What is PACE?
PACE (Preparation, Awareness, Community, Engagement) is a year-long mentorship program for first-year and transfer students of color. All students are welcome.
The program starts on campus before Welcome Week and continues throughout your important first year at Augustana.
During PACE orientation, students of color will ...
- Meet each other, their mentors and other campus leaders.
- Learn about resources and opportunities on campus.
- Experience an unforgettable welcome to Augustana.
- Make some of their best friends!
The program and meals during orientation are provided at no cost, and early move-in is free for residential students.
PACE 2025 orientation is Sunday, Aug. 24-Thursday, Aug. 28.
What does PACE stand for?
Preparation
Preparing you for college is the first goal of PACE. You’ll come to campus early for an orientation introducing you to each other, to mentors and leaders, and to resources on your new campus. It’s a lot of fun, too.
Awareness
You will find many identity-building, learning and leadership opportunities through the Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. An experienced Augustana student will be your PACE mentor, keeping you aware of opportunities before you.
Community
Your supportive Augustana community begins with PACE, and continues throughout your time on campus. Many of the college's 170 student groups focus on specific cultural backgrounds, experiences and values. The Asian Pacific Islander Desi American House, Black Culture House, Casa Latina and the You Belong Here Lounge all provide spaces for meetings, events and hanging out.
Engagement
Engaging with your community—in class, on campus and in the broader world—is how you will develop confidence as a student and a leader. It all starts by engaging with PACE.
What grads and students say about PACE
Nishal Weems '23
History major, biology minor
Augustana’s student laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois
"I will miss PACE and the friends I made throughout my time. Come with an open mind ready to learn. You will meet so many new people in the upcoming years."
Karla Collazo '27
Secondary education–French teaching
First-generation college student
"I came early to campus for the PACE program. That was the best experience.... PACE helped me develop lasting friendships with diverse people. I thank PACE for helping me meet amazing individuals, receive support services information, and helping me feel familiarized and welcome on campus."
Khalil Mosely '24
Graphic design
Outreach coordinator, Public Allies Chicago, Art Institute of Chicago
"PACE genuinely made me feel welcomed, appreciated and comfortable expressing my identity. This program gave me a transparent vision of what inclusivity, diversity and a loving community truly means…. As an alumnus, I highly recommend students of color and first gens to attend and experience this lovely program."
PACE 2025 schedule overview
Sunday, Aug. 24
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m.: Residence hall move-in
- 4-4:45 p.m.: Free time and family goodbyes
- 5 p.m.: PACE check-in
- 5:30 p.m.: Meet your PACE group
- 6:30 p.m.: Welcome dinner and mixer
Monday, Aug. 25
- 8:30-9:30 a.m.: Continental breakfast
- 11:30 a.m.: Lunch with PACE group
- 12:45-3 p.m.: Community-building activities
- 6:30 p.m.: Dinner and evening social activity
Tuesday, Aug. 26
- 8:30-9:15 a.m.: Continental breakfast
- 9:30 a.m.: College welcome
- 10 a.m.: Morning session
- 11 a.m.: PACE group check-in
- 11:30 a.m.: Lunch with PACE group
- 1:30-3 p.m.: Afternoon interactive activity
- 5-6:30 p.m.: Dinner
- 7 p.m.: Evening social activity
Wednesday, Aug. 27
- 9:15-10 a.m.: Continental breakfast
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Lunch with PACE group
- 12:45 p.m.: PACE group check-in
- 1:30 p.m.: Group photo
- 2:15-4:30 p.m.: Afternoon workshop and panels
- 5-6:30 p.m.: Dinner with PACE group
- 7 p.m.: Evening social activity
Thursday, Aug. 28
- 9-9:45 a.m.: Continental breakfast
- 10 a.m.: Morning session
- 11:30 a.m.: Lunch with PACE group
- 1:30-4:30 p.m.: Afternoon workshop and panels
- 5-6:30 p.m.: Dinner
- 8 p.m.: Dinner and closing celebration