As an Academic Advisor at Westwood University, I actively participated in the implementation and running of a comprehensive Academic Mentoring Program. This program was built upon a near-peer model, where recent graduates guide current students about academic choices and career paths.
One of the challenges of this model was establishing trust and rapport between the mentors and mentees. We addressed this by running regular ice-breaking and team-building sessions, ensuring shared experiences were acknowledged and used constructively.
The outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive, with students expressing higher levels of academic engagement, improved social connectivity, and satisfaction with their career guidance. The program not only facilitated academic success but also fostered a supportive community within the university.