Implementation of a Technology-Enhanced Peer Mentor Referral System for First-Year University Students.

Area of Science:

• Higher Education
• Student Support Services
• Digital Health

Background:

• COVID-19 necessitated innovative student support strategies in higher education.
• Traditional support systems faced challenges in meeting diverse student needs.
• A novel digital peer mentoring program was developed to enhance student transition and resource navigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the initial implementation and impact of MentorHub, a digital peer mentoring application.
• To understand student challenges and resource utilization patterns during their first year of college.
• To explore the effectiveness of a mobile platform in connecting students with peer mentors and campus resources.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of MentorHub, a mobile application, for first-year undergraduates at a private university.
• Tracking of self-reported student challenges and mentor-provided referrals.
• Exploratory analysis of platform usage data, referral patterns, and student demographics.

Main Results:

• 47% of first-year students accessed MentorHub, with career concerns and academic habits identified as key challenges.
• 756 referrals were made, 13% for health and well-being services.
• Distinct referral patterns emerged for first-generation and underrepresented minority students.

Conclusions:

• MentorHub provides real-time insights into student needs and engagement with peer support.
• The platform demonstrates potential for a stepped-care approach to addressing diverse student challenges.
• Digital peer mentoring can effectively connect students to essential campus resources, particularly during critical transition periods.