Connections Program

The Connections Program provides first year students and their families with information and tools for a successful transition to campus life.

The program includes Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR), Hornet Days, and Student Success Strategies. Connection groups continue to meet weekly for the first semester of their first year.

Our Connections Program has been awarded a Certificate of Merit from the National Academic Advisors Association for Outstanding Institutional Advising Program.

Connection Groups and First-Year Advising

You’ll be placed in a Connection Group with other freshmen who have the same academic advisor so there is a close working relationship among you, your advisor and your Connection Leader.

At the end of your first semester, you may select another academic advisor, usually one in your intended major. For more information about working with your advisor, or to change advisors, please see the Academic Advising page.

The Connections Program was initially what kept me at University of Lynchburg. When [I was] thinking about transferring, a peer encouraging me to give it a chance was more impactful than anything else could have been. Someone so close in age to me believed in me as a student and believed I could find my home, too. As a Connection Leader for three years, I realized I learned as much from my first-year students because I realized everyone’s college experience becomes something different. It’s truly a personal fit. This program helped me feel comfortable with that and make UL my own home.

Holly Lovern '14

Become a Connection and Orientation Leader!

The Connection Program involves current students as peer leaders and mentors for first-year students.

If you wish to apply to be a Connection Leader, you must have completed one year at UL before the fall 2020 semester, have an overall GPA of at least 2.5, and a clean disciplinary record. A successful candidate will be articulate, responsible, compassionate, full of energy and enthusiasm, involved on campus and a good role model for other students.

You can find a full job description and benefits on the job application below. Applications are now OPEN! You can find the link HERE.

We look forward to receiving your application! If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Gangitano at gangitano_je@lynchburg.edu.