Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

Creating a Cross-Campus Peer Mentor Network

Kayla Lisenby

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v20i1.2825

Keywords: Best practices, peer mentoring, programs, peer mentor, network, first-year students, upper-division students, faculty, transition

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Abstract

This article provides specific best practices for creating a cross-campus peer mentor network. Peer mentoring programs are proliferating on college campuses, especially those that are focused on helping first-year students as they transition into a higher education institution. At an institution where several peer mentoring organizations may already exist, the creation of a cross-campus network can have many advantages to the institution, first-year students, upper-division students, and faculty. This article presents the advantages of establishing a peer-mentoring network and provides strategies for overcoming potential roadblocks to establishing such a program. In addition, seven steps for creating an effective and sustainable cross-campus peer network are shared.