Customizing Your Peer Mentor Program: Best Practices in Developing a Peer Mentoring Framework

Last updated April 30, 2015

Customizing Your Peer Mentor Program: Best Practices in Developing a Peer Mentoring Framework

Last updated April 30, 2015

Overview

This online course will help you design targeted peer mentor programs to improve the success of specific student populations. Using best practices, this course will help you design a peer mentor model, train your mentors, and address important challenges of your mentee population. You will leave with a plan to improve your peer mentor program for one or more of these populations:

  • First year students
  • First generation students
  • International students
  • Veteran students
  • Multicultural students
  • Transfer students

Who should attend?

You should participate in this online training if you are responsible for implementing or revamping a peer mentor program on your campus. This online training will also benefit professionals looking to improve retention for niche student populations.

Agenda

Module 1: Best Practices in Developing a Peer Mentoring Framework

In this first module you will learn about a host of research-based principles that can improve the framework and structure for your peer mentoring programs. You will become more acquainted with different peer mentoring models, and you will be able to plan an improved framework for your peer mentoring program with the help of a short assignment.

Learning Outcome: After participating in this online training, you will be able to design or improve a framework for successful peer mentoring programs.

Agenda:

  • Organizational Structure
  • Budget and Financing
  • Investing in Your Peer Mentors
    • Recruiting
    • Hiring
    • Compensation
    • Motivating
  • Best Practice Models

Module 2: Components of a Successful Training Program

In this second module you will learn how to develop a peer mentoring training process. We will provide tips and strategies for improving your program along the way, and you will leave with a guide to build out your peer mentoring training program.  You’ll also receive feedback from our expert instructor on key principles to include or modify after completing a short assignment.

Learning Outcome: After participating in this online training, you will be able to design and implement a peer mentoring training program.

  • Defining Training Objectives
  • Best Practices In:
    • Timing and Length
    • Selecting Content
    • Assessing Effectiveness
  • Collaborating across Campus
  • Training Scenarios
  • Outlining a Plan

Module 3: Considerations for Your Student Population

Dig into the unique characteristics of different student populations by watching six short recorded trainings on your own time and at your own pace. Each short recording offers a deeper dive into a special population. After watching any recording, you will have a better understanding of the key components required in building and managing peer mentoring programs for very specific groups.

Watch all of these recordings, or just the ones you really need!

Learning Outcome: After participating in this online training, you will be able to tailor your peer mentoring program to better fit the needs of your specific population of students.

20-30 minute recorded trainings that address these specific populations:

  • First-year students
  • Veteran students
  • International students
  • Transfer students
  • Multicultural students
  • First generation students

Each recording will answer these questions:

  • What defines potential learning outcome(s) for peer mentoring programs tailored to this population?
  • What are the key program framework considerations (timing, scope, partners, etc) for leaders designing these programs?
  • Are there recruiting and training themes for peer mentors that must be addressed?
  • What specialized leadership support do these programs require?

Module 4: Feedback and Follow-up

Now that you’ve received feedback on your assignments, connect with our expert instructor to discuss final changes to the structure of your peer mentoring program.  This final module will also show you what others in this course are doing with peer mentoring programs on their campuses.

Learning Outcome: After participating in this online training, you will be able to complete your peer mentoring program design and implementation.