UA’s COE has it’s own mentoring program, called “Mentor UPP” - details here: http://mentoring.eng.ua.edu/ .
IMO, it is important going into college (not just UA) with SOMEthing in addition to schoolwork that you are involved in. Knowing what that is beforehand is important so that your student feels they belong to the school from the start.
If is she herself who feels she will become a turtle, then it is up to her to not become one! There are so many opportunities to join things…she just needs to find what those are. Look to what she already does in HS and what kinds of kids she hangs with. Then, you will be able to find those same things at UA. (LOADS of things to become involved in at UA for all types of people!!!) PM any of us ‘regulars’ if you don’t want to list those activities here and give us more info…and any of us can give you a list of what might be applicable to your daughter.
What branch of Engineering?