Peer Mentoring at VU

Introduction: three models

There are currently three main models of peer mentoring operating at VU. If you are interested in incorporating peer mentoring in your curriculum then take a look at these models described below and think what might suit your purpose.

In Model 1, the focus is on the students' academic needs. Unit of study-based programs provide revision sessions in specific subjects in a group-based, peer-led, semi-formal setting. Each group is led by two trained student mentors who have been successful in that subject. For detailed information on Subject-Based Mentoring, click here.

In Model 2, the focus is on students' adustment and their need to affiliate and identify with a specific learning environment. Orientation/ transition programs cover broad psychosocial and learning outcomes in a group-based, peer-led, semi-formal setting. Eachgroup is led by one o two trained student mentors who have experienced the same transition.

In Model 3, the focus is on students' learning needs as they arise within a library setting. Mentors (Student Rovers) will be available to students within the Learning Commons to gain advice and support about IT

Developing your program

Student Learning Services and Counselling Services staff will help you to devise, implement, monitor and evaluate your program. Specifically, we will help you to:

• Devise and conduct a Mentor information/ recruitment session
• Devise and conduct a Mentor training session
• Provide ongoing support to mentors and staff
• Provide a mid-program mentee evaluation
• Provide and end-of-program mentor and mentee evaluation

For more information,contact Gill Best or Darko Hajzler

Peer Mentoring Programs at VU