PA2SS Peer Mentoring Program

The Preparing African American Students to Sustain Success (P.A².S.S) Program is designed to assist first-year and transfer students with their transition to the UConn community. This course gives first year/transfer students access to a network of upper-class mentors. These upper-class mentors serve as liaisons to campus resources, services, organizations, events, and opportunities. The P.A².S.S Program supports the mission of the African American Cultural Center through promoting cultural preservation, quality leadership, and academic excellence through a unique approach to cultural advocacy, academic support, and community outreach. Through the efforts of the African American Cultural Center and the P.A².S.S Program, as well as many other initiatives, the University of Connecticut has a high retention rate for African American students compared to other universities. Students of the P.A².S.S Program participate in weekly 50 minute sessions with first-year students, transfer students, and mentors.

In Spring 2023, the program has been renamed as the Black Leadership And Community Cultivation (B.L.A.C.C.) Program. A UNIV 2230 class is currently offered to upcoming mentors, and it is being taught by Professor Evelyn M. Simien, the ODI Faculty Fellow assigned to the AACC. Guest speakers are always invited to the class during the semester to inform students of the different resources and opportunities that are available to them. Class discussions focus on cultural preservation, leadership development, academic services and support, global social justice issues, and community outreach. Within this program, students will also have many opportunities to interact with academic staff and leaders of the University of Connecticut community. Students of the B.L.A.C.C. Program focus on developing good study habits, time management skills, and opportunities to maximize interactions with teaching faculty.

The P.A².S.S/B.L.A.C.C. class (UNIV 2230 for mentors and 1820 for mentees) is typically offered as a 1 credit course during the spring and fall semesters of the academic year.

Enrollment Information

Mentees (Freshmen and Transfer Students)
Log on to PeopleSoft at: https://studentadmin.uconn.edu/
and search for UNIV 1820

Mentors (Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors)
Log on to PeopleSoft at: https://studentadmin.uconn.edu/
and search for UNIV 2230

If you need assistance, please call or email the AACC at 860-486-3433 or aacc@uconn.edu