Peer Mentoring at La Trobe
Why Peer Mentoring?
It has been noted by many researchers that a University student’s first year is one of his/her most crucial, and plays an important part in student attrition rates. The first year experience has been the focus of higher education research for over 65 years. (Krause, 2005) Universities across the world are beginning to highlight the social and economic imperatives for retaining students and the need for institutions to focus on student retention and success strategies.
The La Trobe First Year Experience Survey conducted in 2007 shows that nearly 30% of respondents had seriously thought about deferring or dropping out. The most common reason given was emotional health (55.3%), financial issues (40%), and even a dislike of studying (33.3%). Significantly, the main reason they decided to stay on was from advice from family and friends (63.8%).
Professor Kerri-Lee Krause (Director of the Griffith Institute for Higher Education), highlights the usefulness of Peer Mentoring Programs (PMPs) in stating: “the need to connect students with their peers in meaningful ways both in and out of the classroom. The literature abounds with research supporting the need for institutions to develop programs and practices which facilitate student interaction with peers”. In this sense, PMPs offer a fantastic way for students to become more involved with both their studies, as well as the University.
Peer Mentoring Toolkit and Network
In order to support and encourage the implementation of quality Peer Mentoring Programs across La Trobe, the Student Engagement team has developed a Peer Mentoring Toolkit, featuring a wide range of templates, resources and manuals.
A Peer Mentoring Network of colleagues involved in the development and implementation of PMP’s will also be established over 2009 to provide an opportunity for sharing experiences and expertise amongst PMP coordinators and mentors across campuses and faculties.