Peer mentoring or tutoring is an educational guidance method that is growing in universities around the world. Directed at the integration of students over the first year of university studies, it is based on the support and guidance that a more experienced student offers to a recently enrolled fellow student. It is a recent process in Spain which started a little over a decade ago, but each course brings more experiences. This article, derived from research, seeks to identify a series of key steps and ideas to implement this type of programme. The summary of the proposals stems from three main sources: a) the experience and assessment of the Mentoring Programme at the University of Burgos; b) the review of the peer mentoring programs implemented at 35 Spanish universities; and c) the review, comparison and adaptation of formal mentoring to the university according to Perrone (2003). The outcomes may be especially useful for those universities that wish to start mentoring programmes, and as a source of reflection and comparison for those with greater experience. We believe that special attention should be given on increasing and improving participation in the mentoring of newly enrolled students and on monitoring and assessing the whole process.

Peer mentoring; peer tutoring; higher education; transition to university; first year; key steps