SAIL

Start. Achieve. Impact. Lead.

The SAIL retreat will take place from Wednesday, August 6, 2025, through Saturday, August 9, 2025.

Click here to apply for SAIL 2025. Once the May 31 priority application deadline has passed, applications will be considered on a space available basis.

SAIL is a mentorship program. In addition to attending the retreat in August, students will be required to meet with their mentor on a weekly basis throughout the fall semester.

WHAT IS THE SAIL PROGRAM?

The SAIL Program is an opportunity for incoming Piedmont University students to CONNECT, BUILD RELATIONSHIPS, and NAVIGATE COLLEGE more effectively. This program is primarily geared towards first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students. 
 
Our SAIL program kicked off in the fall of 2018.

BENEFITS OF THE SAIL PROGRAM

• Be the first students to move onto campus. 
• Attend a three-day retreat in Northeast Georgia. 
• Have an upper-level student mentor devoted to their success throughout their first semester. 
• Obtain training designed to assist in achieving better academic, personal, and professional balance and success.
• Develop skills and knowledge in:
  • Time Management & Organization
  • Learning Styles & Personality Awareness
  • Study Skills 
  • Self-Care & Adaptability 
  • Oral Communication & Interpersonal Skills 
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Financial Literacy
• Take the You Science aptitude and interest assessment to identify personal strengths and major/career paths.
• The opportunity to CONNECT with current students, faculty, and staff before everyone arrives on campus. 
• The SAIL Program is completely FREE to participants.

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION & INVOLVEMENT

The SAIL Program will have 3 major players: Captain, Navigators, and Voyagers 

Captain: This is a faculty/staff member who oversees a Navigator and Voyager team. They will serve as a point of contact, resource and direct campus connection for all SAIL participants. 

Navigator: This is an upper-level student mentor who has applied, interviewed and trained for this role.  Navigators will connect, support and engage with students throughout their first semester. Navigators have identified ways to be successful in college and are eager to guide Voyagers.

Voyager: This is an incoming Piedmont University student in the program. These students will focus on exploring, connecting, engaging, and succeeding during their first year of college by utilizing the resources and support created by the SAIL program.  Voyagers and Navigators will go through a mutual selection process during the August retreat and will meet 1-2 times per week throughout the first semester.  

WHO is Eligible for the SAIL Program?

Any incoming, transfer, or first-year Piedmont University student is welcome to apply. Priority will be given to first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students.

Students must APPLY to be a SAIL VOYAGER by May 31.

SELECTIONS will be announced via email the first week of July.