1. Steve Shimozaki, Psychology 229 7125 ss373@le.ac.uk
Peer mentor coordinator, 3rd year

2. The past 2 years
The ‘University of Durham’ model
All 2nd years (excepting those who opted out) were paired with
1 or 2 first year students
Relatively random assignment, except for course and gender
Two events, 1st week and 7th week

3. The past 2 years
A small number of ‘liaisons’ (12 last year) who would oversee about 17 pairings.
They would report to me if there was an issue, and also I met them twice in the first term.

4. This year
We had a problem with engagement, both from the first years and the second years.
There was also an issue that students were unaware of the opt-out period (in spring).
Also, a lack of oversight/training might have been an issue.

5. This year
Change to a more typical scheme with a smaller number of volunteer peer mentors with training.
Include a HEAR listing for peer mentorship as incentive.
Also include 3rd year mentorship of 2nd years
Retain 1st and 7th week general meetings

6. This year
HEAR report listing requirements (if you would like the document, please let me know and I’ll it to you)
1. Attendance of the general meetings in 1st and 7th week (and with me at the same meeting). I’ll probably have an additional meeting.
2. Attend a 2-hour training session in 2nd or 3rd week
3. Organise 2 meetings with their group, one in 3rd or 4th week, one in 8th or 9th week.
4. A word reflective essay at the end of the year

7. This year
About 200 incoming students, about 20 peer mentors, thus about 10 first years per mentor
Additionally, the 10 3rd year mentors will have about 15 2nd year mentees each.
Low engagement, do not anticipate much extra work
I’ll monitor to adjust workload, if necessary

8. Training session
Based on materials from Elizabeth Cornish
Based on previous peer mentor handbook for Psychology
Goal: advise mentors on what they should and should not do (the limitations of their position, confidentiality, plagiarism).
Goal: Advise mentors on how to best interact with mentees
If you wish to see the Handbook, please let me know.