Staying “Together” During a Pandemic: The Inaugural Year of the Tiger-to-Tiger Peer Mentoring Program at Louisiana State University
Section snippets
Learning Outcome
Describe three elements of participant success within a new student peer-to-peer mentoring program as part of an undergraduate didactic program in dietetics.
Purpose
Create a new peer mentoring program within an undergraduate dietetics program. Pairs consisted of upperclassmen mentors with underclassmen mentees. Overarching goals were to increase confidence in ability to be a mentor and increase understanding of the dietetics program and process to become a Registered Dietitian among mentees.
Setting
Twenty pairings were managed through the student nutrition club at Louisiana State University. The Dietetics Director and one Senior managed the program throughout the 2020-2021 school year. Students completed pre- and post-program surveys rating their confidence with multiple aspects of the dietetics program and preparing for a supervised practice program. Pairs were tasked with monthly meetings to engage in conversation or activity. Evaluation
Results
Mentors significantly increased confidence in making well-informed choices regarding education and career goals (p=.006), ability to reach their goals (p=.016), performing well in the dietetics major (p=.007), and preparing to apply to supervised practice programs (p=.028). Mentors increased their confidence in serving as a mentor, but not significantly. Mentees significantly increased understanding of how to properly prepare and apply for supervised practice (p=.002), awareness of local
Conclusions and Recommendations
Year one of this program was a success, even during a pandemic where students were not all located on campus or able to meet in person. Pairs engaged in meaningful conversation, performed volunteer service, and completed fun activities. Future recommendations from participants include workshops, scheduled meeting times, and enhanced participant accountability to fully engage in the program.
Funding source
None