2. You are not expected to know everything relating to University life, but to talk from your own experience. This is why all mentors are asked to attend training to provide the necessary information, skills and advice. This training will mean that not only are you effective mentors and supported within your role, but also that you will gain valuable, transferable skills which will be useful in other areas of your personal and professional live.
3. Your role as a mentor is to: Share your experiences, thoughts and ideas, Listen, sympathise and ask questions, Encourage your Mentee to take action when they have identified something important to them, Advise and guide within area of expertise, not offer solutions Not know all the answers – but know when to redirect students to the right place within the University or ask for help from the Student Co-ordinator To look out for your mentee’s general well being, Discuss and agree the Mentoring Agreement with your mentee, with both retaining an individual copy
4. What to expect from your student mentor? An initial meeting, usually at the Freshers'Week, some mentors will also be helping out at registration. Help and advice with adjusting to university life. A point of contact to ask questions and raise concerns. A friendly face at student-led social and sporting events.
5. To attend the Freshers'Week meeting. They are looking forward to meeting you! To respond to any emails or Facebook messages they may send you. Sometimes your peer mentor may send you an email to check if you are OK. Please respond to them (even if it is just a short OK response). To contact them if you have any issues or concerns etc. you wish to discuss with them. What your peer mentor expects from you?
6. Advice about the degree process – Discussion of what modules contain and module choices for later years Information regarding the format of lectures and seminars, lecturers’ styles and how to get the most from them Advice regarding submitting and receiving assessed work, referencing and using the library and reading lists effectively Topics that are likely to be covered within a mentoring scheme:
7. Social opportunities at MMU, including sports and societies, etc, General advice on the local area including shopping locations, registering with healthcare professionals, transport links, etc, Referral information for issues that are beyond the scope of a mentor such as; academic coaching, library services and Student Support Services.
8. You are not a supervisor, senior tutor or a counsellor – your mentee will receive guidelines on what kind of information to expect. If topics do come up that you are not comfortable talking about – or are not qualified to deal with – tell your mentee. Part of being a mentor is signposting, so you can tell your mentee how and where they can access the University and Students’ Union Support Services or University Tutor. It is important to remember that: