Abstract

First year university students may encounter a variety of emotions and transitions during their initial year at an institution of higher education. The 2020-2021 year, however, intensified those experiences by switching to all or mostly virtual learning and conducting classes overall during the COVID-19 pandemic. One method that has been previously shown to connect students with more experienced students is the concept of peer mentorship. Peer Mentors may be helpful for student retention and more importantly, student emotional health and interconnectedness. This article looks at the peer mentor experience in an orientation seminar course at an urban healthcare and science university during the pandemic.

Keywords: Peer mentors; University; First-year students; Retention

Abbreviations: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT); Doctor of Occupational Therapy (DrOT)