Peer Programs Network (Vic-Tas) Masterclass

Student development has been a key focus for the Victorian-Tasmanian chapter of the Peer Programs Network (PPN).  In 2019, we established a working group to design and coordinate a day of learning for current student leaders across Victoria and Tasmania to supplement and extend the existing reward and recognition strategies of their home institutions. The participating institutions consisted of La Trobe University, the University of Tasmania, RMIT, Deakin University, Monash University, the University of Melbourne, and Swinburne University of Technology.

Following a period of student consultation, the working group agreed to offer professional learning opportunities related to leadership, mental health literacy, and employability, and facilitated by both program staff and experts from external organisations.

A professional development day was held on November 22, 2019 at the La Trobe University City Campus. Fifty-one students and staff attended from across the sector. The day began with informal networking over tea and coffee before the sessions started, and with an Acknowledgement of Country at 10am.  Catering for the day and remuneration for the Peer Educators from Headspace was funded by a generous grant from the STARS Network as well as through financial contributions from the participating institutions. Participating students also received a certificate with the STARS and Peer Programs Network logos, and signed jointly by STARS conference conveners Prof Karen Nelson and Prof Rachael Field.

After the final session, the student leaders were invited to share their impressions and feedback with the organisers. Results from the survey showed an 88 per cent high to very high satisfaction rate for the day, and a number of positive requests were made for more opportunities for cross-institutional learning and for more networking. Not only student leaders enjoyed the event. Organisers reflected how this jointly-designed and coordinated event helped further consolidate the Victorian-Tasmanian Peer Programs Network community of practice and offered a valuable opportunity for members to share expertise, exchange ideas, and learn about programs offered by each institution.

The working group members would like to express their gratitude for the commitment and contributions from participating institutions and peer support programs’ staff members. In particular, we would like to thank staff and students from the University of Tasmania for their commitment to travel to Victoria to participate on the day.

Written by Isabella Ofner, Deakin University