Student Mentor
We have not tried this. Sounds like it could be an effective way to help new students make connections with the institution and other students. Has anyone tried having the Student Council involved in this type of activity?
Richard--
Student Council and other like-type groups would be great organizations to have involved. That way, they (student council) could have a great 'handle' on new student issues as well.
The key here is, obviously, to have students who are commited to assisting students integrate in to the institution and who will represent your interests well by supporting the school. That is what makes your suggestion regarding Student Council an excellent one.
Susan
I recommend some type of training program for the student mentors. You just don't want to cut them loose with new students and they need to know what their responsibilities are for specific situations. I have used them in the past where they worked and where they don't. It really depends on the culture of your school and the attitude of your current students.
Aaron--
Exactly right. Training and screening of current students as mentors is critical. When it works, it is wonderful but can cause a great deal of harm if not done correctly.
We have a "Student Vision Team" that has worked quite well. This team is charged with being sure that we are always seeing things through the eyes of the student. They are also involved in informational meetings about the program and will be working with new students as they come in.
In our online program, the students set up a "buddy system" where each new student has a mentor if they want one. This has been pretty effective in calming those early fears when someone is afraid they are in over their head.
We have recently considered implementing a peer mentoring program but have not quite worked out the logistics. An initial concern is how to motivate students to become mentors. Do some institutions offer some kind of rewards to mentors, or is the credential for their resume sufficient?
Leigh--
Some institutions provide a recognition program for their mentors...something they can put on their resume! They also hold an ceremony of sorts to provide certificates to them.
In short, anything you can do to make this a real 'honor' for the students generally will get you the type and volume of potential mentors you are looking for.
Susan
We have implemented a "Student Ambassador" program at our school. Each instructor selects a student to serve as the class ambassador; students selected must have good grades and attendance as well as being interested in building a positive school culture. Ambassadors wear distinctive uniform colors that make it easy for new students to identify them; they assist with helping new students in class become familiar with routines and campus layout. In addition, it is sometimes easier for a new student to approach another student with a personal concern or issue and the ambassadors are trained to get these students to the appropriate school personnel.
Excellent idea! You are correct, students are more likely to approach each other to share their concerns. This also gives the students an opportunity to learn more about the school and available resources.
Susan
We have "Student Ambassadors" as well. In addition to what was stated already, our Ambassadors do not receive their Ambassador scrubs or polo shirt until they attend a Leadership training session. We also offer a Mentoring training session. Once they have completed the training, they are given a certificate to include in their portfolio.
The Ambassadors are a great resource on campus to new students; as well as to the staff and faculty by providing feedback in regards to student issues.
