1. Utilizing Your Peer Mentor to Encourage Campus EngagementBy
Tammy & Doug Renalds

2. Instagram Reflection Idea originally developed with Peer Mentor
Non-traditional approach to reflection
Encourages campus involvement
Peer Mentor monitors Instagram account and checks for submitted posts
Posts are scrolled on screen in class on PM’s solo day

3. Provide an instruction handout with event & Instagram account guidelines.

4. Tips to Consider
Remind students the account is shared, but password only for class members
Posts must include name to receive credit
Posts must be positive
Posts must be from 2 different types of events
Get permission for individual or small group pics
Can use a picture of a sign, etc. if no photography allowed
Peer Mentor is contact person for assignment and can encourage and inform of upcoming events
Deactivate account after class ends

6. Our account

8. Midterm Progress Check-In
Overview
One-day activity
Assigned as homework
Checks life inside the classroom (instructor)
Checks life outside the classroom (PM)
During “waiting time,” do future assignment

9. Midterm Progress Check-In
Before: Presented prior to class
As homework? Weeks ahead of time?
Inside the Classroom
Academic success? On top of Rocky Top?
Outside the Classroom
Sense of belonging? Feeling “at home”?
After: Wrap up by emphasizing importance
Early habits. Need for corrective measures.

10. Inside the Classroom List classes and estimated final grades
Satisfied with those grades?
Dropping a class
3 weeks away from that decision
See instructor
See advisor
Class absences

11. Inside the Classroom Additional help What has worked? Not worked?
Tutoring, office hours, etc.
What has worked? Not worked?
Overall view of academic behavior, strategies
Longer conversation?

12. Outside the Classroom Connections to UT
Clubs, activities, relationships?
Classroom connections?
1-10 feeling “at home” and why?
Overall view of academic behavior, strategies
Health and wellbeing?
Parental perspective (objective perspective)
PM playing the objective role

13. Outside the Classroom Progress on Instagram Assignment?
Instagram = Involvement
Expectations vs. Reality
Better than you expected?
Worse?
Longer conversation?

14. Your thoughts, ideas, or questions . . . ?