Vygo Blog

Partner Highlight: RMIT University’s Scalable Peer Mentoring Success with Vygo

Written by Taryn Duce | Nov 5, 2024 5:18:36 AM

At Vygo, we believe that scalable, personalised student support is key to student success, and our long-standing partnership with RMIT University exemplifies this vision. Since mid-2019, RMIT has been utilising Vygo’s platform to build and expand a comprehensive peer-to-peer mentoring programme, tailored to meet the diverse needs of its student body. With over four years of collaboration with RMIT, the peer mentoring program has transformed student engagement, retention, and academic success, all while reducing the administrative burden on staff.

A Data-Driven Approach to Student Success

RMIT’s commitment to providing peer support has yielded impressive results, with 91% of students who engage in academic mentoring successfully passing their courses each semester in 2022. Over time, the university is able to support regional and offshore students, proving that Vygo’s platform is highly effective in driving student engagement and positive academic outcomes at scale.

By focusing on data-driven insights, RMIT has been able to track the tangible benefits of its mentoring programme. Students who participate in this initiative consistently achieve higher subject pass rates. This evidence-based approach has shaped our ongoing partnership, ensuring that the university continues to scale these successes while addressing new student challenges.

(Disclaimer: Your institution may use alternate names for these systems, such as Student Management System or Student Information System.)

Tailored Support for a Diverse Student Body

One of the unique aspects of RMIT’s use of the Vygo platform is its flexibility in offering different types of support to cater to various student needs. Whether it’s class-specific peer mentoring, and specialist academic assistance for neurodiverse students, Vygo has enabled RMIT to create a seamless, student-centred ecosystem for academic peer support.

Some key student support services available through Vygo at RMIT include:

  • Class-Specific Academic Peer Support: Connecting students with mentors who can guide them within their field of study.
  • Specialist Academic Support: Offering tailored assistance for specific student groups, including neurodiverse students. 
  • Comprehensive Student Support: Extending assistance across undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational education.

By centralising these services on Vygo’s platform, RMIT has created a space where students feel supported throughout their entire educational journey. This structure also enables staff to focus on providing quality mentorship training, as administrative tasks are significantly reduced.

Breaking Down Barriers to Participation

One key goal of RMIT’s partnership with Vygo has been to remove barriers to student participation in support services. The platform provides students with easy, on-demand access to peer mentors through both web and mobile apps, allowing them to connect with mentors from anywhere at any time. This ease of access ensures students can seek help when needed, whether on campus or studying remotely.

Importantly, Vygo’s platform can connect seamlessly with other university systems, ensuring a smooth flow of data between platforms. This integration makes it easier for both students and staff to navigate the system, further enhancing the overall student experience.

A Future-Focused Partnership

As we look to the future, our partnership with RMIT continues to evolve. With a focus on expanding student engagement and enhancing support services, Vygo remains a critical tool in ensuring that RMIT’s students are equipped with the resources they need to succeed. Together, we’re committed to creating a dynamic, student-centred ecosystem that prioritises both academic excellence and personal development.

By using Vygo, RMIT has not only been able to scale its peer mentoring programme but has also cultivated a culture of collaboration, support, and academic confidence across its student body. This partnership serves as a model for how universities can leverage technology to provide personalised, scalable support for all students.