Enhancing Student Outcomes: Peer Mentors and Student Transition

College students who engage in first-year programs such as peer mentorship are correlated with increased achievement, subjective enjoyment of their university experience, sense of belonging, and campus participation. While the effects of peer mentorship have been consistent, there has been little information shared considering the characteristics of peer mentor programs nor the implementation of these programs in a strategic and effective way. Thus, the need for a controlled peer mentorship program arose. This mixed-methods study assessed a class leader (CL) peer mentor program, which showed up to 10% difference in persistence and up to a 0.4 increase in first-term GPA for students who had a CL during their first semester versus those who did not. Qualitative data was also collected to examine the impact of the CL program. Information presented outlines the results, subsequent recommendations, and implemented changes over the course of two years, including recommendations made for year three.