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Become a peer mentor
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Arts and social sciences
Peer Mentor Applications for Semester 1 2025 are now open.
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) offers student leadership opportunities throughout the year for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. One of these include becoming a FASS Peer Mentor!
As a Peer Mentor for FASS, you'll be an integral part of the Welcome and Mentoring Program and make a positive impact in the university community by supporting first-year students in their start to university life.
Why become a Peer Mentor?
Being a Peer Mentor is a rewarding opportunity to:
- connect and make new friends across the University
- provide a warm, supportive welcome to first-year students
- develop your professional experience and leadership skills
- build self-confidence and achieve your personal goals
- have fun at campus events and activities
After you finish the program as a Peer Mentor, you’ll be awarded a certificate and offered opportunities to expand your leadership credentials and contributions to the Faculty, such as becoming a Mentor Leader and Faculty Ambassador.
Key Dates for Semester 1 2025
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Thursday 26 September, 2024 | Peer Mentor applications open |
| 9 am AEDT Monday 28 October, 2024 | Peer Mentor applications close |
| Tuesday 5 November, 2024 | Peer Mentor Training |
| Tuesday 18 – Wednesday 19 February, 2025 | Welcome Day (Undergraduate). Peer Mentors will only attend 18 or 19 February based on their degrees. |
| Thursday 20 February, 2025 | Welcome Day (Postgraduate) |
| Week 1 – 6, Semester 1, 2025 | Ongoing mentoring through communications and catch-ups with mentees, attending mentor check-in and debrief sessions, and participating in Faculty social activities and opportunities. |
| Week 6. Semester 1, 2025 | Peer Mentoring concludes |
What’s involved?
Your Peer Mentoring journey begins with attending Peer Mentor Training, held on Tuesday 5 November.
You'll then meet your first-year mentees on campus at Welcome Day, guiding them through information sessions and social activities. You'll be matched with your mentees on the Mentoring Platform the week before Welcome Day, so you can start connecting with them online before meeting in-person.
To summarise, our Peer Mentors are required to commit to the below. Before you apply, please ensure you've understood that you'll commit to the following:
- attend Peer Mentor Training
- attend your allocated Welcome Day
- from Welcome Day to Week 6 of Semester 1, actively participate by: connecting with mentees, attending a Mentor Check-In and Mentor Debrief, and being responsive to communications and opportunities throughout the program.
- abide by the University's Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy, the Student Charter, and the Code of Conduct.
The application form will have further details on role responsibilities, commitments and opportunities.
A message from your fellow Peer Mentors
Airlie Cullen
2024 Mentor Leader
Mentoring is a fulfilling way to improve the experience of the first years you mentor and your own experience at university. As a Mentor, I have been involved in university life in a hands-on way, being a part of implementing activities like Welcome Day and Ther-A-Paws. It is rewarding sharing the knowledge that I have accumulated over my years at university with the first-years I’ve mentored, and getting to watch as they explore the many pathways that USYD offers. Additionally, mentoring has been an enjoyable way to meet others and enhance my leadership abilities.
Shalee Boey
2024 Mentor Leader
My experience as a Mentor has been a fulfilling and exciting journey. Being part of this program does more than simply provide first-year students with assistance; it also fosters their academic and personal growth. As a Mentor, I’ve not only grown in confidence but also developed strong leadership skills that have challenged me to step beyond my comfort zone. Additionally, it has given me a sense of belonging within the USYD community, allowing me to engage in major events like Open Day and Welcome Day, making it an overall enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Caitlin Roach
2024 Ambassador
In my first year at the University, I had a Mentor who made a very positive impact on my transition into university life. It was this moment when I knew I wanted to be able to do the same for other first-year students. Becoming a Mentor has allowed me to ensure first-year students feel confident and inspired, whilst I transfer the knowledge I have obtained through this highly rewarding program. Additionally, I have been able to develop my leadership skills and meet some amazing student leaders and staff.
Mike Jiang
2024 Ambassador
Mentoring a group of first-year students was an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience. Going from helping new students navigate Canvas to seeing them thrive in their own ways over the course of a semester filled me with joy and satisfaction knowing I was a small but instrumental part of their university experience. Through the FASS Welcome and Mentoring Program, I have also strengthened my leadership and communication skills which will last a lifetime and it has allowed me to grow into a more confident version of myself.
Apply now
Ready to become a FASS Peer Mentor?
Applications for Semester 1 2025 are now open. Get started now to join our growing student leadership community.
Apply online to be a FASS Peer Mentor.
Have a question?
Contact the FASS Student Affairs and Engagement team via fass.welcome@sydney.edu.au.
Last updated: 27 September 2024
