Dissertation
The impact of a student led peer mentor program on incoming, first-year health sciences students
Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc.), Drexel University
18 Apr 2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001988
Abstract
The transition from high school to college or university can be a tumultuous journey for unprepared students. Therefore, the current study explored use of a student-led peer mentoring program on freshman students at a large, private university in an urban-based community. First-year freshman students were measured after their first year of college on three prongs: satisfaction, retention, and cumulative grade point average. Previous studies in these areas have yielded positive findings; however, those studies lacked structured programming, training, and sample size for which this study encompassed. Notwithstanding, the findings from the current project neglected to yield statistically significant but practically meaningful findings. Grade point averages for mentored male students averaged 3.35 compared to 3.33 for non-mentored male students. Female students yielded a small difference in grade point average; 3.35 for mentored students and 3.37 for non-mentored students. Overall satisfaction among non-mentored male students was higher than females and slightly greater for mentored students. Student retention delivered the strongest findings with 89% staying within the Health Sciences major at the end of their freshman year. Limitations of the project included lack of generalizability, duration of study, and adequate number participant survey responses. Future research efforts should ensure the inclusion of mentor and mentee participants from more diverse backgrounds and experiences and consider a shorter timeline to increase survey response rate. Initial findings show promise for a smooth transition from high school to university.
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Details
- Title
- The impact of a student led peer mentor program on incoming, first-year health sciences students
- Creators
- Robert Lee - Drexel University, Drexel University (1970-)
- Contributors
- Michael L. Bruneau (Advisor) - Drexel University, Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vii, 85 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University; Health Sciences
- Other Identifier
- 991021872712204721