Touro University New York Near-Peer Mentoring Program
The Near-Peer Mentoring program is currently recruiting graduate mentors from the Occupational Therapy Program, Physical Therapy Program, School of Pharmacy and Law Center for the 2024-25 academic year. Apply to be a graduate mentor.
For questions, please contact michelle.buccinna@touro.edu.
The Touro University New York Near-Peer Mentoring Program aims to provide mentorship to Touro undergraduate students interested in pursuing an advanced degree by pairing them with students currently enrolled in Touro graduate-level programs. Mentors are trained by Touro University faculty and meet one-on-one with their mentees throughout the semester to provide information and support on topics such as preparing graduate program applications, academic planning and career guidance.
Program Goals
- Provide support to undergraduate students via mentorship, engagement, and a sense of community
- Increase student success rate in acceptance to graduate-level programs
- Provide opportunities for graduate students to enhance mentoring and communication skills
- Strengthen connection between Touro University undergraduate and graduate divisions
Spring 2024 Program Highlights
Sixteen graduate student mentors were recruited from four programs: Occupational Therapy (3), Physical Therapy (4), Pharmacy (2), and Law (7). Nine undergraduate students were enrolled and paired with mentors. Mentoring sessions spanned a variety of topics, with a major focus on academic planning, application guidance, and school/life balance.
Of the Mentors who responded to the post-program survey:
- 75% reported they were able to establish a meaningful relationship with their mentees.
- 75% indicated that this program has motivated them to serve as a mentor in the future.
Spring 2023 Pilot Program Highlights
Graduate Students: 14 mentors from Occupational Therapy program and College of Pharmacy Undergraduate Students: 10 mentees from undergraduate schools
Post-program survey results:
- 100% of mentees found their mentor to be accessible and responsive
- 75% of mentees found their mentors to be extremely knowledgeable; mentees also felt better prepared to apply to professional school after participating in this program
- 75% of mentors indicated that this program has motivated them to serve as a mentor in the future
Program Facilitators
Michelle Buccinna OTD, OTR/L
Assistant Professor and Director
Occupational Therapy, Long Island Campus
Touro University School of Health Sciences
Shmuel Fink, PhD
Associate Professor and Chair
Department of Computer Science
Touro University Lander Colleges
Touro University Graduate School of Technology
Stacey L. Fanning, PhD
Assistant Dean of Research and Associate Professor
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Harlem Campus
