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CHAPTER 5
ENHANCING INCLUSION,
EXPERIENCE, AND ACADEMIC
PERFORMANCE: PEER-TO-PEER
MENTORING FOR EQUITY GROUP
STUDENTS IN AN AUSTRALIAN
REGIONAL UNIVERSITY
Bill (W.E.) Boyd, Katrina Alexander, Margie Wallin,
Warren Lake, Rob Cumings and Rachel Callahan
ABSTRACT
This chapter describes an undergraduate peer-to-peer mentoring program,
UniMentor, at a regional Australian university, which aims to support students
in equity groups. Key benefits identified are: enhanced retention rates; improved
academic performance; and strengthened social networks. While the focus is
on commencing students (mentees), significant positive outcomes for third-
year mentors are also apparent. Internal and external challenges that may
influence access to mentoring among students include shifting institutional
support and roles and curriculum change. Enablers include training, clarity of
purpose, strong support networks, and fostering student sense of ownership. The
effect of disciplinary culture on uptake and effectiveness of mentoring is also
important. Overall, the program compares well against published frameworks
of successful student mentoring. Nevertheless, critical questions remain
Strategies for Facilitating Inclusive Campuses in Higher Education:
International Perspectives on Equity and Inclusion
Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Volume 17, 71–86
Copyright © 2019 by Emerald Publishing Limited
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ISSN: 2055-3641/doi:10.1108/S2055-364120190000017006