SOU’s vision is to nurture the potential within every student and shape them into future leaders. This is achieved by prioritizing learner success, promoting critical thinking, and building a diverse and inclusive community. This transformative work, particularly through initiatives like the University Coaching and Mentorship (UCAM) program, is possible thanks to the generosity of donors.    

Why Mentorship is Crucial for SOU Students  

Amidst new challenges in college, mentorship becomes a lifeline for students navigating unfamiliar academic terrain. It bridges gaps in social capital, offering personalized guidance essential for success in higher education. Many SOU students do not come from backgrounds of financial privilege. They often arrive on campus without the support needed to navigate the complex systems of higher education. Imagine the challenge: a student, eager to succeed, is willing to join a program designed to help them, only to face a program fee.    

Jade Severson, Lead UCAM Academic Coach, says, “It’s heartbreaking to tell those students willing to join our mentorship program that there’s a program fee. Those interactions perpetuate the notion that you have to pay to be successful.”   

True mentorship is distinct—a mentor is a trusted adult or a peer who has connections and relationships within a community and is willing to pass on knowledge about how things work on a college campus. In this way, mentorship becomes a catalyst, empowering students to overcome barriers and fully engage with the opportunities before them. 

UCAM in Action: Transforming Student Success  

This is where UCAM steps in. UCAM’s coaches help students with crucial life skills like prioritizing goals, aligning actions with values, and effective time management.  

Consider the story of a neurodivergent student from Portland. She faced significant challenges in K-12, struggling with relationships with peers and teachers. Yet, at SOU, she thrived. The key to her thriving was a positive relationship with one adult on campus. Through targeted coaching, she learned a profound lesson: to “be empowered and to always ask for what you need.”  

UCAM fosters this deep resilience by teaching students that vulnerability can be a gift. When they open themselves up, even when uncomfortable, Jade says, “That’s where the magical outcome starts to happen.” She continues, “UCAM coaches become a port in all storms.” This vital connection prevents shame from building up and keeps students connected to their support network, counteracting the natural tendency to clam up and isolate.  

How Donor Funds Drive Success  

UCAM does not receive direct university support, yet the program contributes 10% of student fees to the university’s general fund. This makes donor funds helpful and truly transformative, addressing critical needs that are currently unfunded.  

Impact of the latest donor gift:  

• Seven Lang Scholars have been funded for the 2025-26 year, increasing to eight Lang Scholars the following academic year. The Lang gift provides 80% scholarship to the scholars. 
• Seven additional UCAM students with financial need have up to 90% scholarships, funded by other donor gifts. 
• In total, 25% of the students UCAM will serve in the 2025-2026 academic year will be able to participate in the program as a result of scholarships funded by donor gifts. 
• UCAM scholarship recipients become powerful ambassadors for SOU, spreading the word about an inclusive and equitable campus. 

Donor gifts:  

• Fill budget gaps for scholarships and ensure program sustainability.  
• Enhance staff knowledge and training for UCAM’s dedicated coaches.  
• Help market the program effectively and foster crucial campus collaborations.  
• Procure essential office supplies and new furniture, transforming the program’s space into a welcoming environment. 

The Student Mentor Effect 

As a junior double majoring in Art and Psychology, Faith Nguyen’s SOU experience has been significantly improved by the presence of a coach through UCAM. This support system has made her journey more successful and considerably less stressful.  

Faith says,

“My mentor has been a constant source of support, standing by me through my toughest challenges and cheering for me during my greatest achievements, always offering unconditional support and without judgment.” 

The UCAM experience has also influenced Faith’s goals. With a career aspiration of working in therapy or as a mentor, she sees becoming a UCAM mentor herself as an ideal way to gain practical experience. It’s an opportunity to learn the intricacies of the role firsthand and confirm if this is truly what she hopes to pursue as a career.  

Faith continues,

“I believe an effective mentor truly listens, validates emotions and experiences, and offers thoughtful guidance to help improve someone’s situation. I’ve learned that simply providing a safe, non-judgmental space can make a profound difference—and I’ve already seen how rewarding it is to support others through their struggles.” 

The funding from donors has set the stage for change in the way SOU does mentorship. It’s an investment into building resilience in students and a more equitable, inclusive future at SOU.