Abstract:
This study investigates how computer mediated communication (CMC) can sustain
nourishing and emotionally enriching peer mentoring relations. A peer electronic
mentoring program was implemented in an Irish university to facilitate freshmen’s
transition to college. A sample of 123 participants (42 mentors and 81 mentees) was
evaluated with a combination of mixed methods including a pre-program adjustment
scale, online participation records, content analysis of online interactions and end of
program interviews. Results reveal that volunteer freshmen experienced greater
psychoemotional needs than the general student population. Personal and emotional
interactions often developed, especially if the mentoring pair met face-to-face first and
the fresher did not have an alternative support network. However, mentors often expected
to develop intimate and lasting support relationships while mentees did not always share
this expectation. Perceptions of CMC were strongly determined by individual
preferences. Implications for e-mentoring programs and Web 2.0 use are discussed.