Peer mentoring programme
Welcome to Science at UNSW!
We understand that beginning your first year at University can be challenging. It involves adapting to new experiences and expectations, both academically and socially. You may have many questions already - "Where can I purchase textbooks?", "What is 'Arc'?", "Is Uni 'harder' than the HSC?", "Where do I obtain my ID card?", "Where do I buy a lab coat?" etc.
The Science Faculty is committed to ensuring that you are provided with assistance to ease your transition into university life by providing a Peer Mentoring Program.
- What is a peer mentor and mentoring?
- Why join a mentor program?
- Who are the mentors?
- What are the benefits of having a mentor?
- Where do I register or sign up?
- When will I get a mentor? When will we meet?
- I have questions about the Peer Mentoring Program, who should I ask?
- Helpful Links
What is a peer mentor and mentoring?
A mentor is generally a more experienced student, passing on their knowledge, tips, ideas and skills to a less experienced student. Mentoring is different to friendship. Mentoring has a specific purpose, and the relationship is entirely focussed on you - the mentee.
Mentoring is not tutoring, although it does provide you with an important support structure to help you make the transition to university life while you 'find your feet'. Mentoring is an informal process.
Why join a mentor program?
Being part of a mentor program you:
- are provided with the opportunity to meet and talk with other new students to the Faculty of Science
- benefit from hearing how other new students are managing their transition to university
- will get the chance to consult with a more experienced student (the mentor)
- have the opportunity to find resources and other areas of support quickly and easily
- can get an insiders view of the campus and tips on how to make the most of campus services and facilities
-
can ask any question you may have about university life - no question to small, big or silly!
Who are the mentors?
Trained and experienced 2nd, 3rd and 4th year science students who know all about the challenges of being a new student at UNSW.
What are the benefits of having a mentor?
Comments from first year students involved in past UNSW mentoring programs:
"My mentor is really caring and helpful and we email each other very frequently. "
"help is always there whenever I need it."
"we have been emailing each other whenever I had some questions and got good responses."
"My mentor has been very helpful whenever I need a help. "
"Thank you for providing such Mentor/Mentee program. It help me a lot."
"I had a peer mentor in first year and found the experience helpful and insightfully for a variety of reasons"
Where do I register or sign up?
Please visit:
http://www.scienceeducation.unsw.edu.au/students/peermentoring/mentors.html
When will I get a mentor? When will we meet?
After registering your details you will be contacted by Science Learning and Teaching Unit (SLTU) with further information. Before the start of Semester 1 you will be ask to provide five suggestions for students you would like to act as your mentor. You will have the opportunity to meet the mentors at a BBQ in O-week and you can also read potential mentors profiles on our website in mid-February.
By the end of Week Zero you will know who your mentor is and they will arrange to have the first meeting with you and other students in Week 1 of Semester.
Further meetings will then be arranged between you and your mentor.
I have questions about the Peer Mentoring Program, who should I ask?
If you have any questions about the program please contact Iona Reid in the Science Learning and Teaching Unit (SLTU) in the Faculty of Science. Iona can be contacted on:
02 9385 8223
edsquad@unsw.edu.au
