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FastStart provides guidance to first-year students

FastStart is primarily intended for first-generation college students, or students of a minority background. Approximately 1,800 students are eligible each year, and about 10 percent apply to be a part of the FastStart program, though the program is open to all incoming freshmen.  Credit: Penn State Alumni Association / Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — When beginning a career at Penn State, no one wants a slow start. The Penn State Alumni Association’s FastStart program offers staff, faculty and alumni the opportunity to mentor first-year students and enrich their new Penn State experience.

The program is primarily intended for first-generation college students or students of a minority background. Approximately 1,800 students are eligible each year, and about 10 percent apply to be a part of the FastStart program. The program is open to all incoming freshmen, though.

Structured in a triad formation, the FastStart program provides freshmen with two mentors — a Penn State alum and a current faculty or staff member on campus. This gives the students a mentor who is accessible to them and another who can teach the value of establishing professional contacts through the alumni network.

Lindsey Zapletal, FastStart program coordinator, matches students with mentors based on their career interests. “I try my best to find mentors that students will really connect with,” she said.

One FastStart mentor, Liz Bligan ’81, ’98g, is currently serving on the Alumni Association’s Alumni Council.

“It’s nice to be able to help kids through a very difficult time in their lives,” Bligan said. “They’re transitioning to academic challenges they didn’t have in high school, and it’s our job to help them get settled.”

The time commitment for mentors is not extreme, requiring attendance at three events per semester, which usually emphasize career development in the form of networking sessions or etiquette dinners. Contact through phone or email is encouraged as well.

In terms of advice, a mentor can assist with a range of issues. “I have helped students with everything from choosing a major to searching for scholarships,” Bligan said.

As a former member of the Division of Undergraduate Studies, Bligan can relate to students who are unsure of their career path.

“I went to school for an education rather than a career,” Bligan said.

FastStart program provides freshmen with two mentors—a Penn State alum and a current faculty or staff member on campus. This gives the students a mentor who is accessible to them, and another who can teach the value of establishing professional contacts through the alumni network. Credit: Penn State Alumni Association / Penn StateCreative Commons

Another FastStart mentor, Bill Zimmerman, social media manager for Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications, expressed his admiration for the program.

“I think it’s one of the best things at this University,” he said. “This is a program I can’t say enough good things about.”

This is Zimmerman’s first year being involved with FastStart, and he foresees continuing for years to come: “There’s growth all around, and I’m excited to see where the students go. I think they’re heading for great things.”

Zimmerman also encourages the staff at Penn State to participate. “It’s great to get that student experience, it’s not something I get to be involved in during my daily work life,” Zimmerman said.

The year concludes with a Spring Celebration, and students “graduate” from the FastStart program.

“That’s probably my favorite part,” Zapletal said. “Celebrating how much the students have accomplished throughout the year is really special.”

If you are interested in becoming a FastStart mentor, click here. For more information, email Zapletal at lmz13@psu.edu.

Two events bookend the FastStart year: a welcome reception and orientation, pictured here, and a Spring Celebration, when students "graduate" from the program.  Credit: Penn State Alumni Association / Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated May 12, 2015

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