselves. All mentors complete orientation and training.
Examples of first-gen mentors include:
- faculty mentors
- staff mentors
- graduate student mentors
- upperclass peer mentors (sophomores, juniors and seniors)
Submit the student sign-up form by August 25
After you sign up, mark your calendar for the Fall 2025 First-Gen Mentor Program Kick-off Party, where mentors and mentees will come together to learn more about the program and
see how to create a profile and navigate Mentorship Hub.
September 3
6:30 PM
Capstone 101
Have questions?
Email Melissa Kupfer at kupferm@email.sc.edu.
Interested in being a mentor?
Check out our Faculty and Staff Resources page to learn more about becoming a mentor.