To strengthen academic performance and foster student collaboration, the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) officially launched its Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Mentoring Programme on 26 March 2025. The initiative aims to empower students to support one another through structured mentoring relationships, enhancing both academic understanding and soft skills development. The soft launch event welcomed 40 participants, including 35 students and five staff members.
The P2P programme is spearheaded by Ir. Ts. Dr Belle Ooi, alongside Assistant Professor Dorcas Lam, Ms Dzarina Asmat, and Assistant Professor Sharon Romeo. Selected mentors - nominated based on academic excellence and faculty endorsement - will assist peers in navigating course content, while gaining valuable experience in leadership, communication, and time management.
Following opening remarks by Dr Belle, Professor Hazel Ramos, Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning, addressed the room. Drawing on her own academic journey, she underscored the value of peer mentoring and its global impact on student development. Her message inspired mentors to see their roles as catalysts for academic growth and community building.
A training session led by Ms Sharon provided mentors with practical guidance on managing mentoring sessions, effective communication, and adherence to the programme’s structure. The session aimed to build confidence and ensure readiness to create a supportive and productive environment for mentees.
To further motivate excellence, the Outstanding Mentor Award was introduced, recognising one mentor each semester based on mentee feedback and a personal reflection. This dual-evaluation process encourages meaningful engagement and innovation in mentoring practices.
The P2P programme places students at its core - encouraging ownership, reflection, and mutual growth. With ongoing support from the academic team, it aspires to reach more schools and departments, building a collaborative and inclusive learning culture across campus.
By nurturing both academic success and essential interpersonal skills, the P2P Mentoring Programme positions students not just to succeed in their studies, but to thrive as confident, compassionate contributors within the university and beyond.
Posted on 29th April 2025