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Become a peer mentor
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Arts and social sciences
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) offers student mentoring programs that run each semester for undergraduate and postgraduate students. As a current FASS student, you can register to be a mentor in our undergraduate programs, or postgraduate programs.
Undergraduate programs
The Welcome and Mentoring Programs are run from Faculty Welcome Day until Week 8 of semester (the International Welcome and Mentoring Program runs until Week 13).
As a senior FASS student and Student Mentor, you’ll be matched with a small group of first-year students based on your field of study and major(s) (where possible). You'll share your expertise, encouragement and advice with your mentees during Faculty Welcome Week, the week before classes begin each semester, and throughout the program.
Depending on your student status, you can get involved with one of the following programs:
- Domestic Student Welcome and Mentoring Program
- International Student Welcome and Mentoring Program
- 25 years+ Student Welcome and Mentoring Program
- Dalyell Student Welcome and Mentoring Program.
Effect of COVID-19 on Welcome and Mentoring Programs
Due to COVID-19 distancing requirements, the program will take place online (Canvas and Zoom) with the possibility of face-to-face mentoring sessions in Faculty Welcome Week (subject to ongoing government updates and requirements).
If you're currently overseas, you are welcome to take part in the online mentoring stream. You'll need to make sure you have reliable internet access during Faculty Welcome Week activities.
Benefits of being a mentor
Joining the Welcome and Mentoring Program gives you the opportunity to:
- receive practical training to build your leadership and problem-solving skills
- empower other students studying in your field by sharing your insights and supporting them in their journey
- develop graduate qualities (including cultural competence, communication skills, leadership and interdisciplinary effectiveness) through valuable real-world experience with a variety of students and staff from across the faculty
- build your network with senior student leaders, new commencing students, academics and professional staff in the faculty
- gain access to ongoing professional skills development to prepare you for your future
- learn more about yourself and have fun along the way.
Once you've completed your mentoring, you'll also receive a Completion of Program Certificate to add to your CV.
What’s involved
Becoming a Student Mentor requires you to commit to 15 hours of student engagement (20 hours for International Student Mentors) in addition to the completion of training modules. Semester 1 Faculty Welcome Day preparation and participation makes up approximately 5 to 6 of the 15 mentoring hours required.
You will need to:
- attend 2 online training sessions which will equip you with all the necessary skills and knowledge to become a Student Mentor
- complete your online Mentor Training sessions and modules
- participate in our Faculty Welcome Week activities, where you will meet the students you’re mentoring and guide them through interactive workshops, information sessions and social activities
- meet online with your Mentor Group on at least two separate occasions during semester
- keep in touch with your students until Week 8 of semester (Week 12 for International Mentors), through a combination of online catch-ups, emails, messaging, student workshops and/or drop-in sessions
- meet with the Student Affairs and Engagement Team to provide feedback and continue improving the program
- If you are mentoring international students, you will need to attend additional orientation activities online including Adventure Quiz, International Student Workshop, and Click and Meet.
The Mentoring Coordinator and Student Affairs and Engagement Team are always available to support you throughout your mentoring experience.
Mentor Leadership Team
You can volunteer to be part of the Mentor Leadership Team and further build your leadership skills. Your help and input will also be recognised by a certificate presented at the end of the program acknowledging your additional contributions.
As a member of the Mentor Leadership Team, you will be involved in activities such as:
- taking a lead role in the design, development and delivery of student-led mentoring initiatives for first-year students, such as Faculty Welcome Week events and drop-in sessions during semester.
- participating in school and faculty initiatives to develop the student voice and provide valuable feedback, for example joining weekly school Zoom sessions which engage Student Mentors and first-year students with academic staff.
- communicating with and supporting student mentors as a senior student leader to further develop your leadership credentials
- representing the Faculty as a student ambassador, for example assisting at Open Day and Information Day events.
Information about the Mentor Leadership Team and the opportunity to sign up will be provided at the first mentor training session.
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply if you have completed at least one semester of a Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences degree.
How to register
You can find out more about the Mentoring Programs by emailing the Student Affairs and Engagement team at fass.studentaffairsandengagement@sydney.edu.au or visit our Information for Student Mentors Canvas page.
Last updated: 10 August 2023
