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
• [email protected]
• 701-858-3177
Josh Sandy
• [email protected]
• 701-240-4120