Marlene Fares

Hi Joyce,

We created a PAL program at my Institution that is a peer mentoring/turoting program.
The Peer Assistance Leader (PAL) program is an innovative program to address a typical new student's transitional needs. The program is about peer mentoring, tutoring, academic support and study skills assistance. PAL’s are expected to model positive decision making strategies regarding academics and learning; and have a desire to support and assist others in reaching scholastic success.
PAL Mission Statement
The mission of the Peer Assistance Leader program is to prepare students for leadership roles and responsibilities through the use of leadership techniques, theories and models. The program is committed to providing students with both learning and developmental opportunities to ensure their success at Berks Technical Institute.

Peer Assistant Leaders are students selected by the Office of Student Services on the basis of their academic record and participation in student activities, PALs help advise first term students and encourage them to get involved in student activities. PALs will encourage first-term students by making phone calls or emails to all assigned students. Arrange weekly groups or individual meetings with assigned students. During individual or group sessions, cover topics such as stress management, campus resources, campus involvement, financial aid, and review mid-term reports with students. Give summary reports of student weekly contact. Serve as a positive role model for first-term students. Assist SSC in recruitment of students.

Requirements for acceptance in to the Peer Assistant Leaders group include but are not limited to:

• Maintain regular contact with your assigned students
• Assist in guiding students in their academic and social growth
• Provide a means of open communication between student, instructors and student services office
• Being held to the highest professional standards
• Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5
• Provide weekly updates to Student Services Office
• Maintain an active log of current student mentees
• Attend mandatory training with the Student Services Office

Our training booklet includes many do's and don'ts, along with qualities and skills needed in order to be a successful mentor.

Hope this helps!

Susan Backofen

Joyce,

There are many models, as you may have guessed. I agree, the more cumbersome and time consuming you make this the more likely they are to not follow through.

However, you also want to make it meaningful for both the mentor and the mentee. Sometimes mentors meet in groups with their assigned students--which is a pretty good idea as it also encourages them to start bonding with each other as well as themselves.

Susan Backofen