Supporting non-school leaver students in their first year of university study: results of a transition focused peer-to-peer intensive mentoring program trial

This paper discusses the results of an intensive mentoring program trial designed to address retention issues with first year students in Justice degrees. The purpose of the program was to reduce student attrition, specifically for nonschool leaver Justice students, by creating a culture of student cooperation and support. In line with previous successful programs, first year non-school leaver Justice students were supported by students who had progressed at least to second year in their degree and had achieved a grade point average of at least 5. This paper discusses the benefits of the program for both the mentors and mentees, along with whether the program assisted non-school leaver students’ transition into university. It concludes with recommendations on how the program can be improved in the future to further support non-school leaver students.