Innovation Case Study Griffith Mates Leadership Program Katie Hanna, Student Linx Coordinator, Griffith International CONTEXT The Griffith Mates leadership program is coordinated by Griffith International’s Student Experience team with the aim of enhancing the overall experience for international students at Griffith University. The program is an integral component of the University’s English Language Enhancement Scheme and Internationalisation strategy. Participants in the program are selected for demonstrated leadership qualities and willingness to contribute to an improved student experience. Whilst supporting the initial transition and orientation of new international students is a primary focus for the Griffith Mates program, it continues throughout the academic year to deliver a vibrant calendar of events, activities and community engagement initiatives. In a recent focus group, the Griffith Mates collectively developed a shared vision for the program: WE ARE… leaders, connected, diverse, involved, 2016 Participation Snapshot individuals, mates to each other and the community. 159 Griffith Mates WE STAND FOR… students, friendship, unity, inclusion, From 41 countries diversity, community and acceptance. Speaking 39 languages Studying 37 programs TOGETHER WE… promote diversity at Griffith, harmonise, can accomplish more and are a united community. Across 5 campuses In 2016 Griffith Mates registered 4,660 volunteer and paid hours and 3,751 registered student engagements across 5 campuses. In addition, the Griffith Mates social media channels actively engage current and prospective students with timely information about the program, peer advice through Meet a Griffith Mate videos and social engagement opportunity. 1 w iru.edu.au Charles Darwin University // Flinders University // Griffith University// James Cook University // La Trobe University // Murdoch University RATIONALE The program was initially launched as an initiative within the Griffith University English Language Enhancement Strategy in 2010. Since then, the program has naturally evolved with the delivery of events, activities, community engagement and leadership initiatives with the underlying objective of enhancing the international student experience and helping international students develop their English language proficiency. DESCRIPTION ProGram Structure Following a strict recruitment process and prior to the commencement of a trimester each Griffith Mate is allocated 2-3 volunteer roles by Student Experience staff. A range of positions ensure participants experience a variety of leadership roles and diversify their skill sets. Griffith Mates are provided with a position description for each role and accept or decline based on the requirements of the position. These include: • Orientation Leader • Day Trip Host • Event Manager • Community Engagement Officer • Event Assistant • Marketing and Communication Officer • Senior Buddy • Event Photographer • Café Chat Coordinator • Griffith Mates Social Events Coordinator • Beach or Bush Care Leader Throughout each trimester Student Experience staff mentor Griffith Mates in their various roles to ensure the successful delivery of the program. It is a requirement that each participant completes two consecutive trimesters, however the majority of Griffith Mates remain in the program through to their graduation. Orientation and Transition With the mentorship and support of Griffith International’s Student Experience Team, Griffith Mates deliver the Griffith International orientation engagement program across 5 campuses each trimester. Griffith Mates who accept their role as an Orientation Leader host a variety of events and activities including the International Student Welcome Market, Campus Tours, Twilight Walking Tours, a Beach Excursion and community engagement initiatives such as Beach Care and Bush Care. In addition, Griffith Mates host a welcome booth, provide assistance in the Student Administration Centres, and present an overview of the program to commencing international students in the International Student Welcome and Orientation session. w iru.edu.au Charles Darwin University // Flinders University // Griffith University// James Cook University // La Trobe University // Murdoch University The Griffith Mates also welcome international students as they arrive in Australia at the Brisbane International Airport in the two weeks prior to the start trimester. After a long journey, new commencing students are welcomed to Australia with a friendly smile, orientation information and free transfer to their accommodation. The International Student Buddy Program is a key initiative to support the transition of international students into Griffith University and life in Australia. The opt-in, social mentoring program matches Senior Buddies (Griffith Mates or other current students) with Junior Buddies (commencing international students) who meet for the first six weeks of trimester over a free weekly hot beverage. Participation by Junior Buddies in this program has increased by 74% in one year through the implementation of a new digital recruitment strategy. Employability Skills Framework The Griffith Mates Employability Framework provides support and mentorship from Student Experience staff to enhance the experience and value for participants. The Framework serves the purpose of bridging the disconnect between study and the job market, implementing a plan for students to fill the gaps in their employability skill sets and increasing their likelihood of gaining employment. The annual Griffith Mates Symposium is a two-day event hosted in February each year, featuring a variety of speakers, leadership theory and communication activities, team building initiatives, and games. In addition, newly recruited Griffith Mates are provided with a specialised induction session prior to integrating with fellow participants and actively engaging in their roles. The close mentorship from Student Experience staff ensures best practice is followed for event management, community engagement and fulfillment of leadership roles. Griffith Mates are engaged for paid, casual roles with Griffith International’s Marketing, International Relations and International Business Development units. These opportunities provide participants with the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a professional context, often through hosting international delegations, prospective students and education agents. “Griffith Mates taught me so much from the get go. I rapidly learnt leadership skills, communication skills, time management skills, and I'm absolutely certain that the casual jobs I gained during university and my graduate job were from the skills I learnt as a Griffith Mate. Every business person I talked to seemed greatly interested in the program and what we achieve. Along with these skills, I learnt how to connect and network, not only does this help me for my career but for personal self as well. I can happily say I will always remember Griffith Mates, even after decades have passed.” – Jamee, Australia w iru.edu.au Charles Darwin University // Flinders University // Griffith University// James Cook University // La Trobe University // Murdoch University Activities and Events With the objective of enhancing the international student experience through a range of social engagement activities and events, the Griffith Mates program delivers a vibrant social calendar each trimester which includes: • International Student Networking Nights • Living in Australia workshop and Shopping Tours • Day Trips to Noosa, Byron Bay, Mount Tamborine, Stradbroke Island • Universal Feast - National Harmony Week • #MyGriffithExperience Instagram Photo Competition • International Fashion Parade • The Amazing Race • International Trivia • Cultural Games Afternoons • Weekly Giant Games • Charity Morning Teas • Mindfulness activities for University Mental Health Week • Go Green with Griffith Mates – Sustainability Week Of those students who participate in Griffith Mates activities and events, 75% are international students and 25% domestic students. The majority of participants are from a non-English speaking background (67%). 93% of students who participate in these activities and events rate their experience as either excellent or good. “The Griffith Mates program is a great opportunity for both international and local students to have a great time together while gaining an unforgettable experience of working with students. This program helped me to find new friends and obtain many important skills for my future career. My time spent as a Griffith Mate is definitely my best time at the university.” – Anna, Kazakhstan Community Engagement The program facilitates numerous engagement initiatives with local community organisations to assist with creating a sense of belonging for the international cohort and supporting skill development and networking for Griffith Mates through the following initiatives: • Fortnightly Beach Care with Griffith University Centre for Coastal Management • Cancer Council fundraising activities for Daffodil Day • Relay for Life • Fortnightly Bush Care with Mount Gravatt Environmental Group • Volunteering at the Ekka, Gold Coast Show, and Bridge to Brisbane • National Tree Planting Day 4 w iru.edu.au Charles Darwin University // Flinders University // Griffith University// James Cook University // La Trobe University // Murdoch University Rewards and RecoGnition Participants of the program are recognized for their contribution through