Get with the program!

Your first experience of the mentor program will probably be during Orientation Week (O-Week) as a part of the Dean's welcome. This is a great opportunity of be formally welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty and to see the mentors at their best. There is singing, music, a BBQ, games and even a mystery guest! Don't miss it!

This is one of the best times to make friends before lectures begin.

Here are some of the things you can expect to do during the mentoring program:

• Learn how to make the most out of lectures and seminars
• Get hints on seminar presentation
• Learn how to use the library and educational databases
• Learn about academic writing and referencing style
• Learn how to develop a reflective journal (a skill widely used in Education and Social Work courses)
• Participate in First Year Experience competitions (and win prizes!)
• Interact with other first year students in a vibrant and friendly environment
  
  

Who are the mentors?

Many of you will have already met some of the mentors during enrolment. The mentors wear distinctive yellow 'duck squad' t-shirts. The mentors are all students in the Faculty. Many of them have mentored for several years, and for some this is their first year of mentoring. All of them have been trained to give valuable guidance based on their own experiences.

What can I expect from my mentors?

The mentor workshops provide an informal context in which to meet other students and settle into University life. Your mentors will be other students who have already completed their first year at University and are able to guide you and give you advice.
Mentors are not lecturers or seminar leaders. They are not there to help you with your homework or teach you course material, they are there to answer your questions about University life and to give you tips and advice on how to make the most of your time at University. They are there to help you help yourself.

Mentors do not attend lectures or seminars with you and cannot be expected to provide you with a break down of the issues covered, however they will be able to discuss with you their own experiences of lectures, assessments and examinations and you will find that there is a lot of relevant information you can glean from their experiences.

Find out more about the program activities.