Peer Mentoring Scheme

Role of student mentor

The mentor will work with two groups, each consisting of four or five Stage 1 students. This will involve giving assistance to students when they need:

  • support
  • someone who listens
  • someone to go through their different alternatives and options and talk through choices
  • knowledge about where to get specialist advice and help

The scheme is not a substitute for personal tutoring or subject advisors but a complement and supplement to these systems.

A number of formal opportunities will be created to allow the student mentor to meet their advisees as a group. For example during open days and induction week. In addition regular weekly meetings will be scheduled during the first term. Other forms of communication may also be used such as mobile phone and e-mail.

The student mentors will be given thorough training, and boundaries established about the limits of their role and responsibilities (to safeguard both mentors and advisees). They will be fully supported by the Combined Honours Director and administrative team through a reporting and debriefing system involving regular meetings.

Student mentors will be matched to groups of advisees on the basis of subjects studied.

Mentors 12/13Recruitment of advisors

Between 12-16 student mentors will be recruited from Stage 2 (and subsequently from Sstage 1) with a view to acting in the role of subject advisor in the latter part of Stage 2 and throughout Stage 3. Students about to undertake an intercalating year will be eligible for the scheme although some arrangements will need to be considered to ensure coverage whilst they are abroad.

Advertisements inviting students to apply for the role will be circulated in the second semester of each academic year. Applicants should complete and submit a form in which they provide biographical details and indicate why they are applying. All applicants will be interviewed.

Skills required

  • Empathy
  • Respect for others
  • A commitment to helping others
  • The ability to interact with a variety of people
  • Willingness to accept standards of ethical conduct such as confidentiality
  • Good organisation

Boundaries

  • Student mentors should support the intended spirit of the initiative
  • All information between peer adviser and student shall be kept confidential under normal circumstances
  • Student mentors should keep notes of feedback given and encourage the advisees to do the same
  • Student mentors must not give subject-specific advice except in the most generic terms
  • Mentors shall not function in any situation where their impartiality could be seriously questioned
  • Student mentors should only meet advisees on university premises or other public places and take care to ensure their own and their advisees’ safety and wellbeing
  • Student mentors should only practice in situations where they have the skill, experience and competence to do so
  • Student mentors shall provide the best service possible and make every effort to improve and develop their own skills
  • Student mentors shall maintain contact with Colin Bryson and the Combined Honours team and follow directions where given
  • Student mentors shall demonstrate a positive commitment to the University’s Equal Opportunities policy

If you are interested in becoming a student mentor please contact us.