LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UMOJA PROGRAM, THEIR MISSION, AND HOW THEY HELP WITH RETENTION THROUGH MENTORSHIP

OUR MISSION

Umoja, (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) is a community and critical resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American and other students. We believe that when the voices and histories of students are deliberately and intentionally recognized, the opportunity for self-efficacy emerges and a foundation is formed for academic success. Umoja actively serves and promotes student success for all students through a curriculum and pedagogy responsive to the legacy of the African and African American Diasporas.

The Umoja Community at UC Irvine is designed to assist students in the transition to a four-year university. We offer resources and support to help students set goals and maximize their experience at UCI to achieve academic, professional, and personal success. The Transfer Student Center counselor will provide individualized support to meet students where they are and support them in their goals and future aspirations, and the SOAR Umoja Peer Educators provide peer-to-peer mentorship to find community and build campus belonging at UCI. 

*The Umoja program at UCI is pending until official designation from the Umoja Community Education Foundation. However, please reach out if you have any questions about the resources available to you.

SOAR UMOJA PEER EDUCATORS

Onyinyechi M. Ndu

She/Her/Hers Hello! My name is Onyinyechi Ndu, and I am a third-year student studying Biomedical Engineering on a pre-med track. I joined SOAR because of its incredibly welcoming and supportive staff and community, as well as the invaluable opportunities it provides to help students thrive academically and grow as individuals. In my free time, I enjoy playing the violin, diving into a good book, and challenging myself to learn something new every day.

Onyinyechi M. Ndu Umoja Peer Pathfinder Educator

Sarah Hussein

She/Her Hi everyone! My name is Sarah and I am a fourth year International Studies major. Outside of SOAR I enjoy traveling and reading books. I joined SOAR because I am aligned with its mission and would like to be involved in helping underserved communities with SOAR.

Sarah Hussein Umoja Peer Pathfinder Educator

 

TRANSFER CENTER UMOJA PEER EDUCATORS

Dee Statum

They/Them

My name is Dee (they/them) and I am currently a third year transfer student at UCI. My major is Education Sciences and my minor is African American Studies. I currently serve as one of your UMOJA Peer Educators in the Transfer Student Center (yay)! I am also involved in multiple organizations like Associated Students of UCI, UC Student Association, and the UMOJA Community Org. @ UCI. I hope to meet all of you soon as we journey through UCI together!

Dee Statum

Umoja Peer Pathfinder Educator

Kamia

She/Her/Hers

Hello! My name is Kamia. I am a 4th year Political Science transfer student. I will be working in the transfer student center with the Umoja students. I am a Los Angeles native. I hope to go to law school and become a lawyer, or become a professor of Political Science. In my free time I love going to the beach, hanging out with friends, or watching movies inside.

Kamia Carter

Umoja Peer Pathfinder Educator

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UMOJA PROGRAM

What does the Umoja program offer?

1. One-on-One Advising
2. Peer Mentorship
3. LARC Scholarship
4. SOAR Scholarship
5. Book Loan/ I-Clicker Loan Program
6. Testing Materials
7. Graduate School Preparation
8. Individualized Workshops and Events
9. Priority Consideration for Housing (Umoja House in Arroyo Vista)
10. Umoja Professional Development Opportunity
11. Umoja Student Club

What do we do during consulting?

During consultations, we help identify and address student needs. We assist mentees to navigate and connect to campus resources and services. We work with our mentees to create an individual plan of action for student success

FOCUS AREAS DURING CONSULATION

1. Academic Success
2. Mental and Emotional Health
3. Financial Wellness
4. Professional Development
5. Campus Engagement and Belonging

106 Gateway Study Center
Irvine, CA 92697-5125
(949) 824-5762
soaring@uci.edu