Designed specifically for first-year and transfer business students, Flight School helps launch your academic journey and transition to university life by connecting you with an experienced mentor who provides guidance and support throughout your first year at the University of Oregon.
You don't have to figure out college all on your own. As a Flight School mentee, you will participate in workshops, team-building activities, and challenges that will help you develop your interpersonal skills while building relationships through a community that values authenticity, inclusion, and candor.
Flight School is a casual environment, so feel free to invite your friends to a meeting if you think they would enjoy the community. The program emphasizes connection over content, so don’t expect lesson plans and assignments. Our goal is to provide students with an opportunity to meet other business students with shared goals and experiences.
Our Impact
100 percent of participants report feeling increased confidence both academically and with navigating campus-wide resources.
More than 300 students have participated in Flight School, and our mentors have access to a wide network of university staff and industry professionals.
Program participants report a positive impact on their academic performance. They are more likely to achieve higher GPAs and graduate on time compared to their peers.
Flight School Benefits
Community Connection
Join a supportive community of fellow first-year business students who share your goals and experiences. Small group sessions and social events help you build lasting friendships and professional connections from day one.
Personal Mentorship
Connect one-on-one with an experienced student mentor who understands what you're going through. Your mentor provides personalized guidance throughout your first year, helping you navigate challenges before they become obstacles.
Academic Success
Get insider knowledge on courses, professors, study strategies, and resources that will help you excel in your classes. Flight School participants consistently report higher confidence in their academic abilities and stronger performance in their coursework.
Campus Resources
Discover the resources, opportunities, and experiences that make UO special. Your mentor helps you find the shortest path to the support you need, when you need it.
Professional Development
Start building your business career from the moment you arrive. Through site visits, networking events, and career exploration opportunities, Flight School gives you a head start on your professional journey.
Confidence and Belonging
Find your place at the Lundquist College more quickly and confidently. Flight School creates a sense of belonging that makes the large university feel smaller and more manageable, helping you transition successfully to college life.
Program Highlights
Get personalized guidance from an experienced student who has been where you are.
Connect with peers and mentors in small groups to discuss common challenges and get insightful perspective.
Participate in social events like game nights, bowling, and ice cream socials to build your community and network.
Connect with the advisors and resources you need to excel in your coursework and position yourself for a career you love post-graduation.
Success Stories
Here's what previous Flight School mentees shared about their experience:
"I think one of the biggest advantages is that I made some great friends through the program. People I met in the program in September are still people I hang out with and see, and my mentor has become someone I can talk to about anything. All our one-on-one meetings are like two hours long because we just talk to each other about our lives."
— Alexa Merriweather, Class of 2028
"The biggest advantage of participating in Flight School is getting to connect with other business students while also learning and having fun."
—Fabian Sanchez, Class of 2028
Our Flight School Mentors
Vivian Garvis
Professional Development Lead
Danise Mena
Student Coordinator
Andie Taylor
Engagement and Media Lead
Flight School mentors are carefully selected upper-division business students who come from diverse backgrounds, majors, and experiences, but share one important quality: a genuine passion for helping new students succeed.
Whether it's a shared major or career interest–or a unique perspective or experience you both share –we thoughtfully pair mentors and mentees based on academic interests, backgrounds, and personal goals to create meaningful connections.
Our mentors aren't just successful students; they're trained guides who understand the challenges of transitioning to college. Each mentor undergoes comprehensive training in:
- Effective mentoring techniques
- Campus resource navigation
- Academic support strategies
- Community building
- Inclusive leadership
Meet Our Flight School Mentors
Ready to Take Flight?
Whether you're an incoming student looking for guidance or a current student wanting to make an impact, Flight School has a place for you. Applications to join as a mentee are now open for the upcoming term. Mentor applications will open in winter term 2026.
Contact
Flight School
Lundquist College of Business
1208 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1208
flightschool@uoregon.edu
Lorena Landeros
Co-director, Lundquist Flight School
Assistant Director, First-Year Experience
JD Van Alstyne
Co-director, Lundquist Flight School
Instructor of Management