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STUDENT SUPPORT
THE JCU MENTOR PROGRAM Written by Meghan Boland. Student Transitions and Engagment Officer
The award-winning JCU Student Mentor Program matches experienced, successful students (Mentors) with commencing undergraduate students from the same course of study during O Week. It is the longest-running peer-led program of its kind, with 2021 marking its 30th year, and involves trained volunteers who donate their time to help new students through their first study period at university. It is a friendly gesture from a fellow student who remembers the challenges of being new to university. Mentors are not tutors and are not permitted to provide advice about assessments, however, they can offer valuable tips and advice about: ◘ JCU Support services ◘ Finding your way around campus ◘ General queries about university life ◘ Effective strategies to approach your subjects ◘ Getting organised for your study, assessments and exams ◘ Connecting with other new students and forming study groups
Mentoring is a two-way street, and the Mentee is not the only one who benefits from a mentoring relationship. The program is highly beneficial to our peer volunteers. It helps develop and recognise various employability skills such as teamwork, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, time management, negotiation and leadership, amongst others. While Covid restrictions have impacted Orientation activities and how the Mentor Program is typically introduced to students, we have adapted our delivery to support as many new students as possible. As we head into a new Orientation period, there are 211 Mentors supporting students based in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and externally, across all courses. If you would like to find out more information about joining the program, please visit jcu.edu.au/mentors.
