A group photo of students from the RISE Network

R.I.S.E. Network

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The R.I.S.E. Network (Reach, Inspire, Succeed, Empower) is a multicultural program designed to provide students with individualized mentorship and guidance. With an emphasis on reaching first-year students who may need help adjusting to the academic and social demands of college, the R.I.S.E. Network promotes leadership skills, goal setting, financial literacy, character-building and career skills. Our approach is student-centered, focusing on the unique needs of each Network Scholar through mentoring relationships with peer mentors.

R.I.S.E. Mentor Application

Students will be paired with network leaders who are passionate about bridging the gap that often exists within the first year of college. In this program, students will build strong relationships with their mentor, gain networking opportunities, get connected to valuable resources, and cultivate a set of skills needed for a successful St. John’s University experience. 

Each mentorship pairing is selected intentionally to help each of the programs’ participants succeed. Students will engage in one-on-one conversations, large group outings, and socials with their mentor and other mentee-mentor pairings. This program is your ticket to building community and getting connected to what’s happening within our campus community and beyond.  

Six Pillars of R.I.S.E.

  • Connectivity
  • Academic Success
  • Personal Enrichment
  • Career Preparation
  • Spiritual Enrichment
  • Access

Program Benefits

  • Learn new skills from an experienced, high-achieving student leader
  • Network with influential faculty, administrators, and alumni to assist with career preparation
  • Participate in engaging and empowering workshops geared toward academic and personal goals
  • Gain access to the R.I.S.E. Network study room and library of first-year textbooks

The Net (Staff and Faculty)

We are excited to inform you about our First-Year Mentoring program, which includes The Net, our unique professional network. This group comprises key administrators, faculty, and staff dedicated to assisting scholars with their academic concerns and questions. Your expertise and insights would be invaluable to our community. Become a partner of The Net here.

Scholars (Mentees)

First-year students who are interested in becoming scholars need to complete an online R.I.S.E. Network Scholar Application and maintain a level of personal commitment to the program, which includes active participation in workshops, study sessions, social events, and Network Leader meetings. Click for the Scholar (Mentee) Application.

Network Leaders (Mentors)

Network Leaders are primarily upperclassmen who have an interest in leadership and a passion to help incoming students navigate the college experience. This is accomplished through leadership development, informal advisement, group meetings, and a consistent use of resources and programs at St. John’s University. Recruitment of Network Leaders begins in October for the following academic year. Contact the Office of Student Development for more information. Click for the Network Leader (Mentor) Application. 

Network Leaders

  • Build a student’s character development by encouraging work ethic, trustworthiness, kindness, responsibility, etc.
  • Assist with homework assignments and research papers, and improve academic skills
  • Participate in activities of interest to the scholar
  • Help set career goals and develop resumes
  • Develop critical problem-solving skills
  • Encourage social development

About the R.I.S.E. Network

The R.I.S.E. Network (Reach, Inspire, Succeed, Empower) began as an initiative under Student Development and the Division of Student Affairs. The goal was to create an environment where successful, high-potential students come together to assist in increasing retention and graduation rates at St. John's University. The program has grown from 54 scholars (freshmen mentees) in our first cohort back in 2013 to now receiving nearly 300 or more applications from scholars.

This program is grounded in the belief that mentoring is a valuable strategy to provide students with the emotional and instrumental support students need to achieve the goal of a college degree.  By providing information, guidance, and encouragement, mentors can play an important role in nurturing students’ college aspirations, connecting them to campus resources and, advising them on how to make successful transitions from high school to their first year on campus (Levine and Nidiffer 1996).

Participants, better known as R.I.S.E. scholars, are part of a network that will assist in their academic success and personal and professional development.  The network will focus on the successful completion of their first year by assisting with academics, career preparation, spiritual development, and social integration by establishing connections with the relevant support services at St. John's University. 

Our goal remains to ensure that scholars are intentionally connected to people, services, and organizations to support their development and also empower them to be an integral part of the St. John's University community.

Office Information

D’Angelo Center, Room 213
Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Amber Wilson
Director of First-Year Mentoring
718-990-5383
[email protected]

Ulises Garcia Jr., M.A.
Assistant Director of First-Year Mentoring
718-990-5269
[email protected]

First Gen

A Letter from the Assistant Director of First-Year Mentoring

Dear St. John’s University Community,

As you begin your academic journey with us, the Office of First-Year Mentoring Programs wants to extend a special message of support and encouragement, especially if you are the first in your family to make it this far. There are parts of this college process that you have had to do completely on your own. You will continue to experience many “firsts” in your college journey (and beyond) b,ut you do not have to do it alone anymore. 

What does it mean to be First-Generation?

A first-generation college student is generally defined as someone who is the first in their immediate family to attend college and/or whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree in the United States. 

Reaching this educational milestone is not only a culmination of your personal determination and courageous leaps but a testament to the sacrifices of those who came before you and a semblance of hope for those set to come after you.

We recognize that this sense of responsibility can feel overwhelming at times, and we want you to know you do not have to carry that weight alone.

Our Promise to You

The first-generation experience is exciting, nerve-wracking, and everything in between. We are committed to honoring your narrative and lifting you up every step of the way. We cement our promise with this poem and video.

A poem for first generation students

Your First-Generation Campus Community

You are now part of St. John’s and there is a community of first-generation staff, faculty, administrators, and alumni that are ready to pour into you! We encourage you reach out and connect with these amazing individuals.

Join Us

You may be the first in your family to pursue higher education, but we cannot stress enough that you do not have to do this alone. We encourage you to lean on your peers, staff and faculty, and alumni who are eager to support you through your collegiate journey.

How to connect with the first-generation community?

Join us for First Gen Week, taking place November 3-7, 2026:

  • Monday, November 3
  • Tuesday, November 4
  • Wednesday, November 5
  • Thursday, November 6
  • Friday, November 7
  • Saturday, November 8

Form part of our First Gen Fellowship (FGF) Program and engage in monthly programming. This year’s trainings will convene around A First Gen Memoir by Alejandra Campoverdi.

  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April

You belong here. Your determination and perspective are incredibly valuable, and we are committed to helping you thrive academically, socially, and personally.

If you have any questions, I invite you to reach out to me directly at [email protected].

Cheers,

Ulises Garcia, Jr.
Assistant Director, First-Year Mentoring

Living Learning Community 

First-Year Mentoring Living Learning Community

First-Year Mentoring Living Learning Community (FYM LLC) is an extension of the First-Year Mentoring in collaboration with Residence Life. The FYM LLC is recommended for St. John's students who are undecided majors and/or all students who are seeking to explore major options or solidify their place in a major/college with a space to learn, grow, and develop holistically.

The FYM LLC offers workshops, retreats, and academic/social programming throughout the academic year.

Students will build relationships with their peers and connect with staff, faculty, and administrators who will serve as mentors and points of support throughout their academic journey. Additionally, students will integrate into the broader mission, vision, and values of St. John's University, contributing to a culture of mentorship and inspiring future generations of St. John's students.

Students wishing to participate in the FYM LLC must indicate their interest at the time that they complete their housing application and agree to the additional terms outlined below.

Based on the promises stated herein, the Student and the University agree to the following:

  1. Term of Agreement: The student is opting into a housing assignment in the University's FYM LLC community and is expected to make a commitment to live in the community for the entire academic year.
  2. Students applying for the FYM LLC community must complete, and will be subject to, all other terms and conditions of the Housing Application process.
  3. Only students who have signed this agreement will be placed into a suite or apartment on the FYM LLC residential floor.
  4. The student accepts that they will not be permitted to change to a non-FYM LLC space after being assigned, absent circumstances warranting a change as determined by the University.
  5. Students understand and accept that should a vacancy occur in their room assignments, that one of the following actions may take place:
    1. The residents of the space may identify an eligible student to fill the vacancy who has completed the FYM LLC agreement.
    2. The Office of First Year Mentoring and Residence Life may identify an eligible student to fill the vacancy.
    3. The student agrees that room changes within the FYM LLC community will be limited by the total number of vacancies within the community.
  6. Students in relationships should refrain from living together in this community.
  7. Students can apply to relocate to a FYM LLC location at the start of each semester based on availability.
  8. Any student wishing to enter into this agreement who has not reached the age of 18 years must have their parent or legal guardian cosign this document to acknowledge their approval of the FYM LLC agreement.

AGREEMENT for the FYM LLC community offered by St. John's University, New York, (herein referred to as the "University") and the Student named on the Residence Hall Application (herein referred to as the "Student").

Support Resources

  • Internship Fund
  • Textbook Support
  • Transportation Fund
  • Mental Wealth Bank
  • University Learning Commons (ULC) Study Room
  • Opportunity Fund
  • Professional Development Fund
  • First Generation Network
  • “The Net” Network