IRIS Mentoring Program

Mentee Interest Forms for the 2025-2026 school year are now open! Apply at this link: s.uconn.edu/iris25.  

 

What is the IRIS Mentoring Program?

Influencing Readiness, Inspiring Success (IRIS) pairs new first-year students and second-year students with continuing students for participation in one-on-one meetings and larger group events. This program is designed to assist students in their first and second year at UConn-Storrs (including those coming from regional campuses and transfer students) with their transition. IRIS Coordinators are undergraduate student leaders who supervise the mentors and coordinate programming.

Who can become a mentee?

  • Mentees are typically students in their first or second year (including transfer) at the UConn-Storrs campus.
  • Mentees should want to make the most of their time on campus and should believe that a mentoring program could contribute to their experience.
  • While no member of the IRIS Mentoring Program is required to identify with (or disclose) LGBTQIA+ identity, an interest in discussing/attending programs related to the LGBTQIA+ community will be important, as this mentoring program is centered around the LGBTQIA+ student experience.

Who can become an IRIS mentor?

  • Mentors must have at least 2 semesters of experience attending the UConn-Storrs campus by the beginning of their first semester in IRIS or approval from the Director of the Rainbow Center.
  • Mentors should be strong leaders and ready to actively engage in the Rainbow Center community with their mentee. Mentors are required to attend all programs designed by the IRIS Coordinators unless there is an academic conflict.
  • Mentors should be allies to all communities of gender identity, gender expression, and sexuality.
  • Most mentors are undergraduate students. Any graduate students seeking mentorship opportunities should email the Rainbow Center at rainbowcenter@uconn.edu
  • All students with a student conduct history or on academic probation will be subject to review by the Director of the Rainbow Center.
  • Mentors are eligible for the Mentor Scholarship once they have completed the program expectations.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.75 is strongly recommended.

    Who can become an IRIS Coordinator?

    • Coordinators should have knowledge about the UConn campus resources available to students.
    • Coordinators should have completed at least 3 semesters at UConn.
    • Coordinators should have strong leadership and communication skills and be highly motivated to design mentor/mentee experiences for a full school year (Fall AND Spring semesters).
    • Coordinators should be knowledgeable about social justice.
    • Coordinators should possess an ability to address and resolve conflict as it is a necessary skill.
    • Coordinators should have the flexibility to work at least 3-5 hours per week.
    • Coordinators are PAID Rainbow Center student employees. 
    • A minimum GPA of 2.75 is strongly recommended.

    How will I be matched with a mentor/mentee?

    Mentors and mentees are paired after Mentor Applications and Mentee Interest Forms have been reviewed, usually this occurs in early September to give new student mentees time to sign up. IRIS staff identify points of correlation between applicants to best match areas of support that mentors can provide to each mentee. Mentors are selected to provide mentees with the opportunity to develop an ongoing relationship that promotes personal growth, retention, and that may potentially continue beyond the time span of the program.

    What are the program expectations?

    Mentor and mentee pairs will meet regularly (recommended: 2 times a month in the Fall, 1 time a month in the Spring), to check in and grow together. Additionally, all mentors are required to meet semi-regularly with a IRIS Coordinator (as determined by the needs of the mentor). Coordinators will design specific programming for mentors and mentees to attend. Everyone is required to attend at least one Rainbow Center event each semester and one event sponsored by another UConn Cultural Center (AACC, AsACC, PRLACC, or Women's Center). Mentors and mentees are eligible for two renewable book scholarships that are awarded each semester and are recognized at Lavender Graduation.

    Purple flowers of all shapes spell out the word "Iris". Text below in purple and green says, "Iris Mentoring Program"

    Check out the IRIS Instagram for Events & Announcements!

    Image displays two separate quotes. One by a Former Mentee in the mentoring program says, "My experience with FAMILEE was above and beyond what I was expecting. I felt supported and accepted to the fullest no matter what I did." The second, from a former mentor, says, "I feel like I got a lot out of being a FAMILEE mentor. I feel like my overall community here at UConn was expanded and I got along well with all of the other mentors and coordinators... It's definitely an experience I would recommend and would do again."

    Please note that the Rainbow Center’s mentoring program was known as the “FAMILEE Mentoring Program” until 2024. 

    How can I get involved?

    Mentee Interest Forms for the 2025-2026 school year are currently open. Find the form here: s.uconn.edu/iris25.

    Mentor applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now closed.

    I am a graduate student interested in participating. Is this program for me?

    Welcome! We’re so excited that the IRIS mentoring program sounds fun to you. Historically, we have tried to use this program to connect undergraduate students with other undergraduate students. If you are interested in finding community through the Rainbow Center, please check out our Rainbow Grads and Young Professionals Group.

    Who can I ask about this program?

    Please feel free to send your questions to the Rainbow Center general email at: rainbowcenter@uconn.edu.