The Ambassador Mentoring program was started to aid in the effort of improving retention rates of UTPA students. With this focus in mind, the Office of the Dean of Students researched retention initiatives at fellow institutions to determine their role in effecting student retention.

The primary goals of the mentoring program include:

• Connecting/introducing first year student* to the campus
• Providing first year student* with essential university/life skills
• Increasing retention rates and grade point averages of participants

High achieving upperclassmen are enlisted as Ambassadors who serve as mentors to approximately four (4) first year student* (protégés) during the academic year. Ambassadors and protégés meet during our annual Bronc Camp, which takes place during early August. High school seniors who have recently graduated or first year transfer students who are interested in attending Bronc Camp must fill out a camp application.

*First years students - students enrolled for the first time at UTPA or have transferred with less than 30 hours from another institution.