Steven Sifferman, member of Devils' Advocates, gives a tour to prospective students Wednesday on ASU Tempe campus. (Photo by Cameron Tattle)Students searching for a college to call home receive help from ASU’s oldest student organization.
The 46–year-old Devils’ Advocates club is dedicated to giving ASU’s visitors a perspective on what they will experience if they chose to attend ASU, secondary education English senior Ashley Mentzer said.
Mentzer, a former columnist for The State Press, is the president of the Devils’ Advocates club.
She said Advocates aim to promote Sun Devil pride and tradition during the tours.
“We address things like attending football games and joining clubs,” she said.
Business freshman Rhiannon Lewis went on a campus tour last year.
Everyone was friendly and her tour made campus feel homey and comfortable, Lewis said.
Lewis said when she first came to ASU she found different kinds of people here.
She said the girl who led her tour was energetic and seemed like she loved being a student at ASU.
“That really made me want to come here,” she said.
Mentzer said as a first-time freshman, understanding financial aid and meal plans could be confusing.
The Advocates try to provide as much context as possible for students to become familiar with the programs available at ASU.
“I always encourage students to speak to someone in the financial assistance and scholarship offices, just so they get their finances taken care of before they arrive on campus,” she said.
Mentzer said she and her fellow Advocates are all great friends outside of the club.
“We form intramural teams and stay active in our spare time,” she said.
Mentzer said being an Advocate has helped her connect to the campus and learn about ASU’s history.
Since attending ASU, she has been involved in clubs and fallen in love with her major.
“I wouldn’t do things differently if I had a choice,” she said.
Jaime Engelhart, undergraduate admissions and campus visits coordinator, said an advocate’s job is to share his or her Sun Devil story.
Engelhart said there is a very extensive selection process to be an Advocate that consists of three rounds of interviews.
Reach the reporter at hblawren@asu.edu
