Gator-2-Gator

Gator-2-Gator connects UF students with trained student ambassadors for a supportive, one-on-one conversation. Whether you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just need help figuring out next steps, G2G offers a welcoming space to talk and get connected to helpful campus resources.

What to Expect

30-minute consultations focused on support, problem-solving, and referrals to resources.

Drop-in friendly—students are welcome to join as often as needed.

Peer support, not counseling: G2G ambassadors do not provide clinical care, evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment, and no personal information is collected.

Privacy-minded: Please use only your first name when joining.

Need Immediate Help?

If you or someone else may be in danger, call 911. For urgent support, contact the Counseling & Wellness Center at 352-392-1575.

Schedule (Zoom)

How to join: RSVP for a G2G Zoom session by clicking the “Zoom RSVP” link on the calendar listing. Sessions are drop-in/first come, first served—you may join at any time up to 30 minutes before the session ends, and you’ll be seen in order of arrival.

Gator-2-Gator Partner Programs

Gator-2-Gator partner programs bring the G2G model to specific colleges, departments, and student communities across UF. Each partner program works with the CWC to train student ambassadors in core peer-support skills so ambassadors can connect with someone from their program and learn about appropriate campus and local resources.

Current partner programs include:

Request G-2-G Training for Your Department/College/Program

Gator-2-Gator provides training for UF departments, colleges, and other entities to establish their own Gator-2-Gator (G2G) service. Trained G2G ambassadors can then offer sessions to student in their program.

Please note: training is offered in two parts, and all sessions are held via Zoom.

Training opportunities are listed on the INSERT LINK. Upon registration, you will be prompted to complete a waiver outlining expectations of becoming a Gator-2-Gator Ambassador.

To begin implementing Gator-2-Gator in your unit, complete the training form:

Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Questions? Email cwc-g2g@ufl.edu.

G2G TRAINING

Training program outline & requirements:

Gator-2-Gator ambassadors are required to complete a six (6) hour training held over two sessions (one 4-hour session and one 2-hour session), covering:

  • Active listening and support skills
  • Recognizing and responding to signs of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, substance use/abuse, and disordered eating
  • Ways to support fellow students and connect them with resources
  • Campus and community resources and services of support

These trainings are interactive and focus on real issues and concerns. Attendance at all training sessions is crucial.Trainees must complete both sessions before engaging in Gator-2-Gator support services. If a session is missed, it must be made up at another Gator-2-Gator training to ensure all requirements are met.

Gator-2-Gator ambassadors must also pass a knowledge-check quiz covering general mental health concerns of college-aged students.

Ambassador Expectations & Responsibilities

  • Ambassadors are approachable listeners who are respected by peers
  • Ambassadors are leaders and positive role models within UF
  • Ambassadors have strong communication skills and are creative problem-solvers
  • Ambassadors become knowledgeable about common mental health concerns and make effective referrals to encourage support-seeking
  • Ambassadors do not provide counseling or professional advice
  • Ambassadors maintain confidentiality of fellow ambassadors and UF students
  • Ambassadors attend weekly group consultation meetings for supervision and consultation (ambassadors who cannot attend consultation meetings are not eligible to provide support services)

Benefits of Becoming a Gator-2-Gator Ambassador

  • Learn valuable skills that can strengthen personal relationships and support professional development
  • Become a skilled and knowledgeable resource to help students in need
  • Join a group providing a valuable service to the campus community

How to Offer Gator-2-Gator Services in Your Department/Program

Gator-2-Gator is available to UF departments and programs who wish to provide student mental health support in their area. The CWC assists departments/programs in developing a G2G program that aligns with Gator-2-Gator’s mission and values. Interested parties must identify students who are interested and available to fully participate in training. Following training, the CWC supports implementation of G2G services, including weekly required consultation meetings for ambassadors providing support services. Departments and programs who fulfill all Gator-2-Gator requirements may promote the availability of G2G services within their respective area(s) (e.g., “Gator-2-Gator @ College of ___”).

For additional information about offering Gator-2-Gator services, contact CWC’s Director of Outreach, Dr. Ebony Okafor.



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