Engaging Alumni as Peer Mentors: Fostering Belonging and Forging Paths to Success

Peer mentoring positively impacts students’ learning experience. It not only improves their content knowledge in courses but also reduces stress and anxiety levels, while increasing participation and engagement within the academic community. The MS in Integrative Physiology (MSIP) - graduate peer mentoring (GPM) program at Benedictine University, launched in 2020 during the COVID19 pandemic, aids in student and mentor success. The MSIP program, started in 2017 with 18 students, now has a total of 187, with 30 students enrolled in 2023. The cohort-based learning model, small class sizes, personalized advising, and a well-designed curriculum benefit diverse students. The shift to online learning during the pandemic challenged connections crucial for student success. An alum of the program was hired as a peer mentor to assist with classroom management, facilitate breakout room discussions, and provide insights into professional school applications. The students and the GPM establish an environment conducive to learning through in-person and virtual interactions. The MSIP-GPM program equips students with crucial learning skills that are needed for future success. It is a win-win situation for mentors and mentees alike. Mentors develop communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills along with confidence and motivation. They also deepen their understanding and exposure to content knowledge during their glide year. Mentees receive practical advice, academic strategies, career insights, and new friendships. Intentional selection of GPMs from underrepresented communities and first-generation students fosters inclusivity, support and a sense of belonging — all essential for their success. Positive feedback after the first semester led to program continuation, with GPMs providing support and mentorship. Since 2020, 13 students served as GPMs. 54% are in professional programs, and 23% are in the interview process for admittance. Based on the success of GPMs in Physiology, peer mentors were introduced in Immunology and Medical Biochemistry in Fall 2023. Results from student surveys, interviews, performance-metrics in tests and GPM feedback demonstrated the program’s effectiveness and peer mentor success. Peer mentoring aids active learning, boosts confidence and success, particularly for first-generation and underrepresented students. JS, TPM and MN are supported by BenU COSH and NSSRP Funds, Benedictine University, Lisle, IL. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.