With expectations and curiosity, the 2024 Cohort came to GTIIT Campus to start a brand new journey of exploration. On the way to the future, there is a group of friendly peer mentors (PMs), answering questions and solving puzzles for the freshmen. They are the guides for the freshmen, and also their accompaniers in university.

Introduction

Since 2018, Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) has implemented the Peer Mentor Program, which actively responds to various needs of the freshmen in the admission stage through the experience and resources of outstanding senior students. Since the implementation of the project, PMs have become a bridge between the university and freshmen, helping the freshmen to get through the adaptation period as soon as possible and integrate into college life smoothly, as well as gaining great recognition and support from them. At the same time, the program helps in cultivating our students into holistic individuals with a strong sense of values. It greatly facilitates PMs' comprehensive abilities and extracurricular experience.

The Peer Mentor Program provides students with appropriate non-formal educational experiences to help them integrate into the campus, realise their potential and grow in a balanced manner. It proactively responds to the needs of freshmen and supports them through the adjustment period, with the university and PMs working together. The Department of Student Affairs also collaborates with other departments of the university, as well as external resources and networks, to assist students in their pursuit of all-round development.

Functions

Establish a long-term and stable information exchange mechanism for students;

Create a warm and friendly campus atmosphere to enhance students' sense of belonging to GTIIT;

PMs provide care, guidance, advice and support to facilitate students' personal growth;

Timely reach the real needs of students and provide assistance through effective communication between PMs and team members;

Establish a practice-oriented leadership training mechanism, improving PMs' leadership, emotion management, public speaking, co-ordination and interpersonal skills;

Set up a PM-leader-supervisor model, with the leading of excellent PMs and the supervising of Student Affairs Department, to form a virtuous cycle of mentoring.

Dear Cohort 2024, welcome to GTIIT! Hope you can unlock the enrich campus activities here and enjoy a fulfilling and happy university life!

Text: GTIIT News & Public Affairs, GTIIT Student Affairs Department

Photos: Ho Yin Chung