Mentors
UG Mentor Report PG Mentor Report
Find out about being a mentor, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
What's in it for me?
- free training in group leadership and communication skills
- a certificate of recognition from the University of Sydney Business School when you complete the program requirements
- increased confidence and experience in leading a team
- experience to add to your CV for future job interviews
- personal satisfaction through helping others
- making new friends and widening your networks
Junwei Chen was a mentor in the postgraduate peer mentoring program over two semesters in 2006 - 2007. He now works for Macquarie Bank in Shanghai and has this to say about his experience in the postgraduate peer mentoring program:
What does a mentor do?
- works individually or in teams with 4 - 6 students for each mentor
- provides practical information through a structured academic and campus orientation program
- helps to build personal relationships and share experiences
- gives encouragement and direction
- communicates with their group via email, telephone or Blackboard
At the training sessions you receive a manual and all the information you need to carry out your role.
Undergraduate mentors
A mentor is:
- a second, third or fourth year (senior) student
- a volunteer
- someone who helps a small group of new students to settle in
- committed to maintaining this support for the first 4 weeks of semester
- able to direct students to various support services available on campus
- enthusiastic about peer mentoring
A mentor does not:
- need to be an expert in a particular field of study
- act as a tutor for students in the group
How does the Undergraduate Mentoring Program work?
Mentor applications are accepted from those who have already participated in the University of Sydney Business School Peer Mentoring program or are a senior student of the Business School. Professional development is provided before the semester commences, ensuring mentors have the right skills and knowledge to successfully support new students??? transition to the University of Sydney Business School. Mentors attend Orientation where they meet their mentees and conduct a tour of the campus with their group. Social events are hosted by the Business School for all participants to encourage building social networks. Mentors are also required to arrange their own social event with their group.
Mentoring is a great way to meet new people, develop leadership and intercultural skills and adds a competitive edge to any resume.
Postgraduate Mentors
A mentor is:
- a senior student
- a volunteer
- someone who helps a small group of new students to settle in
- committed to maintaining this support for the first 6 weeks of semester
- able to direct students to various support services available on campus
- enthusiastic about peer mentoring
A mentor does not:
- need to be an expert in a particular field of study
- act as a tutor for students in the group
How does the Postgraduate Mentoring Program work?
Mentor applications are accepted from those who have already participated in the University of Sydney Business School Peer Mentoring program or are a senior student of the Business School. Professional development is provided before the semester commences, ensuring mentors have the right skills and knowledge to successfully support new students??? transition to the University of Sydney Business School. Mentors attend Orientation where they meet their mentees and conduct a tour of the campus with their group. Social events are hosted by the Business School for all participants to encourage building social networks. Mentors are also required to arrange their own social event with their group.
Mentoring is a great way to meet new people, develop leadership and intercultural skills and adds a competitive edge to any resume.
For more information, please contact the mentoring program coordinators.
Mentor Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the training session is? How long will it go for?
Mentor training usually takes place prior to University O-week. Training should run for approximately 5 hours.
The Mentoring Program Coordinators will communicate details to you, on training sessions, social events and other meetings via email. Therefore, it is VERY important that you check your University email account regularly.
How long does the program run for?
The Undergraduate Mentoring Program runs for a total of 3 weeks from the beginning of semester.
The Postgraduate Mentoring Program runs for a total of 5 weeks from the beginning of semester.
What if I can't make it to the training session?
There will be only one ‘catch up’ training session for those who could not make it to the initial training session. This will also be held during O-week. If you cannot make it to the catch up session, we may have to resign your position as a mentor depending on your current knowledge of Mentoring. This decision will be dependent on the Mentoring Program Coordinators' discretion.
Do I get paid?
Mentoring is a voluntary role designed to assist students in settling in to the University learning community. Although you will not be getting any payment, some of the many benefits you will gain are; service skills, social skills, certificates, free social events and prizes such as movie and Co-Op vouchers.
What do I need to do on Orientation Day?
Orientation Day is the most important day of the mentoring calendar. It is the day when mentees initially sign up, meet their mentors, create a meeting schedule and take mentees them on a tour of the university . You will receive an email prior to Orientation Day detailing the time and meeting place for mentors to meet
How do I get in touch with my mentees?
After Orientation the Mentoring Program Coordinators will issue you a list of all your mentees along with their phone numbers and email addresses. Usually students prefer email communication. You must receive permission from your mentees to be able to contact them via phone.
Can I add extra new students to my group?
No doubt on Orientation Day you will receive in your group a bulk of mentees but some students may enrol late and wish to join the program. Please advise the Mentoring Program Coordinators of new additions to your group by emailing the appropriate undergraduate or postgraduate address. This is VERY important as it ensure all our records and reporting systems are accurate.
How many meetings should I have with the group?
The Mentoring Program insists on a minimum of 3 meetings per semester. This should occur within the timeframe that the Mentoring Program outlines. Although not compulsory, you are encouraged to organise additional meetings and events for your mentees. This would help you build a rapport with your mentees and also build their confidence in regards to meeting other students.
What if no one wants to participate in activities?
You can only encourage your mentees to participate; you cannot force them to do anything they don’t want to. Usually the mentee is a new local or international student and very nervous about starting at a new university or coming to a new country. Thus, inclusion is important. Try and gently encourage them to participate. Once you have their dedication to the program, they will begin to feel part of the learning community.
When will the social events take place?
Social event dates and times are pre organised by the Mentoring Program Coordinators. Please check your University email regularly for the dates and times of social events.
Can we organise our own additional events?
Absolutely – we encourage you to organise additional outings and/or meetings with your mentees. You might like to get together with other mentors and do something with a larger group of mentees.