Abstract
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This presentation will highlight the ‘nuts and bolts’ of peer transition
programs that have been underway for some time at two universities. James
Cook University first offered Kickstart in 1998 with an underlying philosophy
of allowing experienced student mentors to design, develop and facilitate a
short course that introduces first year students to the culture and environment
of university life. The University of Newcastle developed Uni-start in 2006
along the same lines, and both institutions have continued to evaluate and
refine their respective transition programs. Participants at this session will
hear how the two institutions have collaborated, how these types of programs
could be initiated in other universities and they will hear first-hand from some
of the student facilitators and participants in the programs. The session will
also briefly touch on the literature of peer involvement in the first year
transition process as well as discuss the challenges of institutional
implementation.