Welcome to the Flames Leadership Network!
The Flames Leadership Network (FLN) program provides holistic support for incoming, first-year UIC students to help support their academic success. The cornerstone of the program is its student-centered coaching model.
The program, which began in 2017, has served nearly 3,000 first-year students to date.
A variety of intensive one-on-one, asset-based support services are offered to students participating in the FLN program. FLN program components include:
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A designated coach to help students transition from high school to college. (The student-to-coach ratio remains low, 100 students per coach, to maintain a high-quality coaching experience.)
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Mentoring support from peers, some of whom are former FLN students.
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Monthly workshops on topics such as time management and test-taking strategies to help improve essential skills related to academic success.
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Monthly community engagements to build connections with staff and other students. Students are also encouraged to engage in a variety of UIC-related events.
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A monetary stipend to support student engagement and participation.
FLN Student Spotlights
Brittney is a dedicated sophomore currently pursuing a major in Pre-Nursing with a minor in English. Outside of her academic pursuits, she is preparing for a new opportunity at UI Health Hospital, where she will begin working soon. Throughout her time in the FLN program, Brittney has gained valuable benefits that have impacted her academically, personally, and professionally. She credits FLN with helping her navigate challenges such as enrolling in summer classes and managing stress.
Emily is a freshman majoring in Accounting, is actively involved in various extracurricular activities and leadership roles. Her involvement with the First-Year Leadership Network (FLN) has been highly beneficial to her academic and professional growth. Through guidance from her FLN coach and peer success coach, she has developed essential skills such as evaluating her degree audit and planning her coursework.