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Mission Statement
The BucGuide Academy (BGA) is an extracurricular mentorship program that helps CBAT sophomores grow academically, professionally, and personally. Co-designed by student leaders and the faculty advisor, BGA fosters a supportive community where students learn, lead, and thrive.
- Mission: Equip CBAT students to become their best selves
- Vision: A launchpad for student success
- Strategy: Student-centered, application-driven, and community-engaged
- Mantra: BucGuide, BucThrive!
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Why BGA?
- Mentees: Holistic coaching from peers, faculty, and industry professionals
- Peer Mentors: Leadership training with real-world practice
- BGA Student Leaders: Meaningful leadership roles and a standout portfolio
- Industry Partners: Make a positive impact and gain access to future talent
- CBAT: Strengthen student success and elevate the college experience
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Who Can Join BGA?
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the BGA pilot program is open to BBA sophomores, with plans to expand to all CBAT sophomores in the future. BGA welcomes students from every background and experience level.
You don’t need outstanding grades to apply. What matters is your willingness to take ownership of your journey and embrace coaching and support. Whether you are excelling, facing challenges, or simply seeking a supportive community, BGA is here for you.
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How Does BGA Work?
Each mentee is placed on a team of up to six, guided by a peer mentor, a faculty mentor, and an industry mentor. Each mentee takes ownership of their BGA journey, and the peer mentor serves as the team lead and liaison.
Mentees set personalized goals with mentor guidance, create action plans, and track progress on the BGA D2L site. They may schedule one-on-one meetings with mentors, participate in weekly drop-in sessions for added support, and attend monthly BGA events to apply learning and expand networks.
Progress is measured through self-assessments, mentor feedback, and D2L checklists. Those who meet program requirements earn BGA certification, with recognition and prizes for exceptional growth.
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Testimonials
"BGA has helped me by showing me there are people who genuinely care for your success. It does not matter your background, your intelligence but rather your ability to show up and give effort. I was so nervous when going to the event night, I was awkward and did not feel like I belonged, it's the truth. But after that night, I saw how many people truly want to see me succeed in whatever I do and will help you in any way they can to make you succeed.
BGA did not only teach me to be confident in myself, but to also be confident in others to give me a shot. BGA showed me that I'm a natural born leader and that I can take charge in a room just by presence alone. Other than personal things, BGA and my mentor Max taught me what a "connection" is. They taught me the importance of my resume and LinkedIn and even gave me my first handful of my own "connections".
I have not even scratched the surface as to how much I can benefit from this community. I have and will always recommend BGA to every underclassman I meet because it changed my perspective and trajectory of my college career."
-Colt Reese, Economics Major: BGA Mentee
"The BGA has had a tremendous impact on me by helping me grow into the kind of servant leader I want to be. Through the experiences, relationships, and opportunities it has provided, I have learned how to lead with empathy, humility, and purpose, focusing on uplifting others rather than seeking recognition.
Academically, it has pushed me to think deeper about how leadership connects to real-world impact, and professionally, it has helped me build confidence in my voice and values. The BGA has reminded me that true leadership is about service; listening, learning, and helping others reach their potential alongside my own."
-Isabella Stiltner, Management Major: BGA Peer Mentor
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BGA Events - Fall 2025
Septemeber 2025
- Personalized Goal Setting
October 2025
- Career Fair Preparation and Participation
November 2025
- Industry Tours
East Tennessee State University faculty, staff, students, and industry partners play
rock paper scissors at the BucGuide Academy (BGA) meeting.
East Tennessee State University faculty, staff, students, and industry partners play
rock paper scissors at the BucGuide Academy (BGA) meeting.
East Tennessee State University faculty, staff, students, and industry partners talk
to each other during a BucGuide Academy (BGA) meeting.
Six ETSU CBAT members smile in front of a College of Business and Technology backdrop.
East Tennessee State University faculty, staff, students, and industry partners talk
to each other during a BucGuide Academy (BGA) meeting.
East Tennessee State University faculty, staff, students, and industry partners play
rock paper scissors at the BucGuide Academy (BGA) meeting.
Six ETSU CBAT members smile in front of a College of Business and Technology backdrop.
East Tennessee State University faculty, staff, students, and industry partners play rock paper scissors at the BucGuide Academy (BGA) meeting.
East Tennessee State University faculty, staff, students, and industry partners play rock paper scissors at the BucGuide Academy (BGA) meeting.
East Tennessee State University faculty, staff, students, and industry partners talk to each other during a BucGuide Academy (BGA) meeting.
Six ETSU CBAT members smile in front of a College of Business and Technology backdrop.
East Tennessee State University faculty, staff, students, and industry partners talk to each other during a BucGuide Academy (BGA) meeting.
East Tennessee State University faculty, staff, students, and industry partners play rock paper scissors at the BucGuide Academy (BGA) meeting.
Six ETSU CBAT members smile in front of a College of Business and Technology backdrop.
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