Peer transition programs: Run by students for students

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. 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.