Delistathi, C. and Sum, K. 2022. Values and principles underpinning a Foundation Mentoring Scheme. Foundation Year Network Annual Conference 2022. Aston University, Birmingham 11 - 12 Jul 2022
| Title | Values and principles underpinning a Foundation Mentoring Scheme |
|---|---|
| Authors | Delistathi, C. and Sum, K. |
| Type | Conference paper |
| Abstract | Connectedness with the university is a known element of academic success (Yomtov et al., 2015, p. 26). Mentoring schemes, an established mechanism of creating such emotions (Sanchez et al., 2006), foster inclusivity and a sense of community between students and university. Our Foundation Mentoring Scheme supports new foundation students (FS) to create such relationships. Mentors share their academic experience with mentees (current FS). Although mentoring schemes are often discussed to evaluate their efficacy vis-a-vis student outcomes (Hamilton et al., 2019), our paper reviews the values and principles applied during planning and the day-to-day scheme management. These articulate what is important to a scheme; thus, their exploration elucidates how they mould its organisation and the actions of its participants. We are committed to social justice and collaborative learning from a students-as-partners perspective. These values have shaped our decisions and processes, our relationships with participants and our reactions to the challenges and joys we experienced while running the scheme. Examining our values and principles can make us more reflective and more effective practitioners. Our mentoring scheme has demonstrated the positive effect of staff-student partnership. Drawing from our institutional networks, we have engaged Schools and Student Support Services, building trust and respect amongst staff and amongst peers (students) and colleagues (staff). Student engagement has increased (e.g., increasing the numbers of mentors and mentees), enhancing the social community between students and the relationship and community between staff members and better the communication between staff and students. |
| Keywords | Peer mentoring scheme, foundation students, belonging, transition to higher education |
| Year | 2022 |
| Conference | Foundation Year Network Annual Conference 2022 |
| Publication dates | |
| Published | 2022 |