Peer Relations: an Integrated Roadmap to Student Success

Peer support has developed a strong sense of belonging at Ulster University and has provided the underpinning evidence to develop a roadmap of best practice to consider when embedding peer support activities. The following principles apply: peer relations must involve meaningful interactions that will help fellow students share learning and may involve formalised student-led student groups from Year 1; peer relation activities should develop knowledge, confidence and identity; a sense of community is created when social integration is facilitated within and outside of the academic sphere and can be promoted through induction and student organised social events; peer relations fosters a collegiate environment and campus community and develops students academically and socially; and peer activities should be discipline owned and relevant to interests and future goals within the academic sphere.