NAVIGATING UNIVERSITY TRANSITION THROUGH THE

UTILIZATION OF PEER LEADERS

National Resource Center

First-Year Experience

34th Annual Conference

OPENING ACTIVITY…Famous Pairs

INTRODUCTIONS

Presenters:

• Beth Odahlen, Director of the Center for Engaged Teaching & Learning (CETL)

• Josh Sandy, Head Transitions Leader, Student Body Vice President, & Public Relations Major

ABOUT US…

• Minot State University

• Location: Minot, ND

• Four-year, public university

• Enrollment: approx. 3,500 students

• Center for Engaged Teaching & Learning

• Established in fall 2009 as part of a Title III Department of Ed. grant

• Programs: FYE, Community Engagement, Tutoring, Mentoring, SI, Internships,

Campus Compact, Faculty Development, Transitions

MSU TRANSITIONS

Orientation, Part 2

ABOUT TRANSITIONS…

• Creation and Coordination

• Reasoning

• Guiding Theories

• Chickering’s Theory of Identity

Development (1993)

• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1954)

• Schlossberg’s Transition Theory (1984)

• Model

• University of Pacific

• University of Minnesota

• Campus and Community Partners

• Involvement of Peer Leaders

• Hiring

• Roles and Responsibilities

• Training

• Activities/Reflection

• Group Dynamics

SAMPLE TRAINING ACTIVITY #1

Going on a Trip

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• Data

• My Transitions Leaders were helpful and knowledgeable ~ 4.91

• My Transitions Leaders were respectful ~ 4.75

• This was a positive experience for me ~ 4.76

• Wrap-Up Sessions Conducted with Leaders

• Growth of Student Leaders

• Leadership Roles

• Connection to Academia

SAMPLE TRAINING ACTIVITY #2

Three’s a Crowd

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

• How do your institutions utilize peer leaders?

• What are the advantages of utilizing peer leaders?

• What are the challenges of utilizing peer leaders?

• What people/departments should you partner with on your campus

for transition and/or peer-led efforts?

• What agencies/organizations should you partner with in your

community for transition and/or peer-led efforts?

CONCLUDING THE TRANSITIONS EXPERIENCE

Fear in a Hat

• First year students anonymously report worries or fears

• All worries and fears are discussed within the group

• Leaders use personal experiences

• Leaders discuss expectations

• Students can ask follow-up questions

QUESTIONS?

Beth Odahlen

• beth.odahlen@minotstateu.edu

• 701-858-3177

Josh Sandy

• Joshua.sandy@my.minotstateu.edu

• 701-240-4120