Griffith University’s peer-to-peer programs such as mentoring and student leadership enhance student support, engagement and achievement.   Â
At the recent STARS (Students, Transition, Achievement, Retention, Success) Conference, Griffith psychology student Sam Flowers saw how the University compared with others in the peer program space. Â
“I was quite inspired to see the sector-wide contributions to improving the student experience,” Sam says.  Â
“Griffith also really demonstrated its commitment to student wellbeing through its wide range of programs.â€Â
Griffith University’s Manager, Mentoring and Orientation Nathan Seng says Griffith has been a pioneer in student mentor training.Â
“To my knowledge, Griffith University was the first to introduce a coordinated training program for its student mentors,†he says. Â
“Many universities now offer similar programs, which is great to see.â€Â  Â
Nathan is also the convenor of the Queensland chapter of the Australasian Peer Programs Network—a community of practice for peer-support professionals and higher education practitioners. Â
Each year, the network meets at the STARS Conference. Â
“The student voice was a key underlying theme at this year’s conference, and Griffith was one of the few universities that brought along a student representative,” Nathan says.Â
“Sam’s voice was integral to the proceedings, and we’re so glad he could be there to offer a student voice firsthand.â€Â Â
Student voice is key

In his third year of a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours degree, Sam says he was happy to contribute at the conference. Â
“During small group workshops, academics and professionals actively involved myself and sought my feedback, particularly in the psychological wellbeing workshops,†he explains.Â
“I was able to provide a present context and feedback from a student’s perspective, which everyone really appreciated.â€Â  Â
Sam says the conference also reinforced the benefits of the Griffith Graduate Attributes. Â
“There were key messages around adaptivity, agility and anti-fragility during the conference, which are all echoed in the Griffith Graduate Attributes,†he says. Â
Students at centre of peer programsÂ
Nathan says the University recognises the importance of peer programs and is committed to their ongoing development and success.  Â
“Our peer mentoring programs are innovative, digital and agile to meet the needs of our varied student demographics,†Nathan says. Â
“On a recent student survey (Starting at Griffith), 72% of respondents indicated they received helpful information or advice about their degree from senior students or peer mentors.Â
“Student feedback informs a lot of what we do. For example, programs such as Peer Writing Mentoring are a direct result of the kind of support students are asking for.â€Â
Nathan says students connect more readily with their peers, which is what helps makes Griffith’s student-led peer programs a success. Â
“Peer programs like student mentoring and Peer Assisted Study Sessions work because students are more likely to accept practical study tips from their peers,†he explains. Â
“The social connections are also really important, and we know that social connectivity—especially early on—correlates to higher retention rates.”  Â
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