Peer mentors wanted for First Year Mentoring Experience
In 2019 the Faculty of Science is launching a tiered mentoring program for all Bachelor of Science students. A key component of this is The First Year Mentoring Experience, a peer mentoring program designed to support commencing Bachelor of Science students as they transition into tertiary study.
What is peer mentoring?
Peer mentoring programs identify that adjusting to university can be challenging and involves adapting to new experiences and expectations, both academically and socially. Broadly, peer mentoring programs are those in which experienced students take on a role mentoring less experienced students. The role of a Peer Mentor is to provide tips, ideas and skills, which will support commencing students in their transition to the tertiary environment. Peer mentors are not tutors, but rather a part of an important support structure that guides students as they find their feet in the tertiary environment.
Why be a Peer Mentor?
As a Peer Mentor you can make a difference in the lives of new students as they adapt to life at University.Additionally, as a Peer Mentor you can develop important skills that will assist in your own transition to the workplace, including:
Leadership capabilities: You will lead a group of less experienced students and act as a role model, providing guidance and support as they transition into life at the University and in the Bachelor of Science.
Communication skills: You will develop the skills needed to facilitate conversation amongst your group of mentees. Additionally, all Peer Mentors will be invited to participate in a formal cross-cultural communication training program.
Develop your network: As a Peer Mentor you will have the opportunity to meet new people from across different disciplines of the BSc. There will be regular opportunities to network with other mentors and develop skills to communicate confidently with people from across a range of disciplines and levels of seniority.
EQ and reflective practice: The ability to reflect on one’s actions and engage in a process of continuous learning is an essential skill in today’s workplace. As a part of the Peer Mentoring training program we will encourage Mentors to actively reflect on their first-year experience and take this into consideration throughout the mentoring experience.
The skills you will develop as a part of this program align perfectly with the types of skills employers are looking for and offer the opportunity to have real-world experience to provide in interviews:
Skills employers want:
What is involved?
As a Peer Mentor you will be assigned to a group of first-year students who you will meet with on a weekly basis until Week 4, followed by three activities towards the end of semester. From Week 1 - 4 there will be free activities, scheduled weekly. These are designed to support the group with getting to know each other and learning about University and the BSc. There will be two mentors assigned to each group.
Dates for scheduled activities are as follows:
| Date | Week | Activity (details TBC) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday 5 March | Week 1 | BBQ with lawn games |
| Tuesday 12 March | Week 2 | Ice-cream in the sunshine |
| Tuesday 19 March | Week 3 | Crepe catch-up |
| Tuesday 26 March | Week 4 | Milkshakes and board games |
| Wednesday 24 March | Week 6 | Cross-Cultural Communication workshop |
| Tuesday 21 May | Week 10 | Pre-Exams Pizza |
| Tuesday 4 June | SWOTVAC | Eid celebratory dinner with guest speaker |
What is the commitment?
- Participate in a brief and informal interview in December 2018. For those students who will be overseas/interstate phone interviews can be arranged.
- Attend a half-day mentor training session on Thursday 28 February from 12.00pm – 4.00pm. For those students unable to attend, there is the possibility of completing an online module, but face-to-face training is preferred.
- Facilitate discussion and support participation in group-based activities. Don’t worry, you’ll be provided with resources, guidelines and training to enable this!
- Make a commitment to attend at least half of all scheduled activities. There will be 2 mentors assigned to each group, so we ask that you coordinate with your counterpart to ensure at least one mentor is at each meet up.
- Email your mentees on a regular basis during semester – again, don’t worry you’ll be given resources and topics to help you along the way!
How do I apply?
If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your online application by 30 November. All shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an informal phone interview, which will take place in December.