Is LinkUp the right program for your student?
LinkUp is just one of the programs sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs designed to highlight and strengthen the diversity on the UNCG campus. It’s a program designed to help new students get started on the right foot and into the swing of things at UNCG, especially those who might be the first in their family to set off for college.
First comes the Welcome Program
LinkUp begins with a three-day “welcome to UNCG” program — a low-key opportunity for students to settle in a few days before Welcome Weekend events and classes begin. Then, throughout the year, we offer workshops, “how are you getting along” meetings with LinkUp staff, and fun outings with other LinkUp participants. We want to make sure each student is finding everything they need to be successful and happy at UNCG.
On days two and three of the LinkUp Welcome Program, LinkUp participants are shuttled to some off-campus venues to attend information sessions that focus on valuable topics such as academic advising and how to get involved with student organizations. They will also be introduced to available cultural resources and networks within the UNCG and Greensboro community which will help each student feel more “at home” even though they are away from home. We are treated to colorful song and dance performances showcasing the varied cultural influences Greensboro has to offer. And we also enjoy an outing at one of the area’s most fun recreational spots. We promise LinkUp is filled with activities that are both beneficial AND fun!
And we stay in touch as the school year progresses
Throughout the academic year, students who sign up for LinkUp will come together every month or so for workshops designed to help sharpen their study skills, provide information on how to better manage their finances, tips on how to find a major that is a “good fit, ” and other topics that will help them navigate “bumps in the road.” We will also sponsor social events that will help them build the friendships that enhance their UNCG experience and build a network of support when they need it.
Now we've added a new incentive for those who stick with LinkUp the entire year
To encourage participation in the workshops and continued engagement with LinkUp throughout your student's first year at UNCG, we have arranged to award special textbook certificates valued up to $200 to ten students who stay with the program throughout the academic year, meet the academic requirements and submit an application in June 2010. The special funds will be available for textbook purchases in the UNCG bookstore for Fall 2010. It's just another reason we hope you will urge your student to “link up” with this supportive program.
Your encouragement and support can make a big difference
The LinkUp program has great things to offer to our new Spartan freshmen and we don’t want your student to miss out! Please talk to your student about the program — make sure they realize what the benefits of the program are and encourage them to sign up! When you come to SOAR in June, we will be happy to talk to you more about this. Look for us at the Spartan Expo!
We know that the key to a rewarding college experience for most students is to know where to get answers to their questions and to know how to build a strong supportive network both academically and socially. LinkUp is designed to make sure our new students have those tools! We look forward to having the opportunity to help your student have a successful experience at UNCG!
We hope you will join us for the LinkUp Welcome Supper
Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend the LinkUp Welcome Supper on the first day of the Welcome Program. You'll have a chance to meet UNCG administrators there to welcome your student and get the year off to a good start. You'll get tips on how you can contribute to your student’s academic success and provide an opportunity to ask questions of UNCG faculty, staff and students about things you might want to know more about — things like special interest scholarships, important financial aid deadlines and other general university topics. We want to help you get your questions answered before you leave campus. We also want you to find out who best to talk to as the year progresses if new questions come up.