An institutional strategy for Peer Programs at QUT: Enhancing student success and retention

QUT has a range of first year experience (FYE) and retention (FYER) initiatives which focus on improving retention by enhancing the transition of students (Kift, Nelson & Clarke, 2010). The QUT-wide approach to peer programs described in this document forms the final integrated component of the first year experience and retention strategies. Access to peers is critical for learning. When students make connections with other students or more experienced peers their sense of belonging is enhanced and they learn things that cannot be learnt from non-peers. The term ‘peer programs’ refers to the range of organised peer-to-peer activities and services provided across QUT. This document describes a QUT-wide strategy for enhancing the quality and reach, and promoting participation in peer programs