This autumn, Reykjavík University will launch a new support service aimed at easing the transition for first-year students and reducing dropout rates. As part of the initiative, all new students will be assigned a dedicated mentor during their first eight weeks at the university.

A similar programme was piloted in the Department of Computer Science in the autumn of 2022 and proved highly effective. Based on its success, the university has decided to expand the initiative to include all departments.

Jóhanna María Vignir, Career and Guidance Counsellor at Reykjavík University, says that similar programmes have been successful at universities abroad. She explains;

The initiative is based on the idea that with increased support, first-year students adjust more easily to university life and are more likely to complete their studies. We want to do our very best to welcome new students, ensure they feel comfortable and supported, and provide them with easy access to all the services available at RU.

The programme is run by the student associations in collaboration with the university’s student services and academic departments. New students are added to their department’s cohort in the university’s Canvas system, where they will find their assigned group.

The student associations are responsible for selecting the mentors, who receive training from Jóhanna María. The training focuses on the importance of positive leadership, growth mindset, and strengths-based coaching.

This initiative is not only a valuable opportunity for first-year students to connect with their peers and become familiar with the university environment, but also a chance for senior students to develop leadership skills and gain meaningful experience. Research has shown that a lack of both academic and social support is a major factor in university dropout rates, and this is a step in the right direction to meet students' needs.