Touro University New York Near-Peer Mentoring Program

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 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