REACH - A Mentoring Initiative in an Irish University.

Munster Technological University (MTU) responded to the COVID-19 pandemic's educational challenges with the creation of the Reach Initiative. This initiative, a comprehensive academic mentoring and coaching programme, was developed at MTU in response to the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Primarily targeting first and second year students, this initiative was designed to support their academic and non-academic needs during the transition to online Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT). The programme involved the recruitment and training of Academic Mentors (members of academic staff) from various disciplines who provided tailored individual support to the students. A key component of this study is a survey conducted to evaluate the initiative's impact. The survey aimed to understand students' challenges during the pandemic and assess the effectiveness of the Reach Initiative as a support mechanism. The findings revealed significant engagement with the programme, indicating its importance in providing both academic guidance and emotional support. Students reported benefiting from the initiative in various ways, including improved understanding of academic content, better access to university resources, and enhanced emotional well-being. The conclusion highlights the critical role of academic mentoring in supporting students during unprecedented times. It underscores the need for such initiatives in higher education, particularly during crises that disrupt traditional learning environments. The Reach Initiative not only facilitated academic success but also contributed positively to the students' overall university experience during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]